Is The Use Of Electronic Media Stealing Your Time?

[Marla Cummins]

One of challenges that many people with AD/HD deal with is spending more time than they would like using electronic media, including television, the internet, video games and, yes, even text messaging. For some, it can even be considered an addiction. When people are addicted, they are not able to limit their use, in spite of the deleterious consequences. In most cases, however, it is possible to employ various strategies to limit use to an acceptable level. What is considered acceptable will vary from person to person, as it is dependent on how each person wants to spend their time. My comments are intended for the latter group of people.

First, while I watch very little TV, I do admit to using my laptop quite a bit, am thrilled when I get to play Wii, and text a few times a day. So, I do not believe that electronics are "evil" and need to be banished from our lives. I do suggest, however, limiting their use when the amount of time spent engaging in these activities takes us away from accomplishing our goals and engaging in activities that are important to us.

In order to create strategies to limit usage, it is important to first look at the possible reasons for this overindulgence. While I will not explain all of the relationships between excessive usage of electronic media and AD/HD that have been posited by the many credible researchers, there are a few connections I come across more often with my clients.

For some, surfing the internet, watching television, playing video games or texting can be a form of escapism. That is, they are avoiding addressing whatever is problematic in their life, which could include their challenging AD/HD symptoms. In these cases, in attempting to avoid their "issues," they are allowing these issues to run their life. Creating an awareness of what they are avoiding and being proactive in finding positive solutions for these problems is crucial in these instances.

For others, deciding what to do with their unstructured time away from class and/or work becomes overwhelming. As a result of the over abundance of choices and the accompanying challenge of choosing what to do, some will use the default options of using the internet, gaming or watching TV. Creating a list of options, as well as planning for down time can helpful when confronted with this particular problem.

In some instances, those with AD/HD gain satisfaction for their biological need for stimulation from the different forms of electronics. When this is evident, it is important to address this need with healthy choices by instituting a holistic treatment plan, which can include medication, exercise, dietary supplements, sufficient sleep and a good diet. In my opinion, both medication, which is often the cornerstone of a treatment plan for AD/HD, and dietary supplements are optional. Sufficient sleep, exercise and a good diet are critical to managing the need for stimulation and other AD/HD symptoms.

Addressing the reasons for the overuse of electronics by exploring what is gained from those activities must come first. Then strategies, like using timers and TV, video game and computer time management tools to limit usage can be employed.

One step at a time...

[Ril Giles-ADDMom]

at the risk of it sounding like an "excuse" for an addiction, I'm not likely to give up my computer time. I live rurally, and don't have time in my real life for much socialization due to caring for a disabled spouse and homeschooling two kids with neurodiversities, and having my ADHD.

I gave up television 4 months ago when we moved and can honestly say I don;t miss it at all. I even don;t miss the news...it's always depressing anyway. I'm on the computer a LOT less since we moved as well, simpky due to time contraints, so I'm not looking at lowering the time I use now, though, i DO know I need to set limites for myself or I'll end up on the computer WAYYY to late.

I use the computer to chat and to learn, do reserach.

I have so many ideas in my head about the things I do, want to know about etc. that I research for hours on stuff sometimes, absorbing it all in to digest and mull over at other times when I can't be at the computer.

and I keep up with real life friends and family no longer close in distance. I chat mostly with my best friend/advocate and supporter, who recognized the ADD in me 4 years ago and suggested i look into it. she is straight and honest with me, and when I tell her my self set limit, she refuses to be an enabler and won;t let me talk any longer to her LOL

and then of course, there is here.. which given my rural location again, is kind of like my ADD support group.

[Riri]

Well, I should be working on my thesis right now, but here I am, on the net.

Okay. Be serious this time. I'm going back to my thesis.

[Marla Cummins]

Hi Sarah, Having the awareness of what we are "gaining" from electronics is a great first step. Then it is about when we want to do next. Take care...

[Sarah Simmons]

I have this problem all of the time, especially with video games. I sit on the computer and play games where I have control over the things that happen in the game; I think it is because I struggle with having control in my life most of the time

[Marla Cummins]

I know, too. My daughter calls my palm, "Mom's toy." I really want an iphone; I'm jealous... I guess, we're all working on it.

[Bryan Hutchinson]

I read this from my iphone! .... I know... I am working on it!