Handbook of non-substance addictive behaviors

Abstract

As a society, we must engage in serious and thoughtful reflection on what rapid technological development has meant for people’s lives. Without demonising technology, it seems clear that the increasingly early, frequent, intensive and unsupervised use of many digital applications or platforms is not harmless, especially for children and adolescents. This use negatively affects various aspects of their lives, including physical health, mental health, cognitive development, and even school and family relationships. However, it is unfair to hold children, adolescents, or their families solely responsible for this negative trend. The tech industry has often treated minors exclusively as customers, rather than as individuals who should be protected by design. For their part, public authorities and politicians have not always been aware of the issue, have not been bold enough, or have been insufficiently committed to finding solutions. As researchers, we face the challenging task of analysing reality with the utmost rigour and prudence, avoiding both trivialisation and over-pathologisation of the problem, convinced that evidence will help us identify the right path. Action research: no research without action and no action without research. A century later, that remains our guiding principle. Science (and scientists) at the service of society, in the strictest sense of commitment and social responsibility. This Handbook has been exclusively financed by public funds from Spanish institutions. The 69 authors have contributed entirely on a voluntary basis, without any financial compensation. The 27 chapters are available in two languages (English and Spanish) for any researcher, professional or individual with an interest in this subject, anywhere in the world. It must be used and applied in the public interest and for the collective good. We cannot conceive of it any other way.