Media, Technology and Social Networking

Definitions

Mass Media is a tool for accessing and communicating with large audiences of people. "Media" will refer to mass media in this chapter.

Media technology has made it possible for people around the world to communicate quickly, regularly, and with ease. Media technology includes the equipment, operating systems, and interactions that take place via:

• Radio.
• Television.
• Computer.
• Cell phone.
• Video games.
• Social networking websites (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter).
• Other websites.

When used in moderation, these technologies can have some benefits, including having quick access to a lot of people and a lot of information. However, if these technologies are overused, they can have negative effects on individuals, families, friends, and communities. Overuse of technology can have all of the features of a major addiction, including:

• A level of use that increases over time.
• Compulsive behaviors.
• Withdrawal during periods of non-use.
• Remorse after use.
• Use more or for longer periods of time than the person intended.

Overuse of technology can result in:

• Social problems, such as poor communication, difficulty relating to others, limited attachments with family members, and the risk of sexual solicitation.
• Physical problems, such as lack of exercise, childhood obesity, or vision impairment.
• Behavioral problems, such as technology addiction, restlessness, anxiety, or boredom.
• Emotional problems, such as irritability, aggression, or depression.
• Delays in brain development, including stunted creativity and being overstimulated or reliant upon auditory and visual stimulation.

Media technology, like many other things, is healthiest when it is used in moderation. The use of media technology is not healthy if it prevents the person from living a balanced lifestyle. You can help people and families make healthy choices regarding their use of technology.

People may overuse media technology for a range of reasons, such as family habits, the feeling that there's nothing else to do, or media technology addiction. At the same time, some people have legitimate reasons for relying on media technology. For example, some people use it to stay connected with distant family members and friends. People with autism can find a sense of stability in video games or movies, where they can make sense of unchanging rules. And as a provider, you may use online resources to research information related to your clients' condition or treatment. Every situation is different and it's important for you to get to know the person or family before making recommendations.

Clients may need help setting limits on their child’s or their own use of technology.

• Support parents' and caregivers' efforts to manage the websites children are accessing or people they are communicating with via technology (e.g., email, messaging, social media, or other technology applications). 
• Help parents to develop a list of alternate activities for children to do instead of watching TV, playing video games, or chatting on the phone or internet. Families might consider:
• • Having dinner together with all media shut off.
  • Using media technology as a reward for completing chores or other duties.
  • Having regular family outings.
  • Planning indoor and outdoor physical activities.
  • Having face to face conversations.
  • Playing board or card games.
• Encourage caregivers to limit their use of technology as a “babysitter.”
• Encourage caregivers to model healthy and alternative activities that don’t require technology.
• Help teens or adults develop their own list of activities that can keep them entertained without a screen.

Encourage families to use technology as a tool for improving their communication. For example, a family could watch and then discuss an entertaining or educational TV show or play age-appropriate video games together while talking about their days.

Referral information, including reports from medical providers, school staff, clinicians, or other sources regarding the client's wellbeing.

Releases of Information ( ROIs ) that are current or updated before getting information about the client from other sources.

Client history related to sensory functioning, development, and psychological history.

Treatment Plan, including a history of presenting problem and recommended course of treatment.

General concerns

• Experiences problems related to his use of media technology
• Use of media technology is prioritized over other important activities or it affects his ability to complete day-to-day tasks
• Use of media technology affects relationships with other people in her life
• Difficulty differentiating fantasy from reality
• Preoccupation with technology
• Anxious, restless, bored, or aggressive in the absence of technology
• Spends limited time engaged in exercise or activities that do not include media technology
• Poor school performance

Emotions/mood

• Is most happy while using media technology
• Appears emotionally numb
• Low self-esteem
• Changes in personality

Social functioning

• Limits face-to-face communications with others
• Appears fixated on his use of media technology, possibly neglecting opportunities to spend time with others
• Relies on media technology to meet social needs

Family history

• Caregivers provide limited supervision
• Caregivers do not limit child’s use of media technology
• Child lacks positive attention from parents
• Limited opportunities for social activities with family members

Use of media technology

• How often do you use devices with screens, such as the TV, video game systems, cell phones, or computers?
• How long can you go without using these technologies?
• Do you ever use technology longer than you intended?
• How do you feel when you haven’t used them in awhile?
• Are there other activities you enjoy that do not require the use of media technology?

Communication with others

• What is the most common way you stay in contact with your friends? Family?
• How well do you communicate with others?
• Is there anyone you have difficulty communicating with?
• Has anyone ever expressed concern or frustration with your use of media technology (cell phone, video game, computer, etc)?
• Do you feel as though your use of these technologies is a problem?

Overuse of technology can have negative, long-term impacts on relationships, school performance, and identity formation. However, with technology driving many of our day-to-day activities, it is critical to develop skills to manage overuse and promote positive management. Two evidence-based practice for treatment include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). CBT targets negative and compulsive thoughts and behaviors and improves coping, communication, and problem solving skills. MI addresses ambivalence and cultivates one’s motivation to make change.

Using these approaches to understand and address clients' problematic behaviors related to their use of technology, you may consider:

• Increase self-esteem.
• Improve social skills.
• Teach attentional awareness and healthy distraction.
• Test negative beliefs (e.g., I am only special while online, I will never be able to limit use).
• Model appropriate and goal oriented online use.
• Develop rules for use:
  • Limiting use to daytime hours.
  • Use for specific amounts of time.
  • Keep media devices in common areas for improved monitoring.
• Encourage non-technology based activities and hobbies.
• Support technology-free opportunities and activities for family bonding (e.g., play board games, go to community events).

Be sure you are familiar with the information in Chapter B-5: Mandatory Reporting and Duty to Warn and Chapter B-8: Documentation and Billing. Report instances of the following, consistent with your organization's policies and procedures:

• Child abuse or neglect.
• Suicidal thoughts or plans.
• Intentions to cause harm or injury to the self or others.
• A minor communicating with someone online about sexual behaviors or otherwise inappropriate topics. This can include the use of inappropriate language, pictures, or videos.
• A minor being bullied by or using media to bully or threaten another person. See Chapter D-14: Victims of Bullying.