In this blog post, we will look at how various addictions affect our judgment and discuss the importance of perception outside of the frame.
We live in a world of addiction. There are so many types of addiction that we are surrounded by the word addiction, such as work addiction, social media addiction like Twitter and Facebook, and even a book that describes the eating habits of Koreans as “salt addiction.” These addictions do not end with individual problems, but affect society as a whole. In particular, in modern society, the objects of addiction are becoming more diverse and their influence is growing. However, we need to consider whether the addictions we encounter in our daily lives are preventing us from making proper judgments.
First, let’s think about the frame that the word addiction gives. If you look up the dictionary definition of addiction, it is defined as “a condition in which a living organism develops a dysfunction due to the toxicity of food or drugs,” “a pathological condition that cannot be endured without it as a result of excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs,” and “a state in which one cannot judge things normally because he or she is soaked in a certain idea or thing.” The meaning of addiction used today is probably the second or third. Considering that both of these meanings have similarities to the first meaning, it gives the impression that the object of addiction is inevitably something negative, such as “poison.” It also gives the impression that the addicted person is not normal. This is the frame that the word “addiction” has.
This frame can prevent us from making the right judgments about people, objects, and phenomena. For example, there are “drug addiction” and “game addiction.” Drugs clearly have the potential to be addictive, but only if they are not used properly. In fact, the ability of drugs to affect the nervous system can be used in a variety of ways, such as for pain relief. But, due to the negative perceptions that have been created through various drug addiction cases, can we make a proper judgment when we first encounter the fact that a narcotic ingredient is used as a painkiller? It is difficult if we focus too much on the impression of addiction. The same is true for gaming addiction. If we focus on the fact that games are addictive, we will not be able to properly judge the positive aspects of games or the potential of the gaming industry. In particular, we will also ignore the fact that games can be used as educational tools. In fact, many education experts argue that games can help students develop problem-solving skills and teamwork. However, many people are often trapped in the addiction frame and overlook these positive aspects.
Next, there is the frame of the addicted target. After learning that student A is addicted to games, the judgment we make about A will inevitably be negative, and we will not readily acknowledge the positive aspects of A even if they exist. And we need to be more careful because the frame of the addicted target can be exploited. This is because if someone wants to leave a negative impression on someone, they can easily achieve their goal by using the word “addiction” to refer to something that the person is addicted to. Therefore, we must be aware of the existence of frames.
These addiction frames are especially effective when the target is unfamiliar. Even if we hear the word “salt addiction,” we don’t immediately give salt a negative evaluation. The negative frame is difficult to work because we know that salt contains nutrients that are necessary for our lives. Even if we hear the word alcoholism, our existing thoughts will not be shaken because we know the characteristics of alcohol and how to use it to achieve positive effects. On the other hand, if a person who is not familiar with games hears the word game addiction, the frame will work well. The same is true for the case of student A. If we already knew a lot about A, the frame would not have much of an impact.
On the other hand, our perception of addiction needs to evolve with social changes. For example, in the past, smoking was socially accepted, but now, with the growing awareness of health, the negative perception of smoking has become stronger. Similarly, the perception of addiction can change. If we understand the various aspects of addiction and find the right way to deal with it, we will be able to overcome the negative frame that addiction gives. To do this, we need education and awareness about addiction. It is important to deal with the positive aspects of things that can be addictive in a balanced way, along with the dangers of addiction.
Ultimately, if the word addiction does not disappear from society, it is our attitude towards the word that needs to change. Since subjective views are involved in the use of the word addiction in everyday life, it is impossible to determine the right or wrong of the use itself. Therefore, our attitude towards addiction is important. When forming your own perspective on an unknown subject, do not be swayed by the word “addiction,” but rather, if you are aware of the frame that the word gives and make judgments based on credible information and arguments, you will not fall into the addiction frame. If you take off the colored glasses of being an object of addiction and look at the object again, you will be able to make better judgments. Why don’t you try to get out of the addiction frame?
Finally, there needs to be a more active social discussion on addiction. We need to recognize that addiction is not just an individual problem but a phenomenon that affects society as a whole, and we need to take a variety of approaches to solve it. Examples include addiction prevention programs, strengthening the counseling and treatment system for addiction, and providing accurate information about addiction. When these efforts are made together, we will be able to create a healthier society beyond the framework of addiction.
