Mental illnesses brought to you by the internet
The internet is an endless black hole of cat videos,
celebrity photos and Facebook! It might also be driving you to the verge of
insanity. As the internet has evolved to become an everyday part of life, it’s
become noticeable that there is a rise in the number of certain mental
illnesses, most of them directly linked to our use of digital technology. Don’t
be surprised if you've ever felt a tinge of at least one or two of these
disorders.
Phantom Ringing Syndrome
What is it: When your brain tricks you into thinking your phone is ringing.
Have you ever reached into your pocket to answer your phone, but then realized your phone isn't even ringing – or worse your phone isn't even in your pocket! You may feel slightly delusional but you’re not alone. A lot of heavy mobile users have reported experiencing this phantom buzzing; it’s all thanks to misplaced response mechanisms in our brains.
What is it: When your brain tricks you into thinking your phone is ringing.
Have you ever reached into your pocket to answer your phone, but then realized your phone isn't even ringing – or worse your phone isn't even in your pocket! You may feel slightly delusional but you’re not alone. A lot of heavy mobile users have reported experiencing this phantom buzzing; it’s all thanks to misplaced response mechanisms in our brains.
Nomophobia
What is it: The panic that arises from not having access to your phone.
You know that horrible feeling when your phone dies and there’s no way for you to recharge? For a few of us this could lead to a full on anxiety attack, it may sound like a really silly first world problem, but it can have a real negative effect on people’s lives, heavy phone users experience the effects the worst.
What is it: The panic that arises from not having access to your phone.
You know that horrible feeling when your phone dies and there’s no way for you to recharge? For a few of us this could lead to a full on anxiety attack, it may sound like a really silly first world problem, but it can have a real negative effect on people’s lives, heavy phone users experience the effects the worst.
Cybersickness
What is it: The disorientation and dizziness some people feel when dealing with certain digital environments. As soon as the new iOS came out last month people started complaining about feeling disorientated and nauseous after using the new interface. This all happened because of Apples idea to add the snazzy parallax effect, it tricked our brain into motion sickness and it provided a great example of cybersickness.
What is it: The disorientation and dizziness some people feel when dealing with certain digital environments. As soon as the new iOS came out last month people started complaining about feeling disorientated and nauseous after using the new interface. This all happened because of Apples idea to add the snazzy parallax effect, it tricked our brain into motion sickness and it provided a great example of cybersickness.
Facebook Depression
What is it: Depression caused by social interactions or lack of on Facebook.
We are social creatures so you would think the communication supplied by social media would make us happier, but in fact the opposite happens! One possible reason could be that people tend to post good news about themselves on Facebook such as promotions, holidays, relationships, so it’s easy to think that everyone else is leading a far happier and successful life then you. The moral of the story is don’t believe everything your friends post on Facebook.
What is it: Depression caused by social interactions or lack of on Facebook.
We are social creatures so you would think the communication supplied by social media would make us happier, but in fact the opposite happens! One possible reason could be that people tend to post good news about themselves on Facebook such as promotions, holidays, relationships, so it’s easy to think that everyone else is leading a far happier and successful life then you. The moral of the story is don’t believe everything your friends post on Facebook.
Internet Addiction Disorder
What is it: An unhealthy and constant urge to always access the internet
This is the excessive internet use that interferes with your daily life, it is often a symptom of a larger problem, rather than a unique disorder itself like poor coping skills, low self –esteem and low self-efficacy.
What is it: An unhealthy and constant urge to always access the internet
This is the excessive internet use that interferes with your daily life, it is often a symptom of a larger problem, rather than a unique disorder itself like poor coping skills, low self –esteem and low self-efficacy.
We've all been thrown quickly into a new digital world and
our brains are hurrying to adapt, some of the problems we suffer from show that
the process of adapting properly isn't finished yet. If you think about it, it’s
not surprising that our brains sometimes get a bit sick because they can’t
process all the bizarre things in this new world.
Contact The Computer Guyz in Cape Town or Centurion, we can offer you IT support and maintenance, website design, and on site support, not to mention some friendly advice if you ever need it.
Written By: Christine Romans
CopyWriter at The Computer Guyz Cape Town
CopyWriter at The Computer Guyz Cape Town
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