[2025 Good Brain] Professor Yoo Seok Ahn: "Do Not Blame Addicts... Compassionate Treatment Is Key"

Focus on Root Causes, Not Just Addiction Itself
Create an Atmosphere of Understanding and Acceptance

Professor Yoo Seok Ahn of the Department of Psychiatry at Seoul National University Hospital emphasized that “compassionate treatment methods must become widespread” in order to heal digital media addiction.

Professor Yoo Seok Ahn of the Department of Psychiatry at Seoul National University Hospital attended the "2025 Good Brain Conference" hosted by Asia Economy at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 3rd, giving a lecture on the topic "How to Protect Ourselves from Digital Addiction." 2025.9.3 Photo by Cho Yongjun

Professor Ahn made these remarks during a lecture titled “How to Protect Ourselves from Digital Addiction” at the “2025 Good Brain Conference” held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Sogong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, on September 3.

Professor Ahn explained that dopamine addiction should also be addressed by identifying its root causes from the perspective of addiction treatment. He noted that when people experience negative emotions such as lack of motivation, boredom, dissatisfaction with performance, or lack of social skills, they often turn to addictive behaviors as a way to escape these feelings.

Professor Ahn stated, “Healthy individuals may go for a run to cope with negative emotions, but those who are unable to do so may instead lie down and watch short-form videos on social networking services or play games. While these methods may provide temporary satisfaction, the effect quickly fades and inevitably leads to greater emptiness and further addictive behaviors.”

He further stressed that criticizing the addictive behavior itself cannot cure digital media addiction. Instead, it is essential to slowly approach and address the underlying emotions that drive the addictive behavior.

Professor Ahn added, “Unlike other mental disorders, digital media addiction is much more closely tied to society. We need to recognize that the things causing addiction are, in some areas of culture, sources of happiness for us, and we must understand that it is difficult to reject them completely.”

Professor Yoo Seok Ahn from the Department of Psychiatry at Seoul National University Hospital attended the "2025 Good Brain Conference" hosted by Asia Economy at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 3rd. He gave a lecture on the topic "How to Protect Ourselves from Digital Addiction." 2025.9.3 Photo by Cho Yongjun

He also emphasized the importance of finding a proper balance between addictive behaviors and healthy activities. The goal of treatment should not be to completely eliminate addictive behaviors, but rather to increase the proportion of healthy activities in life and achieve an appropriate balance between the two.

Additionally, he stressed the importance of praising and acknowledging the efforts of individuals struggling with addiction to treat themselves, even if their achievements are small. Professor Ahn said, “Most people suffering from addiction develop defense mechanisms to avoid decreased self-esteem or cognitive dissonance. If their self-esteem is damaged during this process, treatment cannot progress.”

He also highlighted the importance of human relationships. Professor Ahn said, “There is a saying that the opposite of alcohol addiction is not sobriety, but the feeling that we are all connected.” He advised that if someone around you is engaging in addictive behaviors, a compassionate treatment approach is needed rather than scolding. He added, “Instead of recommending medication or hospitalization that the person does not agree with, it is important to create a safe environment by reminding them that simply acknowledging their addiction will not subject them to criticism or punishment from anyone.”