Glossary

Digital candy : Unhealthy digital media consumption. Examples – video games, hypertexting, mindless video surfing/ porn watching

Digital Vegetables: Healthy consumption of media. Examples – internet surfing to research a paper, emailing, educational videos or creating music

Digital Native : Young person who has grown up in the digital age, close contact with computers, video game consoles, tablets etc

Dopamine Feedback Loop: Self perpetuating circuit fueled by the neurotransmitter dopamine. It is a “pleasure seeking” neurotransmitter. Much of what we do online releases dopamine. The more we feed the loop, the more dopamine our brains seek.

Electronic Screen syndrome: An overstimulation of a kids nervous system that causes a change in behavior, mood  & focus

Forest schools: Originated in Scandinavia in the 1950s. Outdoor learning centers that are child led and play based. Adults are seen as facilitators and not teachers. 

Friluftsliv: Swedish term for “open air living.”

Gamer’s Thumb : (Nintendo /play station thumb) :A nickname given to a condition caused by repetitive motion where the tendons become inflamed. Caused by repetitive motion such as gaming.

Internet Addiction Rehabilitation Centers: These are treatment faccilities that are set up to provided internet addicted individuals with the tools to manage their internet addictive tendencies. The first residential treatment program in the U.S  was the reSTART that provides treatment for kids living with depression, anxiety, gaming addiction and various other screen dependent challenges.

Massive Multiplayer Online Role-playing game: (MMORPG) : Online game with large number of players often hundreds or thousands on the same server. Usually it involves role playing – controlling the actions of a character.

Screen detox: Involved unplugging from screens and digital devices for 4-6 weeks to allow the adrenal system (fight or flight) to reset itself back to baseline.

Screen withdrawal symptoms: These are physical symptoms that mimic substance use withdrawal  in a person (adult or child) who has been constantly using digital media and devices with no breaks. These include; head banging, shaking and tremors.