We must use devices wisely as they’re increasingly becoming a source of anxiety
COVID-19 has made social distancing the norm, and the majority of us are becoming increasingly dependent on digital technology to navigate our way through our daily lives. Being pushed into an uncertain future, we are spending more time to connect, work, shop, keep ourselves informed and even entertained using our gadgets.
While a digitally mediated life can keep you safe from the risk of infection, too much exposure to it can affect your mental health. There has been a lot of awareness raised about the impact of exposing oneself to negatively-hyped social media and news. The more information you receive, the more insufferable the pandemic becomes. We have seen people feel hopeless and helpless as a result of all the information they absorb, and this may lead to deeper
Fake news and conspiracy theories can induce fear and fear leads us to either fight, freeze, fold or flight, each causing different reactions. If you are a fighter, the information on digital feeds will help you take action in serving others, thereby limiting your online time. If flight is your reaction, it may minimise your understanding of the situation, and make you label all those people who are being cautious about the inputs they receive, as reckless. It may escalate your reaction to a point where you might put yourself and others in danger. If you freeze, you will lock yourself down; and if you fold, you will need support to uplift your mental health. But all these are reactions. What we need are responses — wellthought – out and sensible responses to the current situation.
To keep your digital activity healthy during this lockdown, here’s a ‘digital diet’ to follow:
Take control
It is natural to feel powerless and scared in the face of a pandemic, but you can use digital technology to regain control and give yourself a degree of autonomy over your life. This is critical, as a sense of control promotes
Reconnect with others
While social distancing is good for your physical health, the isolation is not good for your mental wellbeing. Use this opportunity to digitally…