In today’s fast-paced world, exposure to technology all the time takes a huge toll on our mental health. No matter how much we try to avoid it, our dependence on technology has increased manifolds and has become an integral part of our lives. We need to depend on technology for most of our daily work. Even students can’t do without a laptop these days since a major portion of school work or project work has to be done on a laptop! We use laptops, smartphones, computers, and various other gadgets for work, socialising, entertainment, and more. Although technology has brought a lot of benefits and has added value to our lives, it also poses challenges to our mental health. Let’s dive into the impact of technology on mental well-being and learn a few tips on finding a healthy balance.
- Mental Health vs. Digital Age
High use of social media has shown severe effects on mental health that cause anxiety and depression. No doubt that technology has drastically changed the way we communicate, work, and access information, but it has also raised stress levels and a lot of mental health concerns. Here are some ways technology can affect our mental well-being:
- Social Media Anxiety:
A lot of people want instant gratification through their various posts on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter which can lead to feelings of incompetency, creating a fear of being left out, restlessness, and anxiety. If you tend to compare your life constantly with others it can ruin your self-image. There are many people who show a fake lifestyle full of glitz and glamour which may not be even true but can create a feeling of low esteem, and trigger jealousy or depression in you.
- Social Media and Impatience:
The posts on social media get instant reactions which generally doesn’t happen in real life and hence results in impatience. When you do not get an immediate reaction to your social media posts, you tend to become impatient and restless. It is essential to understand the difference between the virtual world and the real world to strike a healthy balance.
- Social Media and depression:
Too much use of social media can lead to depression in teenagers. It makes them feel that other people’s lives are so good and happening since that is what’s displayed on the posts most of the time. They feel bad about their bodies by watching perfect models all the time on screen. When people spend too much time on social media and not enough time with real friends, they might trigger loneliness in them.
In a nutshell, technology has brought many positive changes in our lives in many ways, but In order to set boundaries while using technology, it is essential to strike a balance for a healthy mind. While it offers many benefits, using it mindfully is imperative to avoid the negative impacts on our minds and overall well-being. Remember, it’s okay to take a step back from the digital world and prioritise your mental well-being. Take a break from technology and have a digital detox once in a while to lead a happier, healthier life.
