Digital interaction limits in childhood and adolescence

A neuropsychological review

Abstract

Today's society is hyperactive, stimulating and hedonistic, it magnifies the present moment, the rewarding experiences it lives and the constant connectivity it has with its environment, technological devices and the Internet have become its great ally offering availability and presence in the digital world just clicks away, either passively, educational, interactive and social. However, this easy access and immediate gratification has led to the human being's reward system being constantly and potentially activated, tracing a dopaminergic loop, which, in turn, causes a set of different behaviors with addictive potential and repercussions on biological, psychological, social, sexual and functional health. This situation has become normalized, with children and adolescents being the main victims, since, being in full development, they do not have control of their impulses and, therefore, create a significant degree of dependence and addiction to new technologies, with the consequence of altering the normal course of life.