Impact of Technology on Wellbeing in Adults

Most of us remember the pandemic and the years following as a time of isolation. We were all strained by being unable to see our friends and family for their safety. Even being unable to have conversations with the bagger at the supermarket weighed on our mental health and social expression.

Social media and video chatting services such as Zoom were a saving grace as they allowed for connection during this lonely time. Working remotely, though not without its challenges, allowed us to continue to make a living as well as avoid commuting. The digital world allowed us an opportunity to connect with others when the world was shut down.

Now that COVID concerns are dwindling, those who benefitted from the convenience of tech during the pandemic continue to look into ways that the online world can benefit them. In doing so, however, adults need to be mindful that not every opportunity to connect, find entertainment, and peer into their friends' and neighbors' lives can be beneficial. Today's adults are the first generation to grow up during the tech boom.  Looking at the effects of the modern world on us may be beneficial in deciding once and for all if tech is mostly good or mostly bad for our psyche.

Starting with the positives: the convenience of many tech advancements can help manage anxiety. If you struggle with wanting to keep up with your kids, find recipes for dinner, or book tickets for activities - having all the tools at your fingertips can be a huge relief. In addition, there are many apps created for stress management with emotional well-being in mind. There are apps for meditation, mindfulness, and stress management. There are also endless opportunities to learn about and engage with wellness practices you might not be familiar with through research on the internet or forums.

Though personal usage can be a huge benefit, some of the best applications of new tech come in the form of treatment options and tools for those who are in need. This is known as technology-based interventions, which can be described as a point of contact that can be made on smartphones and tablets that allow for better, more consistent, and more discreet reporting between doctors and patients.

Connecting with patients virtually can help with more accurate and timely reporting of symptoms. In cases of those who have chronic or degenerative diseases, these interventions can give reminders to take medicine or provide daily activities to help keep patients in top condition without the need for significant contact. Another type of tech assisting in the treatment of mental health conditions is virtual reality.  Through testing, virtual reality programs are shown to be a component in successfully treating post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety.

Despite the beneficial nature of several technological advancements in treatment and monitoring, irresponsible or habitual use of tech can be a danger to adults just the same as teens and children. Though a mature adult brain is more capable of parsing through information they are just as susceptible to the addictive nature of social media as their younger counterparts.

57% of the global population of adults uses social media, and in the United States, the average time spent on social media is about two and a half hours, or about 15% of the day. Adults are most likely to use Youtube or Facebook and one of the most critical components of their viewing time is news. With many papers going digital, and TV stations opting to post reels or upload clips from their broadcast online, more than 50% of all internet users claim they are getting their news from social media.

Though accessibility to news is positive, it also can be a challenge for older people or those with less tech literacy. Misinformation on social media sites is common, and finding out what is and isn't true can be a challenge for the older generation. Certain news sources or false claims can radicalize those who can’t differentiate, later leading to feelings of isolation, misunderstanding, or general grief.

Social media’s popularity has also enticed brands to invest in marketing campaigns targeting users of these sites, which has in turn brought on the reign of influencers who can generate brand loyalty through their charismatic personas. As of 2022, 268 million individuals were purchasing products online. Between the competitive pricing, a wide range of goods, and accessibility it’s easy to see why e-commerce has become a hallmark of the online world. This however can create a dilemma for adults online who may struggle financially, or buy into unrealistic expectations about their material status. This also feeds into consumerism which has been shown to affect impulse control self-esteem and overall life satisfaction negatively.

Overuse of devices has been linked to depression and difficulty focusing. More than your mind, however, extended periods of screen-time have been shown to disrupt circadian rhythm resulting in poorer sleep. In addition, the blue light from devices such as tablets, smartphones, and computers can damage the eyes.

Feelings of isolation and low self-worth are associated with extended social media usage. According to a 2017 study conducted by the American Journal of Preventative Medicine adults who classified themselves as regular social media users reported feelings of isolation and low self-worth at three times the rate of non-habitual users. This is why it is more important for us as adults to affirm ourselves and our friends and remember that social media is not real.  It’s important to embrace ourselves, even without the filters.

The developments in tech can feel monumental and overwhelming. The same can be said for the way that it envelops and intertwines with our lives. As always, moderation is the key to using technology to the fullest. It’s also wise to stay grounded and check in regularly with the type of content you engage with. Whether you’re keeping up with grandma over Facetime or looking at your dream decor on Pinterest, the key to balancing your mental health is to keep one foot in the real world while dipping into the digital.