The digital era has brought about numerous revolutions that have profoundly changed the way we live.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.
Technostress has stealthily infiltrated our lives, creating an impact that is often overlooked.
In this era of constant connectivity, it is essential to understand how technology can negatively affect our mental and emotional health. In this post, we will analyze what technostress is, its causes and consequences, and how we can address it.
What is technostress?
Technostress refers to the negative impact of technology on mental and emotional health.
This phenomenon arises from the constant pressure of digital connectivity and the excessive use of electronic devices.
It includes anxiety generated by social media, digital work pressure, and the difficulty of disconnecting. It causes exhaustion, affects personal relationships, and can lead to mental health problems.
Understanding its causes, such as overexposure to technology, is essential to effectively address this issue.
What about job-related technostress?
In the case of job-related technostress, it manifests as the negative impact of technology in the workplace. It originates from constant digital pressure associated with work, such as overwhelming emails, lengthy video calls, and the demand to be always available.
This phenomenon can result in exhaustion, decreased performance, and also affect employees’ mental health.
Causes of technostress
It is important to recognize all the causes of technostress to combat them effectively. If you identify any of these causes in colleagues, friends, or family, the best course of action is implementing preventive strategies, as discussed in later sections.
Some causes of technostress include:
- Information Overload: We live in a digital world full of constant information, which can be overwhelming and stressful.
- Rapid Technological Evolution: The speed at which technology evolves can create anxiety, especially for those needing to keep up with the latest trends and devices.
- Digital Work Conditions: Excessive use of technology in the workplace, such as constant emails, online meetings, and the pressure to always be connected, can contribute to technostress.
- Connectivity and Technology Issues: Service interruptions, technical glitches, and connectivity problems can generate frustration and stress, especially when heavily dependent on technology for daily tasks.
- Technology Addiction: Excessive and addictive use of digital devices, social media, and video games can contribute to technostress, affecting sleep quality, work performance, and interpersonal relationships.
- Lack of Technological Skills: People who are not comfortable or competent using technology may experience anxiety and stress when facing situations that require digital skills.
- Privacy Invasion: Concerns about the security of personal data and the feeling of being constantly surveilled online can generate anxiety and stress.
- Unrealistic Expectations: Unrealistic expectations about the productivity and efficiency that technology can provide can create pressure and stress in both the workplace and personal life.
Consequences of technostress
Technostress can have various consequences on people’s health and well-being, both physically and psychologically. Some common consequences of technostress include:
Physical health problems
Headaches, visual fatigue, neck and back pain due to poor digital device postures. Excessive screen exposure before bedtime can also affect sleep quality.
Mental health issues
Anxiety resulting from information overload, work pressure, and unrealistic expectations can contribute to mental health problems. Social disconnection due to digital interactions can contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Work performance issues
The constant availability of digital devices can lead to distraction at work and decreased productivity.
Always being connected through hybrid jobs or teleworking can lead to work burnout, especially in the era of hybrid or remote work.
Do you want to stay on top of the latest trends in eLearning, EdTech, and Human Resources?
Fill out the form to receive our weekly newsletter with industry insights from our experts.
Interpersonal relationship problems:
Excessive use of technology can interfere with face-to-face relationships, causing communication and emotional connection problems. Overuse of smartphones can strain family relationships.
Cognitive problems
Constant multitasking and overexposure to information can negatively affect concentration and attention.
Self-esteem issues
Social media use can contribute to constant comparison with others, affecting self-esteem.
Security and privacy concerns
Increased online threats and concerns about personal data security and privacy on the internet can generate stress.
It is crucial to take measures to manage and prevent technostress. Below, we explain how.
How to prevent technostress
Preventing technostress involves adopting practices and habits that promote healthy and balanced technology use. Here are some suggestions to prevent technostress:
- Set Time Limits: Establish time limits for the use of digital devices, especially in non-work situations. Schedule digital breaks during the day.
- Practice Digital Detox: Dedicate time to completely disconnect from technology, such as during vacations or weekends. This helps reduce digital overload.
- Manage Notifications: Configure notifications to reduce unnecessary interruptions. Prioritize important notifications and deactivate those that are not urgent.
- Establish Sleep Routines: Avoid using electronic devices before bedtime. Establish sleep routines that allow for proper rest.
- Promote Ergonomics: Adjust your device settings to be ergonomic and comfortable. Use suitable chairs and desks to prevent physical problems.
- Digital Awareness: Be aware of your online time and how technology affects your well-being. Reflect on your relationship with technology and make adjustments as needed.
- Set Limits in Remote Work: Clearly define boundaries between work and personal life when working from home. Establish specific schedules and designated work areas.
- Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices to reduce anxiety and improve concentration. Meditation and mindfulness can help manage stress.
- Encourage Face-to-Face Interactions: Prioritize in-person interactions over virtual ones. Dedicate time to spend quality moments with friends and family in person.
- Take Active Breaks: Introduce active breaks into your daily routine. Engage in physical activities or take short walks to reduce physical and mental tension.
- Set Realistic Goals: Define realistic expectations regarding what technology can do for you in terms of productivity and efficiency.
- Update Technological Skills: Stay updated with the skills necessary to efficiently use technology. Confidence in your abilities can reduce stress.
By adopting these practices, you can mitigate technostress and cultivate a healthy balance between technology and your overall well-being. Customizing these strategies according to your specific needs and circumstances is essential.
Additionally, these measures are essential for preventing burnout syndrome.
In the context of evaluating your remote strategies or online training programs, our proctoring plans are invaluable in aspects such as preserving privacy, intimacy, and the security of your users, helping to combat technostress.
Request a free demonstration to explore the tools we offer that can enhance your Human Resources strategies.
8 interesting facts about proctoring
Fill out the form and download the guide where we cover everything about online monitoring and help you choose the best software.
