Concept in Definition ABC

Technophilia is a term formed by the Greek concepts of techne and phlia, which etymologically mean technique and friendship or hobby. In this way, technophilia would be in its strict sense the fondness for technology.The idea of ​​philia as a hobby is highlighted in words like philately (fondness for stamps), but it must be taken into account that phlia is also used to express a pathology with respect to something (pedophilia, for example).

In the case of technophilia, it could be understood in the two senses, both as a hobby or as obsession, although we will focus on the pathological dimension.

Those who have technophilia are interested in technology in an excessive way, which is manifested in a series of behaviors: the impulse to acquire the latest cutting-edge technology, a number of excessive hours using electronic devices, the impossibility of not using devices throughout the day and, ultimately, a degree of obsession and dependence on everything technological. The opposite of technophilia would be technophobia and both behaviors present a psychological problem, since the filias and the phobias in exaggerated version turn into real psychological problems.

What could be behind technophilia

When an individual has an addiction to technological devices we are talking about a mental problem, similar to that of people with other addictions. It must be taken into account that the concept of addiction basically depends on the degree of dependence on something (a moderate level it would be normal, a higher level would be classified as mania and addiction occurs when the parameters are widely exceeded normal).

The different psychological currents consider that a philia or a phobia can be a symptom of a real problem. Thus, technophilia could be caused by a low self-esteem (A new device is bought to calm an inner discomfort). The cause could also be an attempt to flee from reality and not face the real problems (someone would enter the world of computing as a form of escapism).

Behind technophilia there could also be a mismatch emotional, a depressed state or even a severe mental disorder. Technophilia is therefore a conduct external that by presenting itself as attitude uncontrolled must be treated psychologically. Correct psychological treatment may modify obsessive behavior (for example, with behavioral therapy) or analyze the unconscious causes that explain the addiction by technology (as would be done from a approach psychoanalytic).

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