Skip to main content

Living in the Age of Digital Anxiety: How Do We Cope?

In today’s world, the internet is at the center of almost everything we do. From connecting with friends and family, to learning new skills, running businesses, or advocating for change. Digital technology has become a powerful part of our daily lives, but along with these benefits, comes a new challenge: digital anxiety.

Digital anxiety is the stress, worry, or discomfort that people experience when engaging with digital tools and online spaces. It can show up in many ways such as feeling overwhelmed by constant notifications, comparing yourself to others on social media, worrying about online safety, or even fearing that you are “not tech-savvy enough” to keep up.

Why Are So Many People Feeling Digitally Anxious?

  1. Information Overload – We are constantly bombarded with news, updates, and opinions online. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
  2. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) – Social media often makes us feel like everyone else is doing better, achieving more, or living “perfect lives.”
  3. Online Harassment – For women and marginalized groups, online spaces are not always safe. Harassment and bullying can heighten anxiety.
  4. Pressure to Always Be Available – The expectation to reply instantly to emails, texts, or messages can make it hard to switch off.
  5. Privacy & Safety Concerns – With cyber threats and data leaks, many people worry about their security online.

How Do We Cope?

The good news is that digital anxiety is something we can manage. Here are a few practical steps:

  • Set Boundaries: Schedule screen-free times during the day to rest your mind.
  • Control Notifications: Turn off unnecessary alerts so you don’t feel pressured to constantly check your phone.
  • Practice Digital Self-Care: Just like physical self-care, take breaks, breathe, and engage in offline hobbies.
  • Create Safer Spaces: Report harassment, use privacy settings, and support each other in calling out harmful behavior online.
  • Learn & Build Confidence: Sometimes anxiety comes from not knowing how to use technology. Digital literacy trainings can help people feel more in control.

Why This Matters

At Shetechtive, we believe that the internet should be a safe, empowering, and inclusive space for everyone, especially women and young people in underserved communities. By talking openly about digital anxiety, we not only normalize these feelings but also create room to support each other in finding healthier ways to engage online.

The digital world should not be a source of fear, it should be a tool for growth, connection, and empowerment. Together, we can reclaim it.

 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Swipe Safe: 5 Digital Rights Every Child Deserves in the Online World

  In today’s world, childhood and technology are inseparable. From playing games and watching videos to learning and socializing online, children are navigating digital spaces more than ever before. But while the internet offers countless opportunities, it also poses risks, making it crucial to understand and protect children’s digital rights . Did you know that children have rights in the digital world just like they do offline? In 2021, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child adopted General Comment No. 25 , which clarified how children’s rights apply in the digital environment. Let’s explore the 5 key rights every child should enjoy online :   🧒 1. Right to Access Information Every child has the right to freely access age-appropriate and diverse online content, whether it’s educational resources, games, or entertainment. Access should not be limited by geography, gender, or socio-economic background. Why it matters: This right ensures digital in...
Post a Comment
Read more

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO DIGITAL SAFETY

  A Holistic Approach to Digital Safety: Nurturing Well-being in the Digital Age In the digital era, where connectivity is ubiquitous and information flows incessantly, ensuring digital safety goes beyond mere technical measures. While firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption are essential, a holistic approach to digital safety encompasses not only the protection of data and devices but also the safeguarding of mental, emotional, and societal well-being. This essay explores the multifaceted dimensions of digital safety and proposes strategies for fostering a safer and healthier online environment. At the core of a holistic approach to digital safety lies the recognition that humans are not just users of technology but individuals with complex needs and vulnerabilities. Therefore, efforts to enhance digital safety must address the interplay between technology and human behavior, attitudes, and values. One aspect of this approach involves promoting digital literacy and empowerme...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Role of Digital Technology in Curbing Human Trafficking Crimes in Uganda: A Comprehensive Analysis

The Role of Digital Technology in Curbing Human Trafficking Crimes in Uganda: A Comprehensive Analysis.  Introduction Human trafficking is a severe crime that affects millions of people worldwide, including in Uganda. It involves the exploitation of individuals through coercion, fraud, or force for various purposes such as forced labor, sexual exploitation, and other forms of modern slavery. Digital technology plays a crucial role in combating this crime by enhancing prevention, detection, protection, and prosecution efforts. This analysis explores how digital technology can help curb human trafficking in Uganda. Prevention Awareness Campaigns Social Media Platforms : Using social media to run awareness campaigns about the risks and signs of human trafficking. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can reach a broad audience, including vulnerable populations. Educational Apps and Websites : Developing mobile apps and web...
Post a Comment
Read more