The internet can be a double-edged sword – it can act as a channel of connection, communication, education, information, and entertainment, however, some of its drawbacks include information overload, social comparisons, and extreme news reporting styles. These negative aspects of the internet may produce anxious feelings or compound feelings of overwhelm in those with pre-existing anxiety.
While the sheer amount of information available on the internet can be quite overwhelming, the lack of quality of this information and the inability to control the flow of incoming information may be the real problem (Tunikova, 2018). These factors can create information overload, which Tunikova (2018) describes as a stressful experience where data consumption is greater than the amount of information that is able to be mentally processed. Information overload may lead to issues such as anxious feelings, brain fog, or the inability to make decisions.
Tunikova (2018) suggests that we should pay attention to the quantity and quality of the information we consume and if we are experiencing information overload we should try unplugging for at least a few hours. During this time away from devices, we should focus on completing one activity at a time, such as reading a book, gardening, walking outside, or finishing a puzzle, as these types of activities generate calm by tuning out other forms of external stimuli and act to stimulate the brain’s parietal lobe, which in turn lowers anxiety (Thomas, 2021; Tunikov, 2018).
Another potential source of anxiety is comparisons on social media. Research by Hardie and Tee (2011) shows that the more time people spend actively checking social media accounts and engaging in social comparison, the more likely they will experience anxiety. Similarly, looking for likes and follows is striving for external validation and if it is not received, it may worsen anxious feelings.
Like most things in life, it’s a good idea to approach social media in moderation. Again, taking a break and participating in single-focus activities are beneficial when social media comparisons are creating anxious feelings. Additionally, it pays to bear in mind that social comparisons are mentally taxing and actually futile as no one else has shared our exact life experiences up until this point, so no true comparisons can be made. Instead, you should set goals for what you want to accomplish in your life (Hope and Wellness, 2019).
Finally, news reporting headlines wish to grab our attention by creating extreme reactions in us – they have the potential to trigger anxiety and fear. If the news headlines are causing you to feel overwhelmed, Tyrell (2022b) suggests reading past the headline, as this may prove that the headline was misleading or even downright fake. We should also analyse the report, question where the story has come from, and ask what does the report add to your life? Is it uplifting? If it weighs us down emotionally, perhaps we should take a step back and not read it (Tyrell, 2022b).
How do you feel when you take some time away from the internet?
References
Hardie, E. & Tee, M. (2011). Excessive internet use: The role of personality, loneliness, and social support networks in internet addiction. http://www.swinburne.edu.au/hosting/ijets/journal/V5N1/pdf/Article3_Hardie.pdf.
Hope and Wellness (2019). Destroy your anxiety by building up your confidence. https://www.hopetherapyandwellness.com/blog/149601-destroy-your-anxiety-by-building-up-your-confidence
Tunikova, O. (2018). Are we consuming too much information? https://medium.com/@tunikova/are-we-consuming-too-much-information-b68f62500089
Tyrell, M. (2022b). How to stop ‘headline thinking’ in your depressed and anxious clients. https://www.unk.com/blog/stop-headline-thinking/
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