3 Ways to Combat Digital Stress for the Constantly Connected

1. Know if your young person might be more susceptible to the effects of digital stress. Some prior research suggests that those who have had previous psychological challenges may be hit harder by the effects of digital stress, especially when how they use digital media is taken into consideration. If your young person has struggled in this way, being in close conversation with them about their use and what they see online can help to catch issues before they escalate.
2. Focus on quality, not quantity. Digital stress isn’t so much about screen time as it is about how it’s used and consumed. So ask your young person more focused questions such as “What do you like and dislike about this platform?” “Why do you use it?” How does this improve your relationships with your friends?” or “Does interacting this way ever make you sad, mad, or frustrated?” By trying to understand their motivations behind why they use what they use, you can get a sense of whether it's being used in a healthy way or if their digital use needs to include more positive aspects.
3. Don’t assume that eliminating social media eliminates the problem. Challenges with depression, anxiety, and other emotional states are complex, and taking away one’s phone or deleting Tik Tok won’t alleviate it (in all cases). In fact, in some instances, a young person’s online social network and the strong connections they have there may actually bolster mental well-being, so cutting them off from social support only adds fuel to the fire. Instead, dig a little deeper and ask questions about the root of the problem, including feeling anxious, left out, or overwhelmed based on digital interactions.

Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!

Reflection:

Do you struggle with digital stress?

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