Study: Young people highly dependent on media for emotional comfort

By Staff Writer

A new global study reveals that many young people around the world are addicted to media devices. In fact, some individuals even develop depression and anxiety when they abstain from using these services for too long.

The report, which was conducted by the International Center for Media and the Public Agenda at the University of Maryland, is based on a study of approximately 1,000 students in 10 countries. The participants were asked to give up all forms of media for 24 hours.

After the experiment, the group recorded their experiences during the 24-hour period. Researchers found that many participants had a very difficult time trying to go a full day without using their cell phones, laptops, mp3 player and television. One young person from the UK reported that he suffered from severe anxiety, panicking about what was going on with his friends and family.

Among the wide-ranging emotional responses included confusion, irritability, restlessness, depression, paranoia and loneliness. The study's authors concluded that many teenagers and young adults feel emotionally and physically comforted by the media, especially their cell phones.

Problem teens who are addicted to video games, the internet or their cell phones may benefit from wilderness therapy programs, many of which provide nature-based activities that can help curb their dependence on technology.