Impact of cyber-syndromes on mental health

Many previous researches have discussed the role that technology plays in the development of specific disorders, such as Internet addiction disorder, gaming addiction disorder Internet sex addiction and cyber bullying. However, none of these works have explored the effects of excessive interaction with the cyberspace on the people’s lives as a whole, and its impact on ‘the social connectivity of the community

The digital revolution has made people’s lives much more convenient than ever before. But it has affected people’s physical and mental health. Cyber-syndrome is the physical, social and mental disorders that affect the human being due to the excessive interaction with the cyberspace and digital technologies.

Many previous researches have discussed the role that technology plays in the development of specific disorders, such as Internet addiction disorder, gaming addiction disorder Internet sex addiction and cyber bullying. However, none of these works have explored the effects of excessive interaction with the cyberspace on the people’s lives as a whole, and its impact on ‘the social connectivity of the community, according to Sagar Chandola, who will be discussing this at the Digital Civilization Conference in Oxford, a Smithsonian iED initiative . He will be representing India as the ‘Immersive Technology Ambassador’.

More than 100 experts from 25+ countries will reportedly converge for a 3-day series of public talks and workshops at University of Oxford on the subject of blockchain in the field of Education and Health, from March 28-30, 2023. Chandola will be part of the HEALTH DATA ASPIRATIONS session by Jim Davies of University of Oxford, England and shares his thoughts on the same.

Impact of internet addiction disorder on families

In the digital civilisation we are currently at a crossroads between psychology and cyberpsychology. Although there are studies on individuals and how they are affected by IAD (Internet Addiction Disorder), however how such excessive usage effects a family, group or a cohort are largely missing, especially when a lack of social interaction persists for a long term.

The current generation is the first generation to be surrounded by digital media from birth, growing up totally immersed in an interactive, hyperstimulating, largely  non-physical environment. As a result the definitions of family and society will change, as we know them currently and there will also be a decline in social and emotional insurance provided in close knit physical relationships as we saw in the transition from joint families to nuclear families in countries like India. These issues need to be addressed to ensure the Digital Civilisation will be sustainable in the long run.

Evaluating the emotional impact of the digital civilisation

As per a study done on a group of students in Iran, it is proposed that more than 40 hours of Internet usage in a week makes an individual vulnerable to cybersyndromes. A similar impact needs to be gauged for a society moving down the DIKW pyramid – Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom. Each building block in the DIKW pyramid is a step towards a higher level of consciousness. However in the digital civilisation, we are literally taking a few steps back. Thus we need to closely evaluate the emotional effects on human beings in the Digital Civilisation.

Further the human populace will tend to be more introvert in nature. Introverts are known to be over self-critical, leaving individuals feeling unsatisfied with themselves and with their lives as a whole, for no particular reason per se. They can also be a lot more stressed, feel excessive physical exhaustion, as well as face a range of mental health issues.

As per Chandola, much as the rise of merchant capitalism in the 14th century led to the Renaissance, so the financial wealth and rich data generated by a data-driven economy is now poised to create a new social order.

He points out that during the Renaissance we also had the Black Death or Bubonic Plague. A similar situation exists as we see the rise of the Digital Civilisation – Cyber Syndrome plague has emerged side by side and negative aspects of it along with emotional (frauds) aspects of it need to be addressed.

Diagnosis and treatment of cyber-syndromes

 General diagnosis of cybersyndromes according to Chandola are:

• Anxiety due to no reason
• Over aggressive behaviour
• Weakened immune system leading to comorbidities
• Change in physical appearance and paying less attention to grooming and hygiene
• Insomnia
• Aches from lack of movement and excessive exposure to the Internet
• Digestive problems and lack of appetite
• Poor face-to-face communication and interpersonal skills

His plan of treatment includes the following:

• Be close to nature. Being close to nature allows you to experience Alpha band based good vibrations to be in a more relaxing state
• Regularly take detox vacations. Being closer to nature, laughing, taking time to breathe ample amount of oxygen, digesting your food properly, getting back your ideal nutrition levels
• Community service and giving and collaborating
• Join discussion groups that takes place on Discord and Whatsapp to share your concerns and to feel being heard
• Media Addicts Anonymous (MAA) is a 12-step programme focused on recovery from media addiction. All forms of media sobriety are supported, including abstinence from electronic media, films, radio, newspapers, magazines, books, and music. If you see extreme symptoms of cybersyndromes, do go through such tailormade step by step programs
• Invasive treatments like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are also being explored to treat extreme cases, where a generalised seizure is introduced to increase dull and depression neural activities by giving a small invasive electrical signal to the human brain

Impact of digitisation on mental health

“The constant exposure to social media, emails, notifications, and online information overload has led to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression”, according to psychologist Damini Grover.

The pressure to maintain an online persona, the fear of missing out and the addiction to constant digital validation has led to decreased self-esteem and self-worth. Moreover, the decrease in face-to-face interactions and the rise in virtual communication has led to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Social media platforms have also contributed to the rise of anxiety and depression, as users compare themselves to others and feel pressure to present a perfect online image. People are constantly hooked onto their screens and there is a constant need for stimulation which is leading to concerns like difficulty switching off mentally, difficulty focussing on tasks, lower attention spans.

The anonymity of the internet has also facilitated cyberbullying and harassment, which can have severe mental health consequences. It has also given rise to internet and online gaming addiction amongst adolescents & young adults which is further impacting their mental, emotional and behavioural states leading to issues like severe anxiety, sleep issues, anger & aggression.

Therefore, it important to create a balance between our real life and digital life in order to  curtail the adverse impact of digitisation on our mental and emotional health.

Balancing digitisation to safeguard mental health

According to Grover, a more proactive approach needs to be adopted by taking the following meaures :

1. Set boundaries : set aside a specific time to check emails, social media and other platforms. Avoid using devices early in the morning, during meals and before going off to sleep.
2. Practice Digital Detox once a week to disconnect and recharge
3. Socialise more in the real world to foster closeness and connectivity to community
4. Engage in regular physical activities to manage stress
5. Practice mindfulness
6. Stay away from negative or triggering content
7. Use technology wisely: use those apps and tools that support your mental health such as digital journals, mindfulness apps etc so that you use digital devices for constructively