{"id":523,"date":"2020-07-31T09:27:00","date_gmt":"2020-07-31T14:27:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stillwaterscounsel.com\/?p=523"},"modified":"2025-01-22T07:32:04","modified_gmt":"2025-01-22T15:32:04","slug":"digital-self-harm-and-how-it-contributes-to-anxiety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stillwaterscounsel.com\/es\/posts\/digital-self-harm-and-how-it-contributes-to-anxiety\/","title":{"rendered":"Digital Self-Harm And How It Contributes To Anxiety"},"content":{"rendered":"

Does digital media make us happier? The answer to that question seems to be a resounding no. Does that surprise you?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

A \u200brecent study<\/a> found that one in five people feel depressed about using digital media (e.g. social platforms, internet portals,etc.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It has been proven that excessive use of screens leads to addiction, lack of energy and creativity, lack of social skills, as well as physical health problems (vision problems, and even obesity). However, the fact is that we are all technology-oriented in our daily lives, and in order to communicate, we often need to use digital media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the past two decades, the internet was primarily used for entertainment and surfing the web. Today it is mostly used for interpersonal communication. Most people use digital media and social networks to fulfill different social needs, including affiliation, \u200bself-presentation\u200b<\/a>, and self-expression\u200b<\/a>. \u200bSocial platforms can have many advantages, but their overuse can often make us feel dissatisfied, isolated, and can even harm an individual\u2019s mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Oftentimes, people are trying to make up for their insecurities on social media. However, they may not realize how dangerous that is. Chasing after likes, friends, followers leads to a special feeling of satisfaction, but it is a false sense of belonging. People, especially the younger populace, fall into this trap. The virtual world is full of illusions, and someday there will come a time when they will have to face reality beyond the internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can a person recognize the first signs of anxiety due to the excessive use of digital media?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most common symptoms of the negative impact of digital media on mental health include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. A lack of self-confidence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We all possess some kind of insecurity. Self-confident people believe more in themselves and their abilities, while people who have low self-confidence think they are incompetent, insignificant, unloved, burdened with negative thoughts and fears, do not take initiative, are afraid of change and risk, have a distorted image of themselves and others, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Isolation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A human is by nature a social being and has a constant need to meet new people to enrich their life experience. Many people usually spend countless hours on digital media, developing an unintentional \u200baddiction<\/a>\u200b. At the same time, they lose the desire to make new friendships in real life. Addiction is more likely to develop in cases of easy internet access from any location and without restrictions, as with smartphones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Not living in a moment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A person isn\u2019t living in the moment if they are too preoccupied with constantly adjusting filters and hashtags on social media. To achieve a healthy and functional life on an emotional and spiritual level, this person must learn to live in the present moment and be aware of their surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. A lack of sleep<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lack of sleep affects just about every aspect of human life. But because of our modern lifestyle and numerous obligations, people often sacrifice their sleep. This can lead to elevated levels of \u200bcortisol<\/a>\u200b, also known as the stress hormone, in the body. High levels of cortisol affect a person\u2019s mood and a person starts to feel unhappy. This will inevitably lead to anxiety and depression, and if left untreated it can lead to serious consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. <\/strong>Fear of missing out (FOMO)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fear of missing out is based on the idea that someone else is experiencing a great time and we are not part of it. This is a very destructive fear in which we have the feeling that everything passes by us. That is why it isn\u2019t unusual to see people in cafes, offices, classrooms constantly looking at their mobile phones, fearing that something important will happen in a few minutes, and if they put down their phones, they will somehow miss out on critical information. This reinforced behavior can put someone in a state of depression, intense remorse, and anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What can a person do when they notice digital media having a negative impact on them?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n