Re-evaluating Gabor Maté's Views on Technology and Addiction
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Chapter 1: The Hero and the Dissonance
In recent years, I have had the distinct honor of attending numerous conferences featuring some of the most respected figures in my field (I might even have a bit of a conference obsession). Among these luminaries are my inspirations: Stephen Porges, Daniel Siegel, Louis Cozolino, Bessel van der Kolk, and Gabor Maté. In 2015, I spent several days with Gabor, captivated as he shared insights from his books and life experiences. He was remarkable in his ability to listen to audience members expressing their pain, swiftly addressing the core issues with a directness that felt more akin to Tony Robbins than traditional psychotherapy. I observed people waiting in line to speak with him, and despite missing his coffee and lunch breaks, he never seemed to mind. His compassion and presence were palpable, making those days unforgettable. I even joked with a colleague that Gabor would soon become a household name in the U.K., eagerly anticipating how his work would influence our practice, particularly his book "When the Body Says No," which I believe should be a foundational text for therapists addressing trauma.
As psychotherapists, we undergo extensive training, often beyond postgraduate studies, where we learn to critically evaluate theories and interventions based on peer-reviewed research. We are trained to approach media with skepticism while listening to our clients with empathy. While we don’t claim to have all the answers, our understanding of human behavior equips us to support those we serve. Many in our profession, myself included, resist labeling clients with diagnostic tags. I see individuals as more than mere letters representing disorders, particularly when it comes to children and young people.
For the past seven years, I have delved into the implications of technology, social media, and the internet on children and young adults. I have dedicated countless hours to clinical work, observing my two adult children navigate this digital landscape while also assisting young clients who have grown up alongside such technology. Throughout this journey, I've witnessed moral panics, media sensationalism, and parenting groups vilifying technology. I've seen researchers manipulate limited data to portray a dire picture of technology's effects on mental health, culminating in the inclusion of "gaming disorder" in diagnostic manuals—an initiative criticized by many professionals as a preemptive moral panic lacking substantial evidence.
However, my admiration for Gabor Maté began to waver when he started framing technology within the context of addiction. While I concur with his view that addiction often stems from unhealthy attempts to cope with past traumas and emotional voids, I diverge from his perspective regarding technology and social media. It left me puzzled—where was the empathy I had previously witnessed in him? How could he assert that technology was a definitive cause of addiction when he also acknowledged the importance of attachment theory?
Attachment theory posits that humans seek bonds for survival and interpersonal growth, especially during childhood. If these bonds are inadequate, individuals may seek out alternative relationships to compensate for the emotional deficit. Moreover, the prevalent "dopamine hit" argument in media and podcasts suggests that the same brain regions activated by addiction are also engaged during attachment and social interactions. Why can't these two experiences coexist? Dopamine is released when we connect with others, so why shouldn't this apply to online interactions?
Consider this: if an individual uses an internet-connected device to engage with friends or peers, this behavior can be categorized as social engagement or attachment seeking.
Section 1.1: Challenging the Addiction Narrative
To further challenge the addiction narrative, let's pose a few questions regarding young people. Have you ever heard of a diagnosis for "spending too much time with friends disorder"? Or how about "infant addiction to their mother"? Or even "addiction to playing with friends"? No? Interesting, isn't it?
If we attempt to take away a child's device, akin to asking them to stop playing a game of tag or soccer, how might they react? Would they express frustration, protest, or plead for just a few more minutes? Likely so. Does this behavior align with addiction? Perhaps. It raises the question: what if children are simply engaging in social play or bonding with their peers?
The essence of children's reactions lies in the fact that social media is designed to foster connections—be it sharing experiences, feeling envious, joking, or even seeking help. Online gaming, too, is frequently a social activity, involving teamwork and collaboration.
One genuine concern I encounter in therapy relates to the potential for financial irresponsibility, viewing pornography (often a solitary activity), or engaging in games that require monetary expenditure. These behaviors may indeed reflect addictive tendencies but should not be broadly applied to all technology use by children.
Many young individuals utilize technology positively—acting as caregivers, seeking knowledge for academic purposes, or providing support to peers through tough times. Yet, we often overlook these contributions in discussions surrounding youth mental health crises in the U.K., despite the wealth of support available online.
Chapter 2: A New Perspective on Technology and Mental Health
If we reject the notion of addiction, we are left with the question of whether technology usage is excessive—a subjective assessment that varies from person to person. My forthcoming book will delve into this topic further, addressing the nuanced relationship between technology and mental health. There's still much to learn, and I'm open to exploring new literature or theories that may challenge my views.
For additional information about my work, please visit www.catherineknibbs.co.uk.