What is the difference between overuse and addiction to screens?

When we talk about screen usage, we can distinguish three main groups of problems:

• Overuse refers to use that exceeds, in frequency and intensity, what is reasonably expected for a given age and stage of life. It follows a more behavioral, episodic pattern, where factors such as schedules, limits, and rules are the main regulators. It is more common in shooting games or sports games. And it is usually related to feelings of boredom or online interaction with friends.
• Problematic use is linked to a problem related to a more specific action, not necessarily because of the number of hours, but because of the impact on the quality of relationships and on one's own identity: cyberbullying, relationship problems, etc.
• Addiction is understood as a disorder in its own right, where the function of the connection, the time spent using it, and the resulting interference generate significant problems for the individual and their environment. In this case, comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders is very common, especially those related to mood and interpersonal relationships. Many of these behaviors should be understood as a symptom of a much broader problem.