The Anxiety-Inducing Echoes of Social Media: How Our Phones Are Changing Us

Hi, everyone. I hope you are all well. Today, I want to address the effects of smartphones and social media on us all. It’s a massive topic, but I’ll try to get the key points out in this article.

At the risk of highlighting my age, does anyone else recall the 80s when the effect of CFCs on the ozone layer was discovered? It was 1985. It only took two years from when the problem was discovered until there was a worldwide agreement to ban their production and use permanently. They were phased out in their entirety between 1998 and 2010. It was a wonderful piece of worldwide cooperation towards a common goal for the good of everyone. People lobbied governments based on scientific facts, and governments responded. I don’t think that could happen today. You see, with the advent of social media, there is a plethora of misinformation out there that muddies the factual waters. If you tried it today, there would be a litany of completely false articles sparking entire movements of poorly informed people claiming that it was all a false alarm created by left-wing snowflakes with their hands in the pockets of “big ozone” stating that there was no ozone layer, or if there was, it was Jewish space lasers causing the problem. Or something equally as ridiculous….you get my point.

Despite my slightly humorous description of the issue above, it’s really nothing to laugh about. I deal with people day in, and day out running, often crippling levels of anxiety based on a false impression of the world and an inability to hold attention.

In the past decade, a seismic shift has occurred in how we communicate, consume information, and spend our leisure time. This transformation is largely due to the pervasive influence of smartphones and social media. While these technologies promised to enhance our connectivity and democratize information, they have also significantly increased societal anxiety and reduced our attention spans.

The Mechanics of Distraction

Smartphones, with their instant access to information and constant notifications, have redefined the concept of attention. The average smartphone user checks their device 47 times a day, with younger users (ages 18 to 24) looking at their phones an average of 86 times a day, according to a study by Deloitte. This compulsive behaviour fragments attention spans and makes sustained concentration increasingly difficult. I see it in my practice every day.

“Every ping could be a social, professional, or personal update, and it demands our immediate attention,” explains Dr. Nancy Cheever, a professor at California State University who specializes in the psychology of technology use. “This can reduce our ability to focus for extended periods, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as ‘continuous partial attention.'”

A Cocktail of Negative Emotions

Social media platforms are engineered to captivate our attention but not necessarily to enhance our well-being. The algorithms that dictate what we see in our feeds are finely tuned to maximize engagement. Unfortunately, emotions like shock, anger, and jealousy are particularly effective at keeping users hooked.

“Social media companies rely on algorithms that prioritize content likely to evoke strong emotional responses, such as anger or outrage, because this significantly increases user engagement,” says Dr. Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist at New York University. “This can create a cycle where users are repeatedly exposed to content that can exacerbate stress and anxiety.”

These platforms also foster an environment of constant social comparison. Users often present an idealized version of their lives, leading to feelings of inadequacy and jealousy among their peers. It’s a curated world where everyone else seems happier, more successful, and more beautiful. This can lead to profound feelings of jealousy and inadequacy.

Rediscover positivity today.

The Echo Chamber Effect

Another contributing factor to anxiety is the creation of echo chambers within social media environments. These are spaces where users are exposed only to information that aligns with their existing beliefs, which is often amplified without challenge. Such echo chambers can distort reality, creating heightened states of fear and aggression.

Echo chambers particularly exacerbate divisions and anxiety concerning political or social issues. When people are only exposed to one perspective, especially one that is constantly inflamed by shocking or contentious content, it can lead to heightened emotional responses like anxiety.

Real-world Implications

The consequences of increased anxiety and reduced attention spans extend beyond individual well-being, impacting broader societal functions. For instance, a population with diminished attention spans may struggle with complex societal issues that require sustained engagement and critical thinking, such as the CFC issue from the 1980s.

“Shortened attention spans can lead to oversimplification of complex problems, making it more difficult to resolve issues like climate change or social justice,” says Dr. Eli Finkel, a social psychologist at Northwestern University. “It’s challenging to engage with complicated problems when your attention is constantly being diverted.”

Furthermore, the rise in anxiety can have significant health implications. Chronic anxiety contributes to physical health problems such as heart disease, poor sleep, and decreased immune function, compounding the societal costs.

Take back your ability to be truly present.

Strategies for Mitigation

Experts suggest several strategies to mitigate the negative effects of smartphones and social media on attention spans and anxiety levels. These include setting boundaries on use, such as designated phone-free times or areas, and being critical of the time spent on social media platforms.

“Digital detoxes, even short ones, can help alleviate the feeling of being constantly ‘on’ and reduce anxiety,” recommends Dr. Cairo. “It’s also important to diversify where we get our information and engage directly with different perspectives.”

Educational initiatives that teach media literacy from a young age can empower individuals to navigate digital spaces more effectively and critically. Understanding how media manipulates emotion and thought can make people more resilient to its impacts.

Conclusion

While smartphones and social media have brought many benefits, their impact on mental health and cognitive function is profound and deeply concerning. By becoming more aware of these effects and actively seeking to mitigate them, individuals can reclaim some control over their digital interactions. As society continues to grapple with these issues, it will be crucial to balance the benefits of these technologies with strategies that promote psychological well-being and cognitive resilience. This ongoing challenge will define the mental health landscape of the digital age.

I’d love to hear your stories and opinions on all of this. Please email me at jonathan@newdaysp.com.au if you’d like to comment.