Teens, Texting, and Addiction

A new study indicates teenagers are becoming addicted to texting, not unlike other addictions. The behavior of texting occurs while walking, sitting, riding in a vehicle, eating, on vacation, reading, etc. Teenagers seem to have a need to text. Statistics indicate 80 percent of all 15-18 year-olds own a cell phone and the rate of texting have increased significantly 600% in three years. The average teen sends 3,000 texts a month.

Texting may be quite similar to a drug that affects the dopaminergic or pleasure/reward system of the brain. Indeed, neuroimaging studies have demonstrated the same brain areas are stimulated with texting and using heroin.

Potential warning signs for texting addiction include losing track of time because of excessive texting, neglecting eating and sleeping, having a constant drive or need to text, lying or manipulative behavior to text, forgetting responsibilities because of texting, and adverse behavior or emotional reaction when not able to text.

Young brains are developing, particularly in the frontal lobes important to decision making, control of impulses, and attention. Excessive texting may be negatively affecting development of these regions critical to the developing brain.

Parents and teens might wish to consider moderation and conscious monitoring of the texting behavior and those emotions/drives that are related to texting. Moderation is always a good rule to follow and parents can structure the time for texting to limit the risk of addiction.