Laitariippuviin

Laitariippuviin is a Finnish neologism used to describe people who are dependent on devices and digital ecosystems for most daily activities and decision-making. The term blends laite (device) and riippuvuus (dependency) with a suffix that marks a group or collective sense. It is not a formal clinical diagnosis but a descriptor found in discussions about digital well-being.

Origin and usage: The expression emerged in Finnish-language media and scholarly writing during the late 2010s and 2020s as concerns about pervasive technology use grew. It is used descriptively to refer to patterns of behavior rather than to classify individuals clinically. Its frequency varies by publication and field.

Scope and characteristics: Laitariippuviin can refer to individuals who rely on smartphones for communication, navigation, and information, and to broader groups embedded in digital ecosystems such as social media platforms, cloud services, and smart devices. It captures both habitual checking, context switching, and decision-making that is increasingly mediated by devices, rather than a complete device addiction.

Impacts and responses: The concept is used in discussions of mental well-being, productivity, and privacy. Potential responses include digital literacy education, intentional screen-time management, design approaches that reduce interruptiveness, and workplace policies that encourage balanced technology use.

Related terms: The concept overlaps with discussions of digital addiction, technostress, nomophobia, and information overload. See also digital well-being and technology use in society.