Digital Overuse

In a 2018 Monitor on Psychology, Clay wrote about the overuse of digital devises. She noted, "People's love of social media, emails and texts has created a new category of tech users: "constant checkers," who relentlessly scan their smartphones, computers and tablets for the next wave of messages" (p. 77). She referenced a conclusion reached from the American Psychological Association's 2017 Stress in America survey that 43 percent our population qualify as constant checkers, and almost 20 percent complain that technology causes them stress. Also she reported a review of the literature's finding that excessive smartphone use is associated with anxiety and depression .

Who among us hasn't witnessed a  gathering in which one or more participants seem to be at least as interested in interacting with technology as with their companions? Clay (2018) cited Paula Durlofsky, Ph. D., a private practitioner, who has seen a rapid rise of adult clients with social media concerns. Dr. Durlofsky strongly advises that her clients use social media to foster offline friendships but not to replace them. In my opinion as well, nothing is more intimate than real face-to-face connection.

If you would like to consider that you might be a digital overuser, feel free to CONTACT ME .

REFERENCE

Clay, R. A.  (2018). Treating the misuse of digital devices. Monitor on Psychology, 49(10), 76-79.