Technosis is a term that Weil and Rosen use to describe an overblown dependancy or attachment to technology. People demonstrate technosis when they feel “out of touch” if they don’t check their email messages, or when they have their cell phone or pager on at all times.  

“People allow themselves to be sucked into this technological abyss, and in doing so they become more machine-oriented and less sensitive to their own needs and the needs of others. Some people become so immersed in technology that they risk losing their own identity.” – Will and Rosen (1998)

This is an up and coming term which is becoming more well known and is now a peer-reviewed clinical condition which is more common then you’d think. These with the condition develop an attachment to technology which grows slowly, but before they know it, they have lost sight of where they end and technology begins.

Symptoms of Technosis include overdoing work and never feeling finished, believing faster is better, and not knowing how to function successfully without technology.

It doesn’t sound dangerous but it can be, mentally and physically. You’re always working so hard or never taking breaks from the screens that you feel so lost or depressed without it which can turn into major depression and anxiety. Being on these screens so often can cause headaches, nausea, sleep loss, weight gain, eye strain and more. Without sometimes realizing you are too focused on your technology to take care of yourself.

Prevent technosis by:

• Limiting social media time
• Taking breaks often (set alarms to do so)
• Turn off notifications
• Unplug before bed
• Get outdoors time often