Key Resources and Key Findings
Positive Connection Space:
Technology use can positively impact and alleviate an individual's social anxiety. When used appropriately and efficiently, technology usage can help individuals practice mindfulness, self-regulation and develop a sense of control over their own actions. (Patterson, 2024). Internet usage can provide those experiencing social anxiety with a sense of community and online social support. Online spaces are identified as a ‘safer space’ to experience connection, maintain relationships or be sociable with other online users for those experiencing social anxiety. (Mazalin & Klein, 2008). Individuals can feel a sense of comfort within the production of self-preservation and identity behind technological ‘walls. (Prizant-Passal et al., 2016). A focus on mindful and intentional usage of technology and social media platforms can lead to relief in symptoms of social anxiety.
Negative connections
Technology use also opens up individuals to higher levels of psychological stressors, such as the potential of experiencing cyberbullying, negative feedback from others, along with the pressure to keep up with social media and ever-changing technology. The use of social media platforms can lead to higher levels of social comparison, poor mental health and overall life dissatisfaction. (Lai et al., 2023). Higher levels of social media usage and time spent in the online world are linked to feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out), loneliness, depression and increased social anxiety levels. (Sun, 2023).
Effects on social interaction
Individuals with a preference for online communications display lower levels of social skills and etiquette within social situations; the longer they live in an online world, the more their social skills are depleted. Individuals then adapt to the online world, which makes interacting in social situations harder, which in turn increases their social anxiety, causing a vicious cycle of retreating to the online world. Although the online environment provides a sense of safety for individuals, it is shown that it commonly does more harm than good. (Brown, 2013).
Long Term Effects
Research on the long-term effects of technology use shows significant impacts on brain health, with findings displaying a reduction in attention span, impaired emotional and social intelligence, along with higher displays of technology addiction and social isolation. Prolonged technology use also impacts an individual's ability to multitask and reduces levels of memory. Among children, research showed impacts on cognitive and brain development, with a focus on poor language development and signs of executive dysfunction. (Small et al., 2020).
Constant Connectivity to the online world:
Constant connectivity can develop its own form of anxiety, Nomophobia is developed as a result of constant connectivity to technology and the online world to the point where the online spaces are classified as an individual's ‘home community’. It is identified as the compulsive and persistent “fear of remaining out of touch with technology” (Rahim, 2016). The demand that comes from constant connectivity to the online world can result in increased levels of stress, anxiety and feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out), there is also the desire to be perceived positively in online spaces. These experiences and feelings can often heighten social anxiety levels and can leave individuals who are constantly connected feeling anxious more frequently. (Miller, 2024).
Digital Fluency on Social Anxiety:
Digital fluency is understood as the ability to navigate, communicate effectively and ultimately thrive within the ever-changing digital world, with a focus being placed on one’s ability to adapt and shift between multiple modes of technology, media and the online world. (Park, 2017). 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.
Individuals with higher levels of digital fluency are at an advantage within the digital world; they have the skills required to navigate technology efficiently, safely, respectfully and effectively to achieve desired results. They also have acquired the skills to behave appropriately in online spaces and practice digital self-control and self-preservation. Those who lack these digital skills while engaging online, along with increased levels of social media consumption, showed higher levels of social anxiety within online spaces. (Mayiwar et al., 2024).
Resources:
Skills regarding digital fluency:
This chapter outlines the most necessary skills needed when navigating the online world .
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1057/978-1-137-59332-0_7
NetSafe Webinars
Netsafe hosts a series of webinars that focus on educating parents on the issues that matter surrounding children's tech use.
https://netsafe.org.nz/parents-and-caregivers/webinar-series
NetSafe Resources
Netsafe offers a range of resources for both parents and children to utilise, from staying safe in digital spaces to app-specific resources. It aims to educate about online safety and appropriate usage.
Netsafe education
Netsafe offers a wide range of resources and educational tools for learning everything you need to know about practising online safety within your home.
Kids Health
Offers a range of interactive and educational online tools and services for learning skills needed when experiencing anxiety and depression.
Anxiety NZ
Has a wide range of services for navigating anxiety, both for children experiencing this and for parents and caregivers. They work on educating and implementing practical strategies to help with anxiety.