In cases of overuse, there are some consequences, primarily academic, relational, and familial, but daily functioning remains manageable, and the behavior may subside spontaneously upon noticing negative consequences. A typical example would be the increased screen time that occurs after receiving a technological gift at Christmas. In addiction, however, this use becomes a priority and is associated with serious consequences for the individual and their environment.

Some of the characteristics of each of the behavioral patterns are:

Mild pattern:

• Excessive time.
• Use at inappropriate times.
• Severe opposition to the limit.

Other activities are not abandoned, other spheres of daily life are not seriously compromised.

Moderate pattern:

• Predominant use of screens.
• Abandonment of academic tasks and leisure or free time activities.
• Neglect of personal care habits (hygiene, sleep, nutrition).
• Loss of relationships with friends and family and limitation of the social circle to people who share hobbies.
• Concealment of problematic behavior.
• Increased irritability or aggressive behavior when limits are placed on their behavior.
• Manifestation of objective negative consequences.
• Behavior maintained over time (more than 6 months).

We are talking about a worrying use with a tendency to become problematic.

Severe pattern:

• It pervades all spheres of life.
• It is the only activity that provides pleasure to the affected person, and its use reduces the discomfort they experience.
• Irritability or aggressive behavior when limits are placed on their behavior.
• He/She repeatedly lies or hides problematic behavior.
• The negative consequences are serious in relation to the adolescent and their environment.
• There is an abandonment of leisure activities, responsibilities, and social and family relationships.
• Attempts to put limits on this situation fail.
• If the adolescent's virtual identity predominates over their non-virtual identity, it is a criterion for the severity of the problem.
• The behavior persists over time (more than 12 months).

We are talking about addictive behavior.