Navigating the world online shapes not only how we connect and learn but also how we experience and manage our mental health.
We live in an era where the internet has rapidly and dramatically transformed society since its inception. Everything from the way we interact to the way we gain knowledge has been incalculably altered the world online.
In a world where everything is becoming more accessible to us, we face the dilemma of whether this is a blessing or a bane. Countless debates on the subject have born the answer that it helps us gain access to a number of things from the comfort of our homes.
This is quite the conundrum given that this accessibility in the world online can work for or against humanity. For the most part, the outcome of this is dependent on how we make use of the information available to us.
‘Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master’- Lous Lange
How the Online World is Reshaping Our Lives
A large number of studies have found a strong association between digitalization and poor mental health. The most common problem is, perhaps, cyber-bullying. Anonymity behind a screen lowers inhibitions and can lead to harmful behavior.
The internet can also be home to communities that pose a threat to society. Even the idea of sex has become disproportionately unrealistic through pornography which is easily accessible to anyone.
Content in the world online is often carefully curated to fit certain ideals. Unfortunately, these ideals can be harmful, leading to mental distress and triggering anxiety, social exclusion, and body image issues.
The Double-Edged Sword of Accessibility
Social media stands as a prominent facet of the digital age. It is true that social media has brought the world closer but at the same time, driven us apart. Social media has caused people to draw comparisons between their lives and the lives of the people online. But little do we know that it often only displays what they want people to see.
How much ever we understand that ‘nobody is perfect,’ this idea is seemingly impossible to grasp due to the content that we see. We strive for perfection based on this which poses a threat to mental health. Such as, having unrealistic goals that can hamper growth and sometimes even lead to depression, body dysmorphia and eating disorders.
Cyberbullying and the Dark Side of the Internet
Social media addiction has emerged out of the advancement of technology. There is so much content being created. Each new one striving to be more different than the other which keeps us ceaselessly interested.
There is also a fear of missing out which is like fuel to social media addiction and drives us to stay connected.
The currency of ‘likes’ and ‘views’ provides the validation that we seek to feel good about ourselves. It sets off a series of chemical reactions in the brain that work like any substance addiction.
The World Online and Its Impact on Young Minds
Most of us check social media daily, making it deeply woven into our lives. Its overuse has an even greater impact on developing children and teenagers, who are more vulnerable to its influence.
It goes without saying that they are more susceptible to the negative impacts of digitization. Thus, mental health care concerning technology should be tailored to their needs.
Navigating Health Care in the Online World
Technology advancement has also shifted our outlook at health care. It is so easy for us to find help online these days. When we experience something unusual or uncomfortable, we often turn to the internet. But this can lead us down a rabbit hole, exaggerating symptoms and leaving us convinced we have a deadly disease with only hours to live!
While many of us are guilty of this, there is also a positive side to having almost everything online and accessible to us. We can choose online counseling through smartphone apps or explore blogs and articles that address a wide range of issues. This is mainly beneficial to those seeking help who wish to remain anonymous. Although there are benefits to practicing self care, in many cases, seeking help in person potentially have a much better success rate.
Building a Healthier Relationship with the World Online
These instances give us the answers as to why mental health is such an important aspect right now. Although the misuse of the world online places a burden on our mental health, there are ways to reduce the negative impacts. Practicing digital hygiene can help form a better, much healthier relationship with technology and foster connectivity to the real world.
Growing evidence linking mental illnesses to digitization highlights the urgent need to prioritize mental health. Having a strong mental health means you are more resilient to adversities that can sometimes be unavoidable. Furthermore, mental health and physical health is strongly correlated so, maintaining a healthy body will contribute to a healthy mindset.
Building a healthy relationship with the online world starts with taking care of your mind. For simple, effective ways to support your mental health, read 7 Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Well-being.
So true!
The writing skills is great. Worth reading it.Do continue your good work.👍👍
Worth Reading👍
Excellent paper digital disease that will be common for most users and more among young people
As always very simple writing with lots to think about…marvelous Job keep doing what u do the best..God bless u my daughter..