In our digital age, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to escape the persistent pull of the online world. Everywhere you look, from advertisements all the way down to the local café, opportunities to go ‘online’ abound. But is this presence of the virtual realm becoming an issue? Is it possible to become overly reliant on digital technology, leading to an unhealthy obsession with online life?
With the vast majority of the world’s population now having some access to the internet, it’s hard to find someone who isn’t at least somewhat interested in the digital game. Whether it’s spending time on social media networks, watching videos on YouTube, or reading through articles found on the web, the virtual debauchery is growing day by day.
One of the key issues of this trend is in the fact that it’s extremely easy to become overly obsessed with our digital lives. With advancements in technology come ever more intricate ways of becoming engrossed with virtual tasks. Real life responsibilities often get brushed aside to make time for the nebulous online world. This could be anything from spending an inordinate amount of time scrolling through social media feeds rather than doing something more constructive, to neglecting personal relationships as a result of online interaction.
But why is it so easy to become obsessed with our online lives? What makes it so attractive? One of the primary factors is the anonymity found online. We can create and control our profile content in whatever way we want without worry as to what other people might think. For some, this is the perfect offer to craft a digital alter-ego, which over time could actually become their virtual persona of choice.
It’s also worth considering the fact that our digital lives offer a virtual reward system. By engaging in online activities, for most of us, there is a degree of satisfaction to be gained from likes, splash pages, comments and shares. Feedback and interaction with others within the online world act as digital affirmations – almost like a drug that can’t be resisted. A further risk is how quickly and easily these online actions can give way to more serious issues, such as gambling or addiction to video games.
As with any addiction, the thing to remember is that it’s ultimately up to the individual to exert control over their online activities. Here a few tips that can help break the cycle if you feel like your digital life is beginning to take over:
• Turn off your devices. Allowing yourself a few hours a day away from the online world can help to renew your focus and allow you to better appreciate real life.
• Balance your time. Spend time offline doing things that you enjoy, such as hobbies or sports.
• Consider a digital detox. Unplugging for a few days can be the best way to remind yourself of what calls for your attention in the real world.
• Monitor your activities. When engaging in online activities, be sure to keep your focus on the task and not the rewards they offer.
The internet has its place in the world, and used responsibly can offer some great advantages to many people. But falling into obsessive habits and behaviours that could affect your true, physical self, is a slippery slope that should be avoided. There are plenty of resources and structure to help you make sure that your digital life remains an extension of you, not the sole entity of your existence.