What is Digital Anxiety?
Technology has completely reshaped how we interact with each other, perceive the world, and even how we understand ourselves. We’ve made incredible strides in medicine, education, media and entertainment, transportation, and retail. Connecting to the world is available at your fingertips.
However, with so much power, information, and connectivity, it can be hard to disconnect digitally. Instead of leaving the office, the office comes home with you in your pocket. When you know you should be dozing off to sleep, you might stay up scrolling through funny memes or video reels. Rather than connecting with the people at your dinner table, you’re looking up the lyrics to the song you can’t get out of your head or checking in on your favorite sports team. Technology is limitless and ever-demanding of your time and attention.
This incessant need to always be connected and up-to-date can cause anxiety, especially the anxiety that’s known as digital anxiety. But what exactly is digital anxiety? Let’s find out!
What is Digital Anxiety?
Digital anxiety is a type of anxiety that someone can experience concerning technology and the online world. It involves feeling apprehensive, uneasy, or stressed about different types of digital interactions, whether from your computer, tablet, or phone.
The Cause
With the advances in technology, many different factors can contribute to digital anxiety. These are some of the most well-known causes or factors:
Burnout
In today’s world, it’s hard to disconnect and enjoy the life that’s right in front of you because some type of screen is blocking it. This can cause burnout, which can cause other issues like depression in the future.
Sleeping Problems
The blue light that is emitted from screens can make it more difficult for someone to fall asleep at night. Some individuals may have a hard time shutting their phones off at night and stay up mindlessly scrolling on applications.
Social Media
Social media is a great way to connect with others, but it can also cause problems with someone’s self-esteem. They’re constantly seeing someone else’s highlight reel and not actually seeing what’s going on behind the scenes. This can cause them to play the comparison game, feel like they have to present themselves in a certain way, and also experience a fear of missing out (FOMO).
Work-Life Balance
Employees used to spend their 9-5 in an office. This made it easier for everyone to start and end work around the same time each day. In today’s world, a lot more employees work remotely or can access their work from the comfort of their own homes. This makes it extremely difficult to have a work-life balance.
The Signs and Symptoms
If you suspect that you’re experiencing digital anxiety, try to be on the lookout for these signs and symptoms:
Hopelessness
Increased heart rate
Irritability
Isolation
Lack of concentration
Loneliness
Restlessness
Sleeping issues
How to Manage Digital Anxiety
It may seem impossible to find a better balance with the digital world, but here are some ways that you can learn how to better manage your digital use and the anxiety that comes with it:
Detox from the digital world from time to time
Nurture your in-person and real connections
Incorporate mindfulness
Practice self-care
Set boundaries
If your digital anxiety starts to impact your life negatively, additional help may be required to help you find that balance you’re looking for. A therapist can provide you with the support and guidance to help you navigate these signs and symptoms you’re struggling with. The technology world is constantly growing. We’re here to help you when you’re ready. All you have to do is pick up the phone and set up a consultation. We’ll be waiting!