Episode 14: Breaking the Screen Spell Series - An Introduction to Digital Addiction with Deitra Hoang

Join Co-Hosts Ellina Yin and Deitra Hoang as they take a deep dive into what is digital addiction? How is digital addiction harmful and what is being done about it? Welcome to "Breaking the Screen Spell," a special Only in San José podcast series that explores the topic of digital addiction and how we can regain control over our relationship with technology. In this podcast, co-hosts Ellina Yin and Deitra Hoang discuss the incredible power that technology has over our lives and how it can lead to losing touch with the world around us. We believe that through education, awareness, and action, we can help people break free from the negative effects of digital addiction and create a healthier relationship with technology. 

Intro Music: “Full Circle by Civic Flora

Somatic Exercise by Rashmi Guttal featuring music by Nature Healing Society

Rashmi (she/they) is a somatic practitioner, restorative justice facilitator, and mediator. Through her background in asana (yoga), meditation, and conflict resolution, she created somatic mediation, a coaching process to help individuals and couples resolve conflict. Using the Internal Family Systems model, Attachment Theory, and body-based practices, Rashmi guides folx into deeper awareness and compassion for their different ‘parts’. She focuses on nervous system regulation, emphasizing rest, silence, and moving slowly. https://www.rashmiguttal.com/⁠

Resources Links / Work Cited:

1. According to the first-quarter 2018 Nielsen Total Audience Report, the average American adult spends over 11 hours per day consuming media, including over 3 hours on smartphones alone. - https://www.nielsen.com/insights/2018/time-flies-us-adults-now-spend-nearly-half-a-day-interacting-with-media/

2. In addition, a study conducted in 2016 found that those with internet addiction exhibited significantly higher amounts of depression and anxiety symptoms, which affected their day-to-day activities, including their work and social lives. - https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/internet-addiction/  

3. A study published by Dr. Daria Kuss and Olatz Lopez-Fernandez on the National Library of Medicine has shown that people with underlying mental health disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression are more likely to develop internet addiction. - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4804263/ 

4. Furthermore, Harvard researchers have shown that using blue light-emitting screen devices such as smartphones before bedtime can disrupt sleep patterns by suppressing the secretion of the hormone melatonin. - https://hms.harvard.edu/news/screen-time-brain 

5. This finding is also supported by an article published in March 2021 by Stoneridge Centers, which states that the glowing light emitted by laptops, tablets, and smartphones tends to interfere with the brain and body’s internal light cues and sleep-inducing hormones. - https://stoneridgecenters.com/2021/03/22/technology-addiction-and-the-brain/ 

6. For example, the South Korean government, similar to the Thai government, imposed regulations on online game venue providers to reduce gaming access to teenagers under the age of 16 years from midnight to 6 a.m. -