The digital age has brought countless conveniences and advantages to our lives. However, the pervasive use of technology, particularly smartphones, tablets, and computers, has also been linked to increased levels of anxiety, stress, and overall mental health concerns (Twenge et al., 2018). As we strive for self-improvement and mental well-being, it is essential to examine the impact of our digital habits on our emotional health and implement strategies to manage anxiety related to screen time. In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between technology use and anxiety, discuss the importance of establishing healthy technology habits, and offer practical strategies for reducing screen time and managing anxiety in the digital age.
The Relationship Between Technology Use and Anxiety
Numerous studies have documented the association between excessive screen time and increased levels of anxiety and stress. For example, a study by Twenge and colleagues (2018) found that adolescents who spent more time on electronic devices were more likely to report symptoms of anxiety and depression than those who spent less time on screens. This finding is consistent with other research suggesting that excessive screen time, particularly on social media, can contribute to feelings of social isolation, loneliness, and low self-esteem, all of which can exacerbate anxiety symptoms (Primack et al., 2017).
One possible explanation for the relationship between technology use and anxiety is the phenomenon of “FOMO” or “fear of missing out.” FOMO refers to the anxiety that arises when individuals feel they are missing out on rewarding experiences that others are enjoying (Przybylski et al., 2013). The constant access to social media and the internet provided by smartphones and other devices can fuel FOMO by exposing users to an endless stream of information about the activities and achievements of others, leading to feelings of inadequacy and increased anxiety.
Another factor contributing to the link between technology use and anxiety is the impact of screen time on sleep quality. Research has shown that exposure to the blue light emitted by screens can disrupt our circadian rhythms and make it more difficult to fall asleep (Cajochen et al., 2011). Poor sleep quality, in turn, has been consistently linked to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns (Baglioni et al., 2011).
Given these associations between technology use and anxiety, it is crucial to develop healthy technology habits that promote emotional well-being and reduce anxiety.
The Importance of Establishing Healthy Technology Habits
Establishing healthy technology habits is essential for managing anxiety in the digital age. By becoming more mindful of our digital consumption and implementing strategies to reduce screen time, we can minimize the negative impacts of technology on our emotional health and improve our overall well-being.
In addition to reducing anxiety, developing healthy technology habits can also lead to other benefits, such as increased productivity, enhanced interpersonal relationships, and improved sleep quality. By taking intentional steps to manage our screen time and prioritize our mental health, we can create a more balanced and fulfilling relationship with technology.
Practical Strategies for Reducing Screen Time and Managing Anxiety
The following strategies can help you reduce screen time, manage anxiety related to technology use, and develop healthy technology habits that promote emotional well-being.
- Establish Technology-Free Zones and Times – One effective strategy for reducing screen time and managing anxiety is to designate specific areas of your home and times of the day as technology-free zones and times. For example, you might decide that the bedroom should be a screen-free space, or that the dinner table is reserved for face-to-face conversation rather than scrolling through social media. Similarly, you can establish times during the day, such as the first hour after waking up or the hour before bedtime when devices are off-limits. These boundaries can help you create a more balanced relationship with technology, reduce anxiety-provoking triggers, and encourage more meaningful connections with others.
- Implement the “20-20-20” Rule – The “20-20-20” rule is a simple strategy for reducing eye strain and mental fatigue associated with excessive screen time. The rule suggests that every 20 minutes, you should take a 20-second break from your screen and look at something 20 feet away. This brief pause allows your eyes to rest and refocus and can also serve as an opportunity to check in with your emotions and assess your anxiety levels. By incorporating regular breaks into your screen time routine, you can become more aware of how technology use affects your mental health and make adjustments as needed.
- Monitor and Limit Social Media Use – As social media is a significant contributor to anxiety and FOMO, it is essential to monitor and limit your use of these platforms. Consider setting daily time limits for social media apps on your phone, and remove the apps from your home screen to reduce the temptation to mindlessly scroll. Additionally, be mindful of the content you consume on social media and curate your feeds to include positive, inspiring, and uplifting content that supports your mental health rather than exacerbates anxiety.
- Engage in Mindful and Relaxing Activities – One way to counteract the anxiety-provoking effects of technology use is to engage in mindful and relaxing activities that promote emotional well-being. Examples of such activities include meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and spending time in nature. By prioritizing activities that help you relax and recharge, you can create a healthier balance between technology use and self-care, ultimately reducing anxiety and improving your mental health.
- Foster Meaningful Connections Offline – In the digital age, it is easy to become overly reliant on technology for social connection, but this can contribute to feelings of loneliness and anxiety. To combat this, make an effort to foster meaningful connections with friends, family, and colleagues offline. Schedule regular phone calls or video chats, attend social events, and engage in activities that promote face-to-face interactions. These connections can help to alleviate anxiety and provide a strong support system that is essential for maintaining emotional well-being.
- Seek Professional Help if Necessary – If your anxiety related to technology use becomes overwhelming or begins to interfere with your daily life, it is essential to seek professional help. A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or therapist, can help you develop coping strategies for managing anxiety, provide guidance on establishing healthy technology habits, and support you in making lasting changes to improve your emotional well-being.
Managing anxiety in the digital age is both a challenge and an opportunity for personal growth. By recognizing the impact of screen time on our mental health and taking proactive steps to reduce our exposure to anxiety-provoking digital content, we can develop healthier relationships with technology and improve our overall well-being. Remember that self-improvement is a lifelong journey, and it is essential to remain open to change, adapt to new circumstances, and continuously strive to maintain a healthy balance between our digital and offline lives.
References Baglioni, C., Battagliese, G., Feige, B., Spiegelhalder, K., Nissen, C., Voderholzer, U., ... & Riemann, D. (2011). Insomnia as a predictor of depression: a meta-analytic evaluation of longitudinal epidemiological studies. Journal of Affective Disorders, 135(1-3), 10-19. Cajochen, C., Frey, S., Anders, D., Späti, J., Bues, M., Pross, A., Mager, R., Wirz-Justice, A., & Stefani, O. (2011). Evening exposure to a light-emitting diodes (LED)-backlit computer screen affects circadian physiology and cognitive performance. Journal of Applied Physiology, 110(5), 1432-1438. Primack, B. A., Shensa, A., Sidani, J. E., Whaite, E. O., Lin, L. Y., Rosen, D., ... & Miller, E. (2017). Social media use and perceived social isolation among young adults in the US. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 53(1), 1-8. Przybylski, A. K., Murayama, K., DeHaan, C. R., & Gladwell, V. (2013). Motivational, emotional, and behavioral correlates of fear of missing out. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(4), 1841-1848. Twenge, J. M., Joiner, T. E., Rogers, M. L., & Martin, G. N. (2018). Increases in depressive symptoms, suicide-related outcomes, and suicide rates among US adolescents after 2010 and links to increased new media screen time. Clinical Psychological Science, 6(1), 3-17.
