What is Thumb Sucking Habit?
Thumb sucking is a common practice among children and adults that involves putting your finger in your mouth and sucking it repeatedly. However, with the advancement of technology and the frequent use of electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets, this habit has also extended to the digital world.
How does the habit of thumb sucking manifest itself?
In the digital context, thumb sucking manifests itself through repetitive and compulsive behaviors related to the excessive use of electronic devices. This includes endlessly scrolling through social media, constantly checking cell phone notifications, playing addictive games, and spending hours surfing the internet without a clear purpose.
What are the causes of thumb sucking?
The habit of thumb sucking can have several causes, some of which are:
1. Escape from reality:
Many people turn to excessive use of electronic devices as a way to escape reality and avoid dealing with problems or difficult emotions.
2. Search for immediate pleasure:
The use of electronic devices provides instant gratification, which can lead people to develop a compulsive habit of sucking their digital thumb in search of this immediate pleasure.
3. Social influence:
Social pressure and the need to stay connected and up-to-date can lead people to adopt the habit of thumb sucking as a way to fit in and feel part of a group.
What are the negative effects of thumb sucking?
The habit of thumb sucking can have several negative effects on both physical and mental health. Some of these effects include:
1. Postural problems:
Prolonged use of electronic devices can lead to poor posture, such as poor cervical spine posture, which can result in muscle pain and discomfort.
2. Sleep disorders:
Exposure to blue light emitted by electronic devices before bed can interfere with the sleep cycle, making it difficult to fall asleep and impairing the quality of sleep.
3. Technological dependence:
The habit of thumb sucking can lead to technological dependence, making people increasingly dependent on electronic devices to perform daily tasks and interact with others.
How to deal with the habit of thumb sucking?
To deal with the habit of thumb sucking, it is important to adopt some strategies, such as:
1. Set limits:
Setting specific times for using electronic devices and establishing rest periods is essential to avoid the compulsive habit of thumb sucking.
2. Practice offline activities:
Finding entertainment and leisure alternatives that do not involve the use of electronic devices, such as playing sports, reading books or socializing with friends and family, can help reduce the habit of thumb sucking.
3. Seek professional support:
In more serious cases, where the habit of thumb sucking becomes a real addiction, it is important to seek help from a specialized professional, such as a psychologist, to help with the treatment and overcoming of this habit.
Conclusion
In short, thumb sucking is an increasingly common practice these days, due to the excessive use of electronic devices. However, it is important to be aware of the negative effects of this habit and take steps to reduce or eliminate it, aiming for a better quality of life and well-being.
