The Seventh Kingdom: Is Technology Addiction Real Jan. 2015 | Page 31

BE-HAV-IOR-AL_AD-DIC-TION
A form of addiction that involves a compulsion
to repeatedly perform a rewarding, non-drug
related behaviour which is sometimes referred
to as a natural reward – despite any negative
consequences to the person’s physical, mental,
social, and/or financial well-being (Shorter
Oxford English dictionary, 2007).
The word ‘a ddiction’ is derived from a Latin
term meaning ‘e nslaved by’ or ‘bound to’.

There are two types of addiction – substance
and behavioural/process. They both work in
the same way. Dopamine (a neurotransmitter
found in the brain) is released into the brain’s
limbic system – also known as the ‘reward
system’. Dopamine is a chemical which give
the fe eling of what is known as a ‘high’. An
adrenaline bo ost from the high dopamine
levels causes a rush of excitement. Addiction
is the habit of constantly yearning to fe el the
same rush (University of California Television,
2014)

ABOUT
Ironically, technology addiction was present during the progression of this report.
Fighting urges to check mobile phones with
no sound of notifications being heard, and
content in the knowledge of a video game
reward upon the completion of a chapter.
Additionally, a meal restriction rule has been
enforced until completion of another chapter.
Is this technology addiction, work addiction,
or both?

CHAPTER TWO: BEHAVIOURAL ADDICTION

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