Screens, Virtual Reality and Digital Addiction (EVADD)

Inappropriate use of the smartphone is defined as excessive use of the technological tool interfering with social and/or professional activities causing negative consequences such as the alteration of certain cognitive functions such as attention. In addition, the excessive use of smartphones has generated a new form of digital symptoms such as NOMO or nomophobia (addiction to mobile phones by compulsive checking of new messages or social networks) and FOMO (fear of being excluded enriching social experiences, Fear of Missing Out).

From the perspective of social media addiction, research has shown that there is a fine line between habitual, frequent, unproblematic use and problematic and possibly addictive use of social media. Users who express symptoms and consequences traditionally associated with substance addiction (salience, mood changes, tolerance phenomenon, craving, withdrawal, relapse) could be addicted to social media.

Nowadays, abstinence from digital media and consumption cannot realistically be achieved in the context of SR addiction, as the internet and social media have become essential parts of our lives. Rather than shutting down social media altogether, therapy should focus on establishing controlled social media use and digital media awareness.

This study will be carried out to evaluate the methods of consumption (work/outside work), the characteristics of the tools used, the addictive risk, the consequences on mental and physical health and the impact on quality of life of people exposed to screens and smartphones.

A sample of 800 000 people will be used to learn about the entire French population. Participants will be asked to respond to an anonymous digital survey.

This is an observational study questionnaire-based. The ultimate goal of this work is not to overpathologize daily behaviours, but to have quality information to help facilitate therapeutic efforts in support of those who may need it.

Inclusion criteria

• 18 years old or older (adult)
• members of the PRO-BTP insurance (email list)
• understanding French language

Exclusion criteria

• less than 18 years old