The Impact of Technology on Mental Health in the Digital Age

By: Adiska Maryam Rahmawati, University of Muhammadiyah Prof. Hamka

In the midst of the digital era and technological advancements, the risk of mental health issues is increasing. While technology brings great convenience and benefits to daily life, its excessive use can have significant negative impacts on an individual's mental health.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) reports that more than 40 million adults in the United States suffer from serious anxiety disorders, which are among the most common mental health issues in the country.

According to research published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, rates of depression and anxiety among teenagers and young adults in this superpower country have significantly increased over the past two decades, largely coinciding with the increased use of social media.

Furthermore, research conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found that 90 percent of teenagers and young adults report using electronic devices within an hour before bedtime. This activity can undoubtedly disrupt sleep patterns and quality.

From the three reports above, it can be concluded that mental health issues are very real, especially for Generation Z.

Several factors trigger the emergence of mental health issues, including:

• Digital Media Consumption and Increased Screen Time The increase in digital media consumption and prolonged screen time are two factors that greatly influence an individual's mental health. Anxiety, stress, and depression are more likely to occur. Research reveals that excessive exposure to social media and certain digital content can lead to feelings of helplessness, harmful social comparisons, and isolation.

• Social Media Pressure While social media provides a platform for interaction and sharing, it also contributes to pressure and anxiety. The desire to present a perfect version of oneself leads to unhealthy pressure and feelings of inadequacy. Moreover, cyberbullying has serious impacts on individual mental health, especially among teenagers and young people.

• Sleep Disruption It is widely known that prolonged gadget use can disrupt sleep patterns and the balance between personal and professional life. Notifications from smartphones can disturb sleep and reduce rest. The expectation to always be connected and responsive adds additional pressure, making it difficult to limit work and rest time.

Despite this, technology also offers solutions, such as mental health apps, online therapy, and health tracking tools like sleep apps and mood trackers. These solutions can help individuals manage and monitor their mental health.

Other solutions that can be offered include:

• Limiting screen time.
• Increasing outdoor activities.
• Allocating time for rest and recovery.
• Regularly practicing mindfulness and meditation through apps and online resources.
• Staying physically active through activities like walking, running, yoga, or other physical exercises that can reduce stress and improve mood.
• Joining positive online communities that offer support and enhance social connections.
• Taking breaks from technology.
• Sharing experiences and talking with others.

By incorporating these solutions into daily routines, individuals can shield themselves from the negative impacts of technology. The key is to maintain balance and responsibility while leveraging technology to maintain mental health.