Have you ever seen someone who simply can’t take their eyes off the phone? Technology can be very addictive. With so much going on in social media all the time, it is not hard to feel that you can’t stop being a part of it. Technology addiction does not discriminate, so it can affect people who identify as LGBTQ as well.
Technology addiction, also known as internet addiction disorder, has a high prevalence in the United States. Around 1.5% to 8.2% of the people in the country suffer from this problem, according to studies. This is a fair share of the population and most of these cases end up untreated.
While the specific numbers of how this problem affects the LGBTQ community are unknown, it is not rare to find members who are addicted to technology. Specific issues faced by this segment of the population make them more prone to it in some cases.
The LGBTQ Community and Technology Addiction
Generally, the people who are most susceptible to develop technology addiction are young individuals facing problems in their lives. It is no secret that the LGBTQ community can suffer a lot from discrimination, so many of them find safe spaces online where they can express themselves and be among friends.
When feeling attacked by all sides, sometimes even facing the bigotry of family members, it is normal to seek support. Not all locations have an active LGBTQ community, so finding one online can improve your life significantly.
This is generally a very healthy behavior, but it can also become problematic in some cases. If you spend all your time online and feel detached from your offline routine, you may be experiencing a problem.
The first step to deal with the problem is to acknowledge it. Most people are very accustomed to using smartphones all and other devices to access the internet all the time. Knowing the boundaries between heavy but healthy internet use and technology addiction is necessary.
It is very important to check the symptoms of technology addiction because of how widespread the common use is. While the main symptom of this addiction is the excessive use of smartphones or desktop computers, it is via the other symptoms that you may confirm the issue.
The continuous use of this technology often causes fatigue, so this is a very common sign. Other negative consequences include social isolation, anxiety, depression, lack of motivation for offline activities and issues in work or school. There is a difference between using your phone a lot and feeling a crippling need to use it all the time.
People addicted to technology, LGBTQ or not, often use it as a coping mechanism. It can be either to avoid some unpleasant situations in life or to feel connected to others who are away from you.
Getting Treatment for Tech Addiction in the LGBTQ Community
Technology addiction treatment for the LGBTQ community exists. With the right method, you can live a better life. It is important to find a specialist who will respect you, though. Members of the LGBTQ community know that some people are prone to bigotry, so when looking for help, they need a tolerant space. With a safe environment, you will be able to heal from this addiction in a more effective way.
Safe spaces can be found in clinics that have trained their staff to deal with diversity. Some clinics are not aware of that, but some understand the difference that this can make. Feeling accepted and understood is the first step in getting better.
An LGBTQ-friendly clinic will also have staff who will know specific issues faced by this part of the population. It is important to understand the dangers that the LGBTQ population faces in order to give them specialized treatment. Psychology is heavily involved in the process of healing from technology addiction, so knowing and empathizing with the patient is essential.
Many members of the LGBTQ community can look for solace on online communities as they are unable to find it around them. Be careful of how deep you immerse yourself in this. Specialized help can assist you to understand the best path to move forward.
LGBTQ Community Support for Technology Addiction Recovery
If you have a problem with technology addiction, you should reach out to professionals. Technology addiction treatment for the LGBTQ community is possible and it may be needed in your situation. It is because of this that you should look for a company that respects your individuality and understand how to help you.
Treatment will be done in an individualized and respectful way in which your sexuality and gender orientation will be respected. Often, the treatment can consist of both group and individual therapy. The goal is to help you to get better and understand the triggers that make you spend all your time online.
There is no reason to live a life in which you feel powerless against your addiction, so give yourself the chance to get better. Technology addiction treatment for the LGBTQ community can be the start of a new life.
