Digital Media Overuse (DMO) is an umbrella term to encapsulate compulsive behaviors associated with digital media platforms and devices.  Video games, social networking, TV/Netflix "binge watching", and internet research all have the potential to become compulsive and addictive due to the release of dopamine and a phenomenon called "flow".  

 

Dopamine is the same neurotransmitter involved in other addictive activities, such as alcohol or drug abuse and  “flow” is a process of becoming completely immersed in an activity impacting one’s awareness of the passage of time and overwhelm one’s sense of self-control.  As with all compulsive behaviors, when it adversely impacts interpersonal, academic, or occupational demands, behavioral therapy, abstinence or harm reduction, and support groups are reasonable and effective treatment options.