Anxiety and Mental Health in the Digital Age
Anxiety and Mental Health in the Digital Age
By: Javier Hurtado, Business Services & Outsourcing Partnert
The digital age has transformed the way we communicate and work. We are living in a new reality where technology and artificial intelligence have significantly influenced our communication. In fact, we often learn about the news before it reaches traditional media, and many operational tasks have been replaced by IA tools.
However, often without realizing it, the excessive use of technology is contributing to rising levels of anxiety and other mental health issues in our society today. This type of anxiety manifests as a need for validation or “likes”, difficulty disconnecting, sleep disturbances, and a persistent sense of urgency, among other inconveniences.
The issue is that this excessive use and dependence is a form of addiction that triggers dopamine release and can lead to serious problems related to anxiety, neglect of key responsibilities, difficulty connecting with others, etc.
This new form of addiction does not yet have a specific treatment as in the case of traditional addictions (such as alcohol, tobacco, gambling, compulsive shopping, etc.). However, it is beneficial to begin a gradual process aimed at finding balance in our use of technology and digital devices. In that sense, we can start by doing the following:
- Start your day with physical activity and/or exercise suited to your abilities and preferences, for at least 30 minutes, to promote a positive mindset.
- Practice putting your phone aside during in-person meetings, meals, classes and similar situations, except in cases of emergencies or urgent circumstances. This will significantly improve your image, empathy, and interpersonal connections.
- Reduce the frequency of checking emails during non-working hours, weekends, or holidays. If something truly important arises, you will likely be called, and you can then assess the situation accordingly.
Finding a balance between the digital and the human world is a critical challenge of our time. It requires using technology more consciously in ways that support both our professional and emotional well-being.