1st Edition
Managing Your Gaming and Social Media Habits From Science to Solutions
The influence of technology on hobbies and leisure time is quickly becoming a regular part of daily life, but how much do we really understand about how or why we’re using it, and its impact on our health? This easy-to-read guide is designed to provide all of the support needed to understand why we use technology the way we do, and how we can recognise when interventions are needed to help master our own technology use.
Following an effective Q&A structure and offering a valuable ‘dip in and out’ approach, this book provides expert guidance on all the burning questions related to our technology use, with particular support for those struggling to regulate their own gaming and social media use. It focuses on the science and avoids scaremongering by simply addressing the bits you need to understand, what you can do about your behaviours, and how this can improve your productivity, mental health, sleep, and diet.
Helping readers and their families take back control and feel better informed about the future use of technology in our everyday lives, this book is a must read for anyone wanting expert guidance on the issues that matter most.
Who am I and Why Am I Giving You This Advice?
1. How does technology influence us and what does the research say?
2. Why do we have the technology habits we do?
3. Gaming and Mental Health. What’s the science or research here?
4. Social Media, Addiction, Mental Health and Wellbeing: what’s the connection?
5. How can I change my habits and gain mastery of my technology use?
6. How can I help change my child’s habits?
7. It isn’t all bad, is it? What are the positives of gaming and social media?
8. How can technology improve mental health?
Further reading/watching
References
Biography
Catherine Knibbs is a Clinical and Academic PhD Researcher, Consultant, and Trainer in the fields of Cybertrauma and Online Harms, Accredited Child and Adult Trauma Psychotherapist using gaming and technology in practice, DNA functional health practitioner (BANT), and TEDx speaker.
‘This book by Knibbs takes you on a deep dive into the how and why our tech habits shape us, mixing solid research with real-talk about social media, gaming, and mental health. It's packed with insights and no-nonsense advice for understanding your tech use and highlights the positives about our digital world. A must-read if you're looking to make sense of the tech-life balance and use technology in a way that's healthy and positive.’
Jessica Stone, Ph.D., RPT-S, Author, Speaker, Trainer & Psychologist, Colorado
‘At a time when doom-mongering and bad science dominates, at last we have a book which presents the latest understanding about tech, the web and screens, recognising both its dangers and its strengths. Written by a clinician who has also deeply researched the science, this book will be a fantastic resource for professionals, parents and interested lay people. We can read it and trust we are properly informed, no longer out of our depth, and have some tools to work with.’
Graham Music, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, UK
