By: Sean Toutant
Image by MaximeUtopix from Pixabay
In our rapidly evolving digital age, daily usage of digital media and the internet has become the norm. Covid 19 changed our lives with social media being our main priority in life and creating everyone to be less social than we would think. However, as college students, it’s essential to strike a balance between online interactions and real-life connections for personal growth and overall well-being. Let’s actively engage in offline activities, foster meaningful relationships, and make the most out of our college experience. However, as college students, it’s essential to strike a balance between online interactions and real-life connections for personal growth and overall well-being. Let’s actively engage in offline activities, foster meaningful relationships, and make the most out of our college experience. However, as technology continues to advance, the time young people spend connected to digital devices is increasing, and this trend carries significant health risks and behavioral dependence implications. This issue has gained heightened relevance in the context of the ongoing pandemic, which has drastically transformed the way we socialize, study, and work. In this blog A Communication Study of Young Adults and Online Dependency during the COVID-19 Pandemic, we explore the findings of a quantitative research study involving 407 young university adults in Portugal. The study aimed to investigate their digital media practices, particularly during the pandemic, and assess the consequences of their constant connection to the internet, with a focus on the development of internet addiction.
The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a new era where our lives have been reshaped to adapt to a predominantly virtual existence. Young adults, already deeply immersed in the digital world, experienced profound implications as their digital reliance increased. To delve into these implications, their research employed comprehensive surveys and questionnaires, collecting data from a representative sample of 407 young university adults in Portugal. There research uncovered a significant increase in internet dependence during the pandemic. While academic obligations played a role in this escalation, a notable portion of respondents turned to the online world as an escape from their daily routines and a way to pass the time. The internet became a sanctuary where the boundaries between work, leisure, and social interactions blurred.
Several factors drove the desire to seek refuge in the digital realm during the pandemic. Firstly, strict social distancing measures led to isolation and limited physical social interactions. In this context, the internet became a lifeline for connecting with friends and family. Video calls, social media platforms, and online gaming became indispensable tools for maintaining social bonds.Moreover, the pandemic’s unsettling and often distressing news cycle prompted many to turn to the curated online world for solace. Entertainment platforms, ranging from streaming services to YouTube, offered a respite from the grim realities of the outside world.
Perhaps the most concerning revelation from there research was the self-reported consequences of excessive internet use. Many respondents reported experiencing sleep disturbances, ranging from insomnia to disrupted sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by screens, combined with constant online engagement, disrupted their circadian rhythms, making it challenging to unwind and fall asleep. Additionally, negative emotional reactions, such as mood swings, depression, and nervousness, were commonly reported when respondents were offline. This heightened emotional sensitivity can be attributed to several factors, including the addictive nature of social media and the pressure to curate a perfect online persona. The fear of missing out (FOMO) and the anxiety stemming from constant social comparisons played a substantial role in exacerbating these emotions.A Communication Study of Young Adults and Online Dependency during the COVID-19 Pandemic
In summary, their research unequivocally demonstrates that the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified internet dependence among young adults, especially those belonging to Generation Z. While the internet has served as a lifeline for staying connected, continuing education, and remote work, it has also become a double-edged sword. Its ease of use for escape and distraction has led to a concerning rise in internet addiction.Recognizing the severity of this issue, it is crucial for individuals, educational institutions, and policymakers to prioritize digital literacy and responsible digital media consumption. Encouraging regular digital detox periods, during which individuals disconnect from screens and engage in offline activities, can help mitigate the negative effects of internet addiction.
Furthermore, parents, educators, and mental health professionals should be equipped with the knowledge and tools to identify and address internet addiction in young adults. This includes fostering open dialogues about healthy internet use and emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced life that encompasses both online and offline experiences. In this brave new digital era, it is our responsibility to recognize the signs of internet addiction, both in ourselves and in the young adults of Generation Z. By doing so, we can take proactive steps to promote a healthier, more balanced relationship with the digital realm, ensuring that our plugged-in lives do not come at the cost of our overall well-being.