Is social media a positive outlet for personal affirmation or is contributing to feelings of anxiety and low self-esteem?
I was flipping through the Sams Club magazine and came to a page with the title “Know When to Disconnect” and my curiosity got the better of me. After a few lines, I saw the diagnosis Disconnect Anxiety and was very surprised. Sadly, after reading the article, I realize that disconnect anxiety is a real malady of the 21st century. While I was away on a recent medical mission trip, I had no Wi-Fi during most of the day and found myself longing for service at the end of the day. It was such a pleasure to walk into the hotel and feel the rapid vibration of my phone and see the flurry of messages and notifications.
The concept of Internet addiction has moved from the funny pages to the scientific journals.
Disconnect anxiety is defined as a feeling of discomfort that occurs when unable to access the online world and symptoms can range from mild discomfort to outright panic. According to research, 27 percent of the population suffers increased levels of anxiety when separated from their cell phones or the Internet, and a further 41 percent suffer occasional anxiety due to communications blackout. Our devices can go with us anywhere and we can constantly be reached and reach others. But frequently, the connections right in front of us become a secondary, or tertiary priority.
In an interview, clinical psychologist Catherine Steiner-Adair points out that somehow it now seems OK to be having a face-to-face conversation with one person while having a text conversation with someone else and simultaneously scrolling through Facebook to see what others are doing. At the sound of the “ping!” or ringtone, we abandon the people we’re in conversation with, engaged with or dining with and remove ourselves to the land of elsewhere. According to Dr. Steiner-Adair, families are facing the struggle of balancing the benefits of technology with the problems that come along with constant connection.
It is a time of technological wonder, but like everything, it is important to maintain balance and discipline in our lives. We’re ultimately in control of our online environment and experience.
- Consider unplugging March 4-5, 2016 during the National Day of Unplugging.
- Create some screen-free zones in your home and family life.
- Learn how to outsmart that aspect of your smartphone that makes you feel anxious if you go out the door without it.
- Give yourself the freedom to be fully engaged in whatever it is you’re doing.
- Choose to be fully present – at dinner, at the movies, at the gym, during family time.
Article: The anxiety of unplugging and why we should disconnect to connect.
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To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Educate . Empower . Encourage
Promoting inner health & outer beauty!
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