Sep 06, 2024
by Humera

Regardless of our inclinations, technology is increasingly essential in our daily lives. Although there are many wonderful things about modern technology, being able to access a culture that is always online can be exhausting. We can't imagine modern life without technology. Whether we're in the office, at home, or doing remote work, we use it. But it's not always simple to strike a balance between the benefits of connection and the risks of screen addiction. This blog will discuss the effects of technology on people's mental health and offer advice on how to find a joyful medium.

Technological influences on emotional well-being

The National Library of Medicine has released numerous studies and publications on mental health that have demonstrated a correlation between excessive social media use and symptoms of anxiety and sadness. Several studies have found that spending more time in front of screens, including social media, can have a detrimental impact on mental health. More research is required before we can come to a final conclusion, though, according to studies conducted by the Mental Health Foundation. Nonetheless, there is an increase in the number of patients whose symptoms are associated with their tech use. Research indicates that tech use can impact people's mental health in a variety of ways. According to the National Library of Medicine, some people experience psychological problems such as narcissism, distraction, anxiety, despair, sleep problems, stress, and the expectation of immediate reward as a result of being constantly online.

  • Lack of self-control and patience

Feeling uneasy might be a result of misreading someone's emotions, taking something out of context, or experiencing the same thing from another person. If you find yourself obsessively thinking about your article or the number of likes or comments it has received, anxiety can set in. Another issue is that the many forms of disrespect that flourish on social media can exacerbate people's poor self-esteem, lack of confidence, anxiety, and depression.

Does the prospect of not receiving a quick response to your most recent WhatsApp or SMS message fill you with anxiety? Or do you find yourself preoccupied with seeing how many likes your most recent post got and what your pals are up to on social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook?

  • Sleep issues

If you sleep next to your phone, it will be lighter because you are subconsciously expecting a message. When you keep your phone close to your bed, you set your mind to anticipate a communication, whether it's a Facebook notice or a text, and as a result, you won't get a wonderful night's rest. You are constantly vigilant, even during periods of rest.

Another potential issue is that blue light from phones interrupts your body's natural sleep/wake cycle and reduces melatonin production, the hormone that helps you sleep. That should be enough to keep you awake for the time being. Anxiety and despair are among the harmful consequences of even low-level artificial light, such as that emitted by computer or television screens.

  • Internet addiction

Internet addiction, especially among younger demographics like adolescents, is becoming a significant issue. Internet addiction disorder shares numerous similarities with other forms of addiction, such as the emergence of withdrawal symptoms upon restricting online access. Although the internet has advantages in terms of education and enhancing interpersonal connections, it can also pose problems due to internet addiction, which can have adverse effects on academic performance and hinder effective face-to-face communication. Studies have also identified a correlation between specific mental disorders and excessive internet usage, such as depression, diminished self-worth, and feelings of isolation. Currently, a significant proportion of adolescents are victims of various forms of cyberbullying.

  • Mental illness and digital media

Several studies have demonstrated a link between depression and using social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, according to Pantic's literature review. Pantic quickly warns that further research is necessary before the counseling community widely accepts the conclusions from the aforementioned studies as fact. Still, the findings are worth examining. Pantic reported on a 2013 study that revealed younger persons who often used Facebook were less satisfied, presumably due to the platform. Pantic also commented on a study he was part of that revealed high school students who regularly used social media had greater depression rates.

  • Low self-esteem

Pantic suggested that social media can cause low self-esteem in some people. Social media users may assume other users are more successful, gorgeous, intellectual, etc. A study at a university in Utah, according to Pantic, suggested that social media users believed their colleagues were more successful and happier than they were. Pantic emphasized that depression may be associated with these feelings, particularly if the individuals have or are likely to develop mental health issues. Social comparison and unfavorable online encounters exacerbated anxiety and despair.

  • Adverse physical effects

Excessive use of technology often has negative effects on the body. Because physical issues can affect your health and emotions, it's important to evaluate how prolonged technology use may affect your mental health. Technology can impact your health in a variety of ways, including

  • Muscle strain
  • Soreness in the spinal cord
  • Muscle aches
  • Optical fatigue

Some of these issues stem from staring at screens for too long, while others are the direct outcome of slouched posture. Blue light from screens can cause insomnia and poor sleep. Using a bright screen repeatedly for 5 consecutive days might cause a delay of 1.5 hours in circadian rhythms. Because technology disrupts everyday routines, there is a reduction in physical activity. Globally, a lack of physical activity accounts for approximately 3.2 million fatalities annually.

  • A lack of social interaction

Social media has heightened people's addiction to these sites. When asked how they would have felt if their phone had gone missing, the majority expressed feelings of sadness, fear, and powerlessness. The number of times people use social media has grown over the last two years. This makes people's "fear of missing out" (FOMO) stronger. People are spending a staggering 10 hours and 39 minutes in front of screens compared to last year. Employees have come to terms with the fact that they spend less time interacting with coworkers face-to-face due to technological initiatives.

Here are some basic tips to prevent mental health issues:

  1. Remove or unfollow any accounts or apps that bring you down or make you feel uneasy; this includes relatives and family.
  2. Remove yourself from as many email lists as you can. A decrease in the number of incoming emails makes their management much simpler.
  3. If you want to concentrate, turn off all background noise and notifications.
  4. According to studies, it usually takes between thirty and twenty-five minutes to get back to the original task after getting sidetracked.
  5. Keep in mind that the best and most efficient method to address a problem is to talk about it face-to-face.
  6. If you're addicted to social media, it may be time to take a break or at least reduce your screen time. Take advantage of this time to unwind or engage in a beloved activity that doesn't require a screen.
  7. If you're having trouble sleeping, you can download a free app that changes the screen's brightness according to the time of day. This could help you maintain a regular sleep-wake cycle.
  8. Don't use gadgets for at least an hour before bed. This is another useful tip to  make your body calm down and ready for sleep. A sleep mask may also be useful.

Tech tools also contribute to mental health

Technology is improving mental health treatment through a variety of means, including the use of smartphone and computer applications that provide cost-effective services and information to consumers. Furthermore, there are specific platforms accessible to patients that enable them to engage in online cognitive behavioral therapy courses, in addition to smartphone applications that enhance mental well-being. Big White Wall is a web-based platform that helps people with anxiety and depression manage their symptoms at home. The platform utilizes various tools, such as educational materials, online discussions, and virtual courses focused on mental health topics, to achieve this.

How can mental health counselors harness technology?

Helping people gain access to resources that can enhance their mental health is an important function that mental health counselors can play. Instead of replacing in-person counseling, technology can complement it. Digital platforms can foster deeper working relationships between counselors and clients, particularly for younger clients who are accustomed to daily technology use. Through these platforms, counselors can connect with clients in underprivileged or remote locations who are unable to travel for personal meetings. Communicating with clients through phone conversations and text messages can be quite successful for counselors. In addition, counselors are finding success in primary care settings by utilizing telehealth technologies, such as video calling or instant messaging, to communicate with clients.

Due to the widespread use of technology, especially the internet and internet-based platforms like social media and smartphone apps, mental health counselors may encounter clients with digital media issues. Counselors should always follow the ethical rules on technology use, even if they can use internet tools to assist with counseling or offer counseling services. The American Counseling Association's Ethics Code and the National Board for Certified Counselors website provide these guidelines.

It is evident that technological advancements are also enhancing mental health treatment, as the influence of technology has expanded to the field of medicine. In contrast, research has demonstrated that smartphone applications, which may be beneficial for managing mental health issues, can also exacerbate them in certain circumstances. Conversely, it is imperative for prospective mental health counselors to possess a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between technology and mental health in order to excel in their profession. Counselors must improve their technological skills while also adhering to ethical guidelines and the law.

Conclusion

Anxiety, depression, and sleep problems are just some of the mental health difficulties that have been associated with technology use. The constant barrage of messages and the expectation of constant connectivity can easily overwhelm and exhaust us. Researchers have linked social media use to an increased risk of developing anxiety and despair, lower levels of self-esteem, and problems with body image. Feelings of isolation can have an effect on mental health when people spend more time interacting with others online and less time interacting with real-life people.

But technology also has the potential to improve people's psychological well-being. For people who might not otherwise have it, it can be a tremendous source of social support and a sense of belonging. Individuals in need of mental health care during the epidemic have found teletherapy to be an invaluable resource, and those living in rural areas now have easier access to mental health treatments overall. However, it is beneficial for mental health counselors to gain a deeper understanding of the research and insights into the impact of technology on mental health, including its positive effects. There are numerous observable areas where the advancement of technology has empowered clients to control their mental health care.