Can Media Be Addictive?

Are we addicted to our devices, and, if so, are companies to blame?

The word "addiction" packs a heavy punch, and the research is inconclusive on whether it's truly accurate when it comes to digital device use. What's certain, however, is that as people use devices and apps more, profits increase for the companies who make them. Help your students recognize how most of the technology they use is designed to keep them hooked, and help them use this as an opportunity to find more balance in their digital lives.

Objectives:

• Analyze and draw conclusions about a series of photos depicting device use.
• Use online resources to track arguments for and against whether we are addicted to our devices.
• Complete a short writing assignment analyzing one or more aspects related to the device addiction debate.

Vocabulary 

• media balance 
• addictive design 
• humane design 
• addicted

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