Addictive Screen Use: The Mental Health Impacts Of Excessive Screen Time

As the world becomes more and more connected through technology, screens are becoming an unavoidable part of everyday life. We may rely on digital devices with screens for communication, work, entertainment, and relaxation. In some cases, what starts as harmless and even necessary screen time can gradually develop into addictive screen use. 

This modern-day issue may impact both adult and youth mental health and may also affect daily life by disrupting sleep, contributing to relationship challenges, and reducing focus. Screen addiction is not an officially recognized clinical disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). However, it may mirror addictive behaviors associated with other dependencies. In this article, we will examine the impacts of addictive screen use and explore treatment options to reduce dependency on screens and improve mental health outcomes. 

Are you living with addictive screen use?

Address excessive screen time in therapy

What is addictive screen use? 

Addictive screen use is a term used to describe a pattern of compulsive, excessive engagement with digital devices that may interfere with daily life. Although screen time itself may not be harmful, challenges may occur when an individual is unable to limit their use. Many different types of screen-based activities can become addictive, including scrolling on social media apps, playing video games, streaming shows, shopping online, and texting or messaging. 

Anxiety, depression, and other mental health impacts

Excessive screen use does more than simply take up time. It may also be linked to several mental health concerns. While digital devices can offer entertainment and connection, over- reliance on screens can lead to a variety of mental health challenges. 

Anxiety disorders and depression 

Spending too much time on screens can lead to a sense of inadequacy and isolation, which may increase anxiety and depression symptoms. This may be especially true for individuals who use social media. On social media, people may be exposed to negative news, compare themselves to others, or experience cyberbullying. As a person becomes increasingly addicted to screen use, they may feel anxious when separated from their mobile devices or other forms of technology.  

Sleep disruptions

Addictive screen use, especially late at night, may interfere with sleep patterns. The blue light emitted from screens can suppress melatonin, the hormone that signals your body that it is time to rest. As a result, people may struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep after spending time on their devices. A lack of sleep may be linked to other symptoms the next day, such as irritability, impaired cognitive function, and reduced energy levels. 

Attention and focus issues

Digital devices and apps are usually designed to capture and hold a person’s attention through notifications, scrolling, and multitasking. This constant digital stimulation can reduce the brain’s ability to focus or pay attention for extended periods. Over time, this may contribute to difficulty concentrating, completing tasks, and engaging in deeper thinking. 

Mood regulation challenges 

Some people may use screens to escape uncomfortable emotions or situations. A person may use digital devices to avoid addressing feelings like boredom, sadness, or stress. This avoidance can impair emotional development and cause increased irritability or emotional dysregulation. 

Effects on daily life

In addition to mental health impacts, addictive screen use may also have effects on a person’s daily life. One common impact on daily life may be strained personal connections and interpersonal relationships. When someone prioritizes screen time over real-world interactions, it can lead to missing quality time with friends and family. This may reduce emotional intimacy and can cause conflict. 

Excessive screen use may also have a negative impact on a person’s work or academic performance. Instead of completing assignments and staying focused, a person who engages in addictive screen use may procrastinate, potentially leading to missed deadlines and poor work quality. Overusing devices for personal entertainment or pleasure may reduce general motivation due to fatigue or overstimulation. 

Additionally, there may be physical impacts of addictive screen use:

• Weight gain
• Neck, back, and shoulder strain
• Eyestrain or blurred vision
• Headaches  

Who is most at risk of developing a screen time addiction?

With the rise of smartphones and their increased use at home, school, and work, people in many professions and from many different age groups may be at risk of developing an addiction to their digital devices. Groups of people at the highest risk of developing addictive screen use include children and teens, remote workers and students, and individuals with other underlying mental health conditions.   

Screen time addiction in children and teens

Children and teens tend to be at high risk of developing an addiction to screens. Young people’s brains are still developing, making it harder to self-regulate and avoid the instant gratification that technology can provide. Peer pressure to stay online or participate in social media may play a role in screen time addiction. 

In a 2025 study, population health science researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and the New York State Psychiatric Institute found that over 30% of adolescents showed addictive screen use trajectories for social media, and over 24% showed addictive screen use trajectories for mobile phones over a four-year study. The study looked at various longitudinal addictive use trajectories, including low and high video game addictive use and low and high social media addictive use. In all cases, high addictive use was associated with increased suicidal behaviors and ideation in teens. 

Remote workers and students

People who are employed remotely and students completing online classwork may spend hours each day using screens for educational or professional purposes. This can make it challenging to separate work from personal use, making it easier to overuse technology. There may be fewer natural cues or breaks to transition between work and downtime, which can increase stress and fatigue. 

Individuals with underlying mental health conditions: Anxiety, depression, and more

People living with other underlying mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, depression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), may be more likely to experience addictive screen use. In some cases, they may use technology as a coping mechanism for symptoms of an underlying psychiatric condition. In the long run, however, a reliance on technology may exacerbate symptoms and reduce emotional regulation.

Strategies for breaking the cycle

Even though addictive screen use can impact daily life, various strategies can help individuals break the cycle. 

• Build awareness: It may be helpful to start by tracking how much time you are dedicating to screens each day. Many smartphones and apps offer built-in tools that show usage stats. In addition to tracking time, you may also track how you feel during and after screen time use. 
• Set clear boundaries: Establishing rules for when and where screens are allowed can help as well. For example, you may want to avoid screens during meals, right after waking, and before bedtime. Establishing tech-free zones, such as the bedroom, can also reduce screen time. 
• Replace screen time with alternatives: In some cases, a habit may stick because it fills a need, such as boredom, connection, or relaxation. Instead of responding to this need with screen usage, it may be helpful to engage in a healthy habit, such as exercise, a creative hobby, in-person socialization, or mindfulness practices. 
• Digital detox times: Give your brain and body a reset by scheduling short-term breaks. This could include a screen-free Sunday, an evening each week without devices, or a full week off social media. 
• Involve others: Breaking a habit can be challenging. Involving others, such as friends or family members, can build accountability and assist you in establishing new habits. 

Tips for parents whose children are addicted to video games

Parents of teens and adolescents may be concerned about the amount of time that their child is playing video games. Video games are often designed to be addictive, and teens may opt to play them rather than complete schoolwork or engage with friends and family. Some tips to manage an addiction to video games include setting boundaries, creating a routine, and communicating openly. 

Set boundaries for video games and screen time

Breaking a video game habit may start with setting clear and consistent boundaries. These could include setting time limits on a teen’s gaming or limiting where they can play video games. In some cases, parents may opt not to have a video game system or access to games in the home.

Create a structured routine

Creating structured daily routines can reduce downtime and boredom for teens and adolescents. This structure may also include time for gaming within the day, allowing the child to engage in video games during appropriate times. Parents may also include non-video game activities, such as going on family walks, playing a board game, or watching a movie, as part of a larger routine. 

Communicate openly 

No one likes to be blindsided or have rules imposed on them without reason. Open and effective communication can help a teen or child understand expectations and how to meet them. It may also be beneficial to explain the reasoning behind your decision to limit gaming, coming from a place of love and compassion rather than anger or control. 

Are you living with addictive screen use?

Address excessive screen time in therapy

Connecting with a mental health professional

In addition to implementing strategies to reduce addictive screen use, it may also be helpful to connect with a mental health professional. A therapist can consider a person’s needs holistically and implement research-based treatment strategies to address addictive behavior. However, for many, attending in-person therapy sessions at a brick-and-mortar office isn’t convenient. Online therapy sessions can take place from any location with a personal device and an internet connection, allowing you to receive professional support from the location of your choice. 

Research suggests that online therapy practices can effectively reduce mental health conditions like anxiety disorders and depression, which may be connected to addictive screen use. While more research is needed on the efficacy of online therapy specifically for treating addictive screen use, virtual treatment tends to be just as effective as face-to-face therapy sessions.