Fighting Digital Media Overdependence in a Digitalized World

Digital media overdependence is a global issue, and given that no other generation has lived in such a digital age, it makes sense for countries to band together to address the issue. I recently had the great honor of visiting and learning from agencies in South Korea that are dedicated to addressing digital media overdependence, particularly among adolescents. These are some of the main points I learned, which I think could be greatly beneficial to adopt or continue implementing in the United States.

1. Openly recognize and name the issue. Naming and openly discussing the compulsive or addictive potential of digital media use is necessary. It is well known that for some individuals, digital media use can become problematic, compulsive, out-of-control, and lead to a host of negative consequences—so this risk needs to be named. Some people have reservations about using the term “addiction” with regard to digital media overdependence, while others find it to be the best fit. Although word choice is important, allowing disagreements related to a construct’s name to silence the discussion is far worse than using a term that causes some controversy. Thus, the first step is to acknowledge the addictive potential of digital media use and openly name the construct.
2. Provide regular education to children and adolescents about digital media overdependence. Before an adolescent gets their driver’s license, they learn about the potential dangers of driving a car. They learn how to drive safely, how to protect themselves and others, and potential risks. In the same way, before a child starts using digital media, they must be taught how to use it safely and what dangers (such as digital media overdependence) exist. This education (i.e., digital literacy) is a primary form of prevention and it should (a) be evidence/research-based, (b) start early (as young as pre-K), and (c) be continuous, occurring regularly in developmentally appropriate ways at each grade level. The education should also be robust, addressing correlates of digital media overdependence such as emotion regulation, coping skills, self-control, interpersonal skills, and holistic wellness.
3. Provide education about digital media overdependence to parents/caregivers and those who work with youth. Educating children and youth is essential, but it is just as necessary to educate caregivers and those who work with children/youth (e.g., teachers, coaches, youth group leaders, counselors, primary care physicians). Our brains do not fully develop until around age 25, and the prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain responsible for self-regulation, goal-oriented behavior, and inhibitory control) is the last to fully mature. Therefore, children and youth should not be left on their own to make choices about digital media use (which is a powerfully rewarding stimulus). Parents, caregivers, and professionals who work with youth must be educated about the addictive potential of digital media use, signs of overuse, and what to do if they suspect a child/adolescent is struggling with their digital media use. This education should be free, easy to digest, applicable, available in multiple formats, and evidence-/research-based.
4. Have early intervention protocols for digital media overdependence in place. Although prevention to stop digital media overdependence before it begins is ideal, there will, of course, be situations in which interventions are necessary. Thus, the goal is to intervene early and for professionals who work with youth to be aware of the intervention protocol before they need to use it. Regularly assessing children and adolescents with regard to digital media use can help identify those who are at risk as well as those who are already demonstrating problematic use. Interventions should be easily accessible and affordable and can include individual and family counseling, group counseling, environmental changes, and behavioral changes (e.g., limiting digital media use and increasing reliance on natural rewards). Moreover, interventions can entail cultivating effective coping strategies, emotion regulation skills, and refusal skills, identifying triggers for digital media use, coping with urges/cravings, relapse prevention planning, addressing co-occurring disorders, fostering replacement activities for digital media use, and engaging in motivational interviewing to promote positive behavioral change. Of course, to implement effective interventions, training must be provided to practitioners/professionals with regard to addressing digital media overdependence (preferably training that is easily accessible, regularly occurring, and free).
5. Regularly collect data to inform prevention and intervention strategies related to digital media overdependence. Engaging in large-scale, nationwide data collection efforts to regularly track digital media use and its effects among children and youth is essential for informing policy, prevention efforts, and intervention strategies. Data can be collected from children/adolescents, parents/caregivers, and those who work with youth (e.g., teachers, doctors). Once prevention and intervention programs are developed, data should also be collected on the efficacy of the program (i.e., program evaluation) to confirm their appropriateness or inform changes. Large-scale data collection must be supported at the local and national level.
6. Create policies and regulations that protect children and youth. Finally, working with consumers of digital media is only half of the equation. We also must work with those who create, produce, and market digital media content and platforms. There must be individuals and organizations who regularly assess current policy related to digital media and advocate for regulations and legislation that protect youth from potential harm. Obviously, digital media can be used for great things—yet, for a subset of individuals, it can be problematic and lead to detrimental consequences. There must be advocacy organizations that speak on behalf of those children/adolescents who are most susceptible to digital media overdependence and ensure there are policies in place to protect them.

There is so much that we can learn from each other as we work together to fight against digital media overdependence in a digitalized world. I am deeply grateful for the many individuals who met with me in South Korea to describe their work and share their passion for this issue.