[img]https://images.theconversation.com/files/218641/original/file-20180511-135462-1ymtnef.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip[/img]
1) TECHNOLOGY IS NOT A DRUG

Some people have claimed that technology use activates the same pleasure centers of the brain as cocaine, heroin or methamphetamine. That’s vaguely true, but brain responses to pleasurable experiences are not reserved only for unhealthy things.

Anything fun results in an increased dopamine release in the “pleasure circuits” of the brain – whether it’s going for a swim, reading a good book, having a good conversation, eating or having sex. Technology use causes dopamine release similar to other normal, fun activities: about 50 to 100 percent above normal levels.

Cocaine, by contrast, increases dopamine 350 percent, and methamphetamine a whopping 1,200 percent. In addition, recent evidence has found significant differences in how dopamine receptors work among people whose computer use has caused problems in their daily lives, compared to substance abusers. But I believe people who claim brain responses to video games and drugs are similar are trying to liken the drip of a faucet to a waterfall.

2) Technology addiction is not common
People who talk about tech addictions often express frustration with their smartphone use, or they can’t understand why kids game so much. But these aren’t real addictions, involving significant interference with other life activities such as school, work or social relationships.
My own research has suggested that 3 percent of gamers – or less – develop problem behaviors, such as neglecting schoolwork to the point that grades suffer. Most of those difficulties are mild and go away on their own over time.


3) Technology addiction is not a mental illness

In June 2018, the World Health Organization added
“gaming disorder” to its International Compendium of Diseases.

But it’s a very controversial decision. I am among 28 scholars who wrote to the WHO protesting that the decision was poorly informed by science. The WHO seemed to ignore research that suggested “gaming disorder” is more a symptom of other, underlying mental health issues such as depression, rather than its own disorder.

This year, the Media Psychology and Technology division of the American Psychological Association, of which I am a fellow, likewise released a statement critical of the WHO’s decision. The WHO’s sister organization, UNICEF, also argued against using “addiction” language to describe children’s screen use.

Controversies aside, I have found that current data doesn’t support technology addictions as stand-alone diagnoses. For example, there’s the Oxford study that found people who rate higher in what is called “game addiction” don’t show more psychological or health problems than others. Additional research has suggested that any problems technology overusers may experience tend to be milder than would happen with a mental illness, and usually go away on their own without treatment.


4) ‘Tech addiction’ is not caused by technology

Most of the discussion of technology addictions suggest that technology itself is mesmerizing, harming normal brains. But my research suggests that technology addictions generally are symptoms of other, underlying disorders like depression, anxiety and attention problems. People don’t think that depressed people who sleep all day have a “bed addiction.”

This is of particular concern when considering who needs treatment, and for what conditions. Efforts to treat “technology addiction” may do little more than treat a symptom, leaving the real problem intact.

5) Technology is not uniquely addictive

There’s little question that some people overdo a wide range of activities. Those activities do include technology use, but also exercise, eating, sex, work, religion and shopping. There are even research papers on dance addiction. But few of these have official diagnoses. There’s little evidence that technology is more likely to be overused than a wide range of other enjoyable activities.


6) Technology use does not lead to suicide
Some pundits have pointed to a recent rise in suicide rates among teen girls as evidence for tech problems. But suicide rates increased for almost all age groups, particularly middle-aged adults, for the 17-year period from 1999 to 2016. This rise apparently began around 2008, during the financial collapse, and has become more pronounced since then. That undercuts the claim that screens are causing suicides in teens, as does the fact that suicide rates are far higher among middle-aged adults than youth. There appears to be a larger issue going on in society. Technopanics could be distracting regular people and health officials from identifying and treating it.

One recent paper claimed to link screen use to teen depression and suicide. But another scholar with access to the same data revealed the effect was no larger than the link between eating potatoes and suicide. This is a problem: Scholars sometimes make scary claims based on tiny data that are often statistical blips, not real effects.

To be sure, there are real problems related to technology, such as privacy issues. And people should balance technology use with other aspects of their lives. It’s also worth keeping an eye out for the very small percentage of individuals who do overuse. There’s a tiny kernel of truth to our concerns about technology addictions, but the available evidence suggests that claims of a crisis, or comparisons to substance abuse, are entirely unwarranted.

https://www.techvenge.com/2018/10/debunking-biggest-myths-tech.html

It's no doubt that science and technology havevthe answer to virtually everything.
But the theory of evolution still remains a myth

I am a technology junkie.
So no,

You didn't debunk your first two myths.

There is a level of addiction associated with technology, and I don't think it's negative. As suggested in the write up, it can be managed.
Check out Q and A App on Playstore, let's see if you'd get addicted to reading well curated educational, career, scholarship and entrepreneurial resources.

Download Q and A App from Google Playstore

Hmm, just like addicted gamers, technology can also be addictive.

Isn't addiction the excessive you of something? Some ladies are addicted to selfies . Even guys.

Sweetcollins:
It's no doubt that science and technology havevthe answer to virtually everything.
But the theory of evolution still remains a myth

Theory of evolution is the greatest lie ever told

Technology addiction no be here oo

The importance of technology to world development cannot be overemphasized. If your addiction to technology leads to the improvement of lives, then your addiction can be encouraged. However, any dysfunctional behaviour resulting from tech overuse, can also be corrected by the use of technology.

A technology addicted guy trying to debunk the technology addiction myth. Its an oxymoron.

Very interesting topic, but i think technology affects each individual differently, so it will be very hard to generalize. you can read

Common Most Believed Technology Myths And Misconceptions

You will be surprised by the popular myths and common misconceptions surrounding the use of technological gadgets which is still largely believed by a large number of people.

No matter what angle it is viewed from, technology is always the best thing to ever happen to man. In the Stone Age man had technology too. It was called a pointy stick, it made taking down big game and predators easy.
Life is not all about social interactions, abeg. Things are now so easy one only needs a source of income to survive, no friends required.
The more I interact with my phone, iPad, High Definition television and the like, the smarter I become. The smarter I become, the better I can navigate my way through the modern world.