Internet addiction, social media addiction, video game addiction… New technologies bring good things into our lives, but also negative ones, such as addictions. With every technological innovation, there is a risk of developing a dependency. Twitch addiction is one of the latest addictions linked to new technologies.
Twitch is currently one of the most popular platforms. It is the world’s largest live streaming platform. It was founded in 2011, and three years later, Amazon acquired its domain. It experienced its biggest boom during the pandemic. According to TwitchTracker, between January and July 202, it accumulated a total of 639 billion minutes of viewership.
Initially, it was closely linked to video game broadcasting. However, its content has diversified to offer all kinds of content related to music, sports, lifestyle, etc.
At CC Adicciones, we offer treatment to overcome new technology addiction.
Addiction to the streaming platform
Content creators broadcast live, and anyone can join to watch their stream and communicate via chat. If they wish, they can subscribe to the channels of their favorite streamers to support them. Joining a stream is free, as is following different content creator accounts. Regarding Twitch addiction, two main factors can be distinguished: addiction to streams and addiction to subscribing and donations.
Streaming Addiction
Twitch offers an infinite number of live broadcasts. This means there is a huge variety to choose from, which can lead to an addiction to watching streams non-stop. Dedicating excessive time to being connected to different streaming channels. Furthermore, an online community is created that replaces social relationships and communication with the environment.
Donation Addiction
A Twitch addiction involves spending a large number of hours connected to this platform, but time is not the only thing that can be lost; money can be too. Some young people develop an addiction to subscribing to different Twitch channels to gain certain advantages, such as exclusive videos for subscribers, ad-free videos, access to exclusive emoticons… In addition, what is known as donations can also occur. During a stream, a donation can be made. If the streamer publicly acknowledges and thanks the donor at that moment, it generates anticipation and can cause satisfaction in the donor, who may become hooked on this recognition because they will feel important and flattered.
What is a subathon?
The practice of subathons is becoming increasingly common on Twitch. A content creator does a stream, but as people subscribe, their live hours increase. That is, for each new subscription, the broadcast time increases, accumulating a large number of hours and even days. This encourages people watching the live stream to subscribe if they want the stream to last longer.
The Dangers of Twitch
Twitch is an entertainment platform. It can be a pastime for many young people and adolescents, and even adults, although it is more common in a younger age group. If used correctly, it is a hobby and a distraction, but if certain limits are crossed, it can become a risk. What are the main dangers of Twitch?
- Economic problems and debts. A large percentage of Twitch users are very young, meaning they have no money because they are barely adolescents who are studying. In order to
- Insomnia. They prioritize being connected for hours and hours over sleeping and resting. This means they can spend hours or even days on Twitch. They create a virtual life and see no need to leave it or have contact with real life.
- Gambling addiction. Although it is more regulated now, Twitch has served to promote betting houses and online games.
- Social isolation from their environment. They distance themselves from their social circle, including both friends and family, due to being immersed in the world of Twitch.
New Technology Treatment at CC Adicciones
Twitch addiction, like technology and social media addiction, requires treatment to live without depending on a screen or the internet.
How do we help you with new technology addiction?
New technology addiction (internet, social media, or video games) is an addictive and risky behavior that generates problems in all areas of a person’s life: social, family, academic, professional, etc.
New technology addiction is defined as a non-substance addiction, i.e., behavioral. Mistakenly, it is often thought that since no toxic substance is consumed, a non-substance addiction, unlike those with substances, is not as serious and may not require treatment. But the reality is that a behavioral addiction also requires a recovery process.
In the case of a non-substance addiction, a modification occurs in the reward circuit, and its functioning ends up resembling that of a substance addiction. On certain occasions, other problems that will need to be treated with therapy are hidden behind an addiction disorder.
CC Adicciones is a detoxification and rehabilitation center that treats all types of addictions. We offer a free initial consultation where our team of specialists assesses the patient’s situation and advises on the treatment to follow to overcome new technology addiction. Treatment for this type of addiction involves personalized monitoring and a very high intensity of therapy. The goal is for the patient to regain complete control of their life.
The Definitive Step to Overcome Addiction
To definitively overcome Twitch addiction, you must contact expert addiction professionals. This is the best guarantee that you will be able to beat the addiction. If you need help, do not hesitate and contact us. Remember that there is always a way out of addictions.
Do you find it hard to disconnect from your phone, social media, or video games?
If technology is affecting your rest, self-esteem, studies, work, relationships, or emotional well-being, seeking professional assessment may be helpful.
At CC Adicciones, we treat behavioral addictions and problematic screen use with a personalized approach, helping to restore routines, boundaries, and emotional balance.
Request confidential guidance: +34 617 200 882
We can also guide families concerned about screen use in adolescents.
Treatment for substance and non-substance addictions.
Support for patients and families.
Therapeutic plan adapted to each case.
