Balancing Technology’s Benefits amid the Digital Addiction Debate
| Dates: | 20 May 2026 |
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| Times: | 13:00 - 13:30 |
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| What is it: | Talk |
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| Organiser: | School of Social Sciences |
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| How much: | Free |
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| Who is it for: | University staff, External researchers, Adults, Alumni, Current University students, General public, Post 16 |
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| Speaker: | Professor John McAlaney |
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How do we find the balance between what technology can provide us and the dangers of what has been called digital addiction?
About the talk
Digital addiction, including social media use and gaming, has become a topic of debate and public concern. This talk will explore how and when these concerns about digital addiction first arose, and the ways in which parallels were drawn with substance use addictions. We will discuss whether such conceptualisations are helpful, or if we need new ways to think about these behaviours and societal attitudes, acknowledging the benefits that can be provided by digital technologies. In doing so, we will look at some of the deeper reasons why we are driven to use digital devices, such as the fear of missing out.
The talk will then move onto how the features that can make digital device use problematic can also be used to reduce harm, as well as the potential for the application of digital technologies addressing challenges in other areas, such as in excessive gambling. We will end with a discussion of emergent technologies such as AI and issues of AI dependence, and how these fit into our understanding of digital addiction.
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Speaker
Professor John McAlaney
Role: Professor In Psychology
Organisation: Bournemouth University
Biography: Professor John McAlaney is a Chartered Psychologist, Chartered Scientist and Professor of Psychology. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Stirling, his MSc at the University of Strathclyde and then his PhD at the University of West of Scotland in 2007. His PhD was on the topic of social psychology and substance use, looking particularly at misperceptions of peer norms. He joined the School of Psychology at Bournemouth University in 2014. In this time he has acted as Programme Leader for the BSc Cyberpsychology degree and as Head of Education. Currently he leads the Gambling Research Groups and is the Unit Leader for the Cybersecurity and Cyberwarfare final year optional unit. Outside of the University he acts as a Trustee for the Gordon Moody Association, which provides treatment for individuals with problem gambling.
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