The Role Technology Plays On Social Anxiety
As parents, it can be hard to
keep track of the multitude of ways our
children are using online platforms.
We worry about if it has an impact on
them, do I need to lower their screen time,
is it really beneficial? It adds a whole new
component to keeping our children safe.
Introduction to the issue:
Technology and the online world is diverse and forever changing in the current world. Social anxiety is defined as “an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others” (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022). Technology use can have both positive and negative effects on an individual's social anxiety and in some cases can even create social anxiety. Individuals who experience social anxiety tend to spend more time on social and online platforms, seeking out online interactions in replacement of face-to-face social interactions. Socially anxious individuals tend to adopt a problematic approach to their usage of social platforms and technology, by confiding in the online world and spending most of their time in online interactions, essentially shutting the real world out . Research places focus on the lack of face-to-face interactions, resulting in overcompensation for the reliability of connections occurring on digital platforms. However, social anxiety tends to follow through into technology use, which results in their inability to connect with others online as well as in-person. (O’Day & Heimberg, 2021). By developing skills within digital fluency, such as digital literacy, social competency and technical proficiency; individuals can learn how to use and navigate online platforms safely, respectfully and in a way that relieves symptoms of social anxiety.