Addiction and Technology Use
Expert-defined terms from the Postgraduate Certificate in Cyberpsychology course at LearnUNI. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Addiction and Technology Use Glossary #
Addiction and Technology Use Glossary
1 #
Addiction
Addiction refers to a psychological and physical dependence on a substance, acti… #
In the context of technology use, addiction can manifest as an uncontrollable urge to engage with digital devices or platforms, leading to detrimental effects on an individual's well-being.
2 #
Cyberpsychology
Cyberpsychology is the study of the human mind and behavior in the context of in… #
It explores how individuals perceive, interact with, and are affected by digital devices, online environments, and virtual experiences.
3 #
Digital Detox
Digital detox refers to a period of time during which an individual refrains fro… #
The goal of a digital detox is to reduce screen time, unplug from technology, and focus on real-world interactions and activities.
4 #
Internet Addiction
Internet addiction, also known as problematic internet use or compulsive interne… #
Individuals with internet addiction may prioritize online activities over real-world responsibilities and relationships.
5 #
Nomophobia
Nomophobia is the fear of being without a mobile phone or unable to use it #
This anxiety disorder is often associated with a reliance on smartphones for communication, entertainment, and information, leading to feelings of distress when separated from the device.
6 #
Phubbing
Phubbing is the act of snubbing or ignoring someone in favor of using a mobile p… #
This behavior can have negative effects on face-to-face communication, relationships, and social interactions.
7 #
Screen Time
Screen time refers to the amount of time an individual spends using digital devi… #
Excessive screen time has been associated with various health and social issues, particularly in children and adolescents.
8 #
Social Media Addiction
Social media addiction is a form of behavioral addiction characterized by excess… #
Individuals with social media addiction may experience negative consequences such as decreased productivity, sleep disturbances, and relationship problems.
9 #
Technostress
Technostress refers to the psychological and physical strain caused by the use o… #
Factors such as information overload, constant connectivity, and digital distractions can contribute to technostress, leading to feelings of anxiety, fatigue, and burnout.
10 #
Virtual Reality Addiction
Virtual reality addiction is a type of behavioral addiction characterized by com… #
Individuals with VR addiction may spend excessive amounts of time in virtual environments, leading to neglect of real-world responsibilities and relationships.
11 #
Wearable Technology
Wearable technology refers to electronic devices that can be worn on the body, s… #
These devices are designed to track health metrics, provide notifications, and enhance user experiences through seamless integration with daily activities.
12 #
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is the use of digital communication tools to harass, intimidate, o… #
This form of bullying can take place through social media, messaging apps, online forums, and other digital platforms, and can have serious consequences for the victims' mental health and well-being.
13. Digital Well #
being
Digital well #
being refers to the state of being healthy and balanced in one's use of technology. It involves developing positive digital habits, setting boundaries for screen time, and prioritizing real-world connections and activities to maintain overall well-being in the digital age.
14 #
Online Identity
Online identity refers to the persona that an individual presents and maintains… #
It encompasses aspects such as usernames, profiles, avatars, and online behaviors that shape how others perceive and interact with the individual in virtual environments.
15 #
Augmented Reality
Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information and vir… #
AR applications enhance users' perception of reality by blending physical and digital elements, offering interactive and immersive experiences through smartphones, smart glasses, and other devices.
16 #
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting digital systems, networks, and data… #
It involves implementing security measures, such as encryption, firewalls, and authentication protocols, to safeguard information and prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyber attacks.
17 #
Digital Footprint
Digital footprint refers to the trail of data left behind by an individual's onl… #
This includes social media posts, website visits, online purchases, and other interactions that create a digital record of the individual's behavior and preferences.
18 #
Gamification
Gamification is the use of game design elements and mechanics in non #
game contexts to engage users and motivate desired behaviors. By incorporating elements such as points, badges, leaderboards, and challenges, gamification can make tasks more enjoyable, interactive, and rewarding.
19 #
Online Privacy
Online privacy refers to the control and protection of personal information shar… #
It involves understanding how data is collected, stored, and used by online services and taking steps to safeguard privacy rights, such as adjusting privacy settings, using encryption, and being mindful of data sharing practices.
20 #
Virtual Community
Virtual community is an online social network of individuals who interact and en… #
These communities can be formed around shared interests, hobbies, goals, or identities, providing a platform for connection, collaboration, and support in the virtual world.