By Erin Massey, LCSW

Communication technologies are a part of everyday life, whether it be with a smartphone, computer or a tablet.  These types of technology assist us in accessing devices such as websites, text messaging, apps, email and games to assist us as “tools” throughout our days whether it be for work or just personal use.   This being said, is technology actually healthy for us? The answer to this is found by analyzing how much we relate to technology, how we use it, and how much we actually bring technology into our lives to identify whether or not it’s healthy for us.

Technology can be used in healthy ways such as keeping in touch with friends and loved ones by using social media, video calls, or emailing, joining online clubs or groups that share similar interests, being creative with music, stories, art, and videos and sharing them with others, playing games that build skills and teach, watching videos that are inspirational, informative or funny, monitoring physical activity and health goals, organizing time and tasks using calendars and other organizational tools, or gaining information to assist in decision making.

But when do we know when technology may be a problem for us? Some examples may include comparing yourself to others on social media and feeling pressured to look a certain way, cyberbullying, worrying what people think when you post certain things online, feelings of disappointment when there’s not an immediate reply or comment to a message or post, having a difficult time disconnecting from technology for too long, or technology is impacting your health such as sleeping or eating habits or an exercise routine. Do you feel that technology helps you to ignore difficult feelings or problems? Do you feel nervous, anxious or on edge when you don’t have access to your phone or other devices?

If some of the above examples are similar to scenarios that you go through, there are few things you can try to do for yourself to help you gain control and “tune back in” to you! Try setting aside a certain amount of time each day for checking social media or personal emails. There have been studies that have been conducted in which they’ve found that individuals who check their work emails less throughout the day experience less work related stress. Try setting limits and guidelines for texting others back; unless it’s an important obligation, give yourself time so that fast responses aren’t always an expectation of others.  Turning off unnecessary notifications is helpful, and try putting your phone away during dinner with family. Reducing screen time prior to going to bed can help you get a better night’s rest, and try choosing “off- screen” activities such as walking or playing basketball.