Mental Health And Technology

Without question, people spend more time using technology today than ever. From scrolling social media to using the Internet for work, some people are rarely disconnected. As technology becomes intertwined with life, questions have emerged about the negative effects of spending so much time online, especially when it comes to mental health.

Technology influences multiple facets of your emotional state, from how you connect with others to how you feel about yourself. This close connection between technology use and mental health may lead to unforeseen consequences. Take a closer look at the connection between mental well-being and technology, how to disconnect to benefit your mental health and more.

The Connection Between Mental Health and Technology

The ubiquity of today’s technology means most people are exposed to the Internet for several hours daily. Social media platforms and smartphone applications create an open connection to outlying influences that can be accessed at will. Unfortunately, several studies have found that this deep-rooted connection can be linked to mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety.

While more research is needed, social media site users may be more likely to struggle with their mental state. For example, some studies have found that young adults who frequently use social networking sites such as Facebook have higher rates of depression and may be more inclined to report feeling unhappy. However, other studies have found that technology may enhance social connections for some groups, especially older adults. With this conflicting information, you have to look at both sides.

Technology may be beneficial for some because it can strengthen social connections. Yet, too much technology can lead to a pervasive awareness of strong or weak social connections, which can contribute to low self-esteem, stress, or even anxiety and depression. Furthermore, open connections to others may blur boundaries and lead to stress and anxiety. For instance, technology allows an employer to be in constant contact with an employee, which may contribute to a lack of work/life boundaries.

What About Technology Addiction?

Technology or Internet addiction disorder is not yet listed as a verifiable condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). However, an addiction to the Internet can bear similarities to other types of addiction, particularly among adolescents.

Internet addiction can involve difficulty regulating Internet use despite the negative consequences of being constantly online. This type of addiction can even involve withdrawal symptoms and can detrimentally affect everything from academic performance and mood to effective in-person communication. Research has also drawn links between what appears to be Internet addiction and low self-esteem, depression, and other mental health concerns. Some people have to work through this addiction while in a mental health rehab center.

Taking a Break From Technology — How to Disconnect

While technology has its advantages, time away from the Internet may be important to your mental health. A few ways to disconnect include:

Create deliberate times when tech is not allowed: Set aside certain times during the day when you will silence your phone, turn off the computer, and work on other activities. This could mean no phones during family dinner or while enjoying a hobby.
Use apps to keep tech usage times in check: Numerous apps allow you to set a time limit on, say, social media use. These apps track time and alert you when you’ve reached your limit.
Foster in-person social connections without technology: Schedule face-to-face time with your most important social connections instead of only interacting with them via the phone or social media.

Recognize Signs That Technology Is Negatively Impacting Your Life

Disconnecting comes as a challenge for many individuals. However, spending less time online may be the key to supporting your mental health. If you have recognized a decline in your mental well-being and you believe technology may be to blame, talking to a mental health professional may help.

Sources:

https://counseling.online.wfu.edu/blog/exploring-link-technology-mental-health/

https://onlinedegrees.bradley.edu/blog/how-does-technology-affect-mental-health/