Name: Technology Addiction
Start: 2019-05-15T17:30:00-04:00
End: 2019-05-15T19:30:00-04:00
Location: Wentworth-Douglass Hospital - Garrison Auditoriums

Technology Addiction

Wentworth-Douglass Hospital

Are you are worried about the amount of time someone in your family is spending glued to screens? Does your child experience anxiety or irritability when ending an online game? Do you constantly check your emails or social media accounts and feel less connected in your relationships? If you can relate to these experiences, you or your loved ones might be suffering from Technology Addiction. Just like the substance-based addictions, Technology Addiction enslaves our brain’s reward circuitry and can lead to long-term neurological, social, and psychological problems.
A handful of companies are designing technologies with the sole purpose of capturing and commoditizing our attention. Many top US universities are investing heavily in so-called “persuasive design” labs, perfecting the psychological tricks that compel us to consume more and more technology. As Tristan Harris, a former Google Executive puts it, “there are a thousand people on the other side of the screen whose job it is to break down the self-regulation we have.” In the age of Social Media, Smartphones, and Online-Shopping, we’re all one gadget or app away from addiction.
This lecture will:
•            Explore what Behavioral Addictions are and why and how they develop.
•            Define Normal vs. problematic use of technology.
•            Identify the signs and symptoms of Technology Addictions (i.e. internet gaming, digital media)
•            Discuss the available prevention and treatment options.
•            Teach practical tools you can use and simple behavior changes you can adopt to minimize the harmful effects of technology. 
•            Dedicate at least 30 minutes for a productive Q&A session.
Presented by Ozgur Akbas, LMFT
Oz envisions a future where humanely designed technology aids and empowers us to live more connected, intentional, and satisfying lives. Since such a future would drastically reduce, if not eliminate the need for his field, he also hopes for generous unemployment benefits, free college education and carrier counseling.
Over the past two decades, Oz worked with teens, families, couples, and adults in various settings. In his private practice, he helps individuals struggling with PTSD, OCD, and Technology Addictions. Oz is a trained ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) therapist. He is also certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. His holistic and integrative approach draws from the fields of neuropsychology, mindfulness, and spirituality. Oz offers workshops which translate the research findings on neuropsychology and mindfulness into principles that can be practically applied by all who seek healing and growth. He holds a BS in Economics and has Master’s degrees in Experiential Education and Marriage and Family Therapy.
When he is not helping his clients, you can find him walking his dogs, feeling guilty for not spending enough time with his cats, working on his fledgling woodworking skills, playing board games with his family, and doing Yoga and Pilates.

Wentworth-Douglass Hospital - Garrison Auditoriums

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