BINGEING can be seen in many different forms including addictions to alcohol, smoking, gambling and even technology.
Addiction is the act of doing something excessively and repeatedly beyond a reasonable amount of control and local psychologist, Neil Barassi, said he’s seen technology addictions become more prevalent in young people.
“Over recent years I have noticed a concerning trend of parents and partners struggling to manage their families use of social media and e-gaming,” he said.
“I view this unhealthy behaviour as the modern version of smoking cigarettes.”
He said it’s having a negative impact on people’s sleep patterns and relationships.
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“Late night excessive use of electronic gaming interrupts healthy sleep patterns and can interfere with the ability to concentrate at school or work, complete homework, play sport or just socialise with friends,” he said.
“In relationships, excessive social media use can ruin the art of conversation.”
While modern technology has become an important part of daily life, Mr Barassi said like most addictive behaviours, it’s about moderation and evaluating how much our usage is impacting us.
“I’m not against social media as I use it myself, however having time limits and self-monitoring usage is advisable,” he said.
“If you feel you cannot cope without it, it’s important to reflect and review your lifestyle.”
Mr Barassi said it is especially important for families and couples to have conversations around setting rules and limits for social media if it starts to become an addiction.
“Parents can implement rules around time on and off and have a cut-off point at night from social media and gaming,” he said.
“Couples need to prioritise what’s important in the life and set a time to use social media then put it away.”
Mr Barassi also suggested seeking professional help if there are any further concerns.
“If there are concerns about you or someone else regarding addictive behaviours, you are encouraged to speak to a GP who may refer you for psychological support,” he said.
“There are also numerous helplines for a variety of addictions, and this is a good starting point for support.”
