In the world today, people have the opportunity to connect with others and information more than ever before through the use of search engines, social media platforms, and messaging apps. There is an endless stream of content and information, and staying in touch with someone or up to date with their life or the events of the world has never been easier. However, these advancements aren’t making people feel better; in fact, they are making people feel worse. More people are struggling with their mental health and are actually feeling lonely. Being hyper-connected is actually making people feel increasingly isolated. The world today and the digital connections that are made are having the opposite impact that is intended and are creating mental health struggles, emotional distance, and loneliness.
Here are some important considerations around the digital world and mental health, so you can become more aware of how you and others may be feeling, so you can take proactive action and seek the right support for your mental health.
The growing epidemic of mental health struggles and loneliness
Loneliness isn’t just a feeling; it is intertwined with mental health and is something that is spreading quickly across the world. Feelings of loneliness have been linked to a variety of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and more severe conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Loneliness can have an extremely damaging impact on your life and wellbeing, and should be taken seriously. Yet in the world today, when you are supposed to be more advanced and connected, loneliness is rising, and it is killing. Interacting on games and social media means people are not leaving their homes, interacting with real people, and lacking the depth of real-world connections.
Social media is a double-edged sword for mental health
Social media is amazing at providing people with information and access to support that you might otherwise not be able to get. You now live in a world where you are virtually surrounded by others and professionals in a variety of industries, including those who can support your mental health. However, social media is so superficial that the nature of the type of connections you are seeking online can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness. One huge factor in this is the idealized version of life and unrealistic expectations that social media platforms create. Research in this area is still very new, but it has begun to show that frequent use of social media can lead to social comparison and foster feelings of low self-esteem, inadequacy, and the fear of missing out (FOMO). These can create or exacerbate mental health conditions and create a negative cycle of using social media for comfort, but only feel worse after.
The dopamine dilemma and constant notifications
Dopamine is the feel-good chemical that human beings seek out. Social media is an ideal way to get that dopamine hit, with all the pings your phone makes for the likes, comments, and other notifications. This can feel extremely rewarding for people, but then it contributes to a constant cycle of seeking more notifications. This has created a reliance on online approval and an addiction to digital validation. Unfortunately, this constant search for rewards leaves people feeling even more disconnected from the world but stuck in a cycle of seeking. People have become more preoccupied with virtual hits over meaningful, in-person connections. This is fueling social anxiety and social withdrawal. People are spending less time in real life, and this is leading to less understanding of social cues and body language, which is a normal part of being human.
These notifications are also fueling the idea that you have to be available. This can be extremely overwhelming and stressful, as pressure rises. There is no way to go home and switch off, like humans used to do. Digital distractions are problematic.
Mental health decline and substance abuse
Loneliness and mental health decline are deeply connected to substance abuse, particularly alcohol and drugs. People who feel isolated or those who are struggling with mental health issues often turn to substances as a way to cope with emotional pain as a form of self-medication. This is a way people have learned to cope with difficult and distressing feelings of sadness, anxiety, or loneliness.
Alcohol and drug use may initially provide temporary relief from feelings of loneliness or distress, but over time, they exacerbate mental health problems. Further isolation is created when depression and anxiety accompany addiction. This, unfortunately, deepens all the difficult feelings and creates a negative cycle. When people feel emotionally disconnected, it can be easy to turn to substances, especially with them being normalized on digital platforms. Fortunately, with the rise in compassionate and comprehensive rehabilitation centres, people are able to seek the support they deserve.
Reclaiming real connection
To help combat loneliness and the decline in mental health, individuals can start to take small steps in a different direction. The first and most important thing is to become aware of how you feel and what your habits currently look like. Then you can begin to build new habits and prioritize authentic, in-person connections. Setting boundaries, prioritizing in-person connections, and seeking professional mental health support can go a very long way.
Mental health support is going to be crucial in addressing some of the underlying causes of loneliness and mental health decline. There are many professionals out there who can help individuals understand emotional needs and develop healthier coping mechanisms for the deeper struggles. Incorporating more physical activities and creative outlets is also a great addition to building a stronger social network with in-person connections.
The paradox of hyper-connectivity is something that just cannot be denied. Technology can bring people closer, and is supposed to, but it is driving people apart more often than not. Mental health struggles are just one of the consequences of modern technology.
