Prepared by: Tabarak Ahmed Turki Al-Azzawi<br />Bachelor of Administrative Sciences / Business Administration<br /><br />Technology has become an integral part of our modern lives. Smart devices and the internet have infiltrated all aspects of life—from work and education to entertainment and social communication. With this rapid spread of digital technologies, digital addiction has emerged as one of the major challenges threatening the well-being of both individuals and society.<br /><br />What is Digital Addiction?<br />Digital addiction is a state of excessive dependence on technology and smart devices, where a person spends long hours in front of screens, neglecting daily responsibilities and essential needs. This behavior is a form of behavioral addiction, with negative impacts on a person’s mental, physical, and social health.<br /><br />Symptoms of Digital Addiction<br />Common signs of digital addiction include:<br /><br />Anxiety: Feeling uneasy or tense when unable to use devices or access the internet.<br /><br />Depression: Experiencing sadness or a drop in mood, often resulting from isolation or constant comparison on social media.<br /><br />Decline in mental health: Excessive usage is linked to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, especially with heavy involvement in social platforms.<br /><br />Decreased academic or professional performance: Constant notifications and app-switching reduce focus and productivity.<br /><br />How to Protect Ourselves from Digital Addiction<br />To prevent digital addiction, consider adopting the following practical steps:<br /><br />Keep the phone in another room during tasks or before sleeping to reduce distractions.<br /><br />Engage in alternative activities like reading, exercising, or spending quality time with family and friends.<br /><br />Set specific times for digital disconnection daily or weekly to refresh your mind and body.<br /><br />Seek help when needed from family, friends, or mental health professionals if symptoms worsen.<br /><br />Conclusion<br />Digital addiction is a real danger, but it can be managed and prevented through awareness and self-discipline. Technology is a powerful tool meant to serve us, but it can become a burden if misused. By balancing our digital engagement with care for our mental and physical well-being, we can live a more conscious and healthy digital life.<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University The Leading University in Iraq<br/><br/><a href=https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-of-health-medical-techniques/posts/ target=_blank>linkedin College of Health and Medical Techniques</a>