Depression & Low Self-Esteem Increase Risk of Addiction
Two of the strongest predictors of vulnerability to screen addiction include one’s level of depression and self-esteem (1). The higher the level of depression and the lower the level of self-esteem, the more likely one is to turn to digital entertainment and social media as a way of coping with uncomfortable feelings. Unfortunately, excessive time on screen is associated with an increase in depression and anxiety. So, there appears to be a vicious cycle of exacerbation of uncomfortable emotions and excessive screen time.
How can we keep our children safe from screen addiction? Screen use feels comforting in the moment but it can interfere with the body’s ability to process and clear out stress hormones. Extensive time on screen also appears to hinder the ability to learn to process and manage uncomfortable emotions. The very comfort our children turn to does provide temporary distraction, but it can keep them feeling worse in the long run.
Parents, we can help by being aware of and inquiring about our children’s mood and their self-perception. We can allow moderate screen use while teaching our children how to access reassurance and encouragement from trustworthy people, which is one of the strongest antidotes to depression and low self-esteem. Genuine positive self-perception can be built through warm attachment to stable people and skill building. So, let us strive to establish:
Limited screen use paired with increased, warm interaction with safe people. We Bentons aim for about two hours of daily individual digital entertainment time.
The practice of engaging our children in offscreen activities and chores that build a sense of task-mastery. Task mastery develops a more genuine positive self-esteem over time.
Relational support through gentle curiosity. You might ask, “Would you tell me about something that is bothering you lately? Would you tell me about something you like and something you dislike about yourself?” Then listen without trying to change your child’s mind or mood. Avoid giving unsolicited advice. Empathic presence and listening with the attempt to understand provides the most effective relief.
Depression and low self-esteem tend to result from unprocessed relational conflict, loss, suffering, and perceived failure. Relational comfort helps to decrease depression by identifying the originating events, grieving, and developing the ability to resolve conflict and find comfort in relationship. In cases of long lasting or severe depression, therapy and medication can also help to rebalance the body’s hormones and neurotransmitters which can be imbalanced through the aforementioned events or genetic limitations. Decreased screen use and increased warm relational engagement tend to decrease depression and increase self-esteem over time. Relational Comfort is a more prolonged process than digital distraction, but it leads to resolution and peace when accessed regularly.
Reference:
Jung, D. (2020). Parental Influences on Adolescents Risky Media Usage. San Jose State University. https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=8673&context=etd_theses
