Camiel van der Beek - 500784638
WHO?
This problem could affect anyone who is often on social media on their smart devices, but these issues will likely occur
WHAT?
The problem is that many people that use smart devices and social media this often, develop forms of mental health issues. Excessive use of smartphones and social media can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, isolation and FOMO (Robinson & Smith, 2020). Although the initial idea of social media and these smart devices was to stay connected with other people, to form new connections and to share memories in ways that weren't possible before, the current situation is often causing more damage than anticipated. Social media has become a way to relieve boredom when people are lonely or depressed. It often only causes more dissatisfaction which worsens initial symptoms like anxiety and stress. Besides that, smartphones are in a way designed to grab your attention and to hold onto it for as long as possible. Many people even experience phantom vibration syndrome, which is the perception that their phone is vibrating when it isn't.
And on top of these existing problems, recent times have shown that uncertainty, physical isolation and fear are only adding fuel to the fire. Boredom increased and there is even more panic caused by rumors about COVID-19 on social media.
Many people suffer from mental health issues while being forced to stay at home and to not have any distractions that aren't social media.
WHERE?
This happens mostly when people are at home. When they are out, working or with friends, they are distracted. But in their own home, they are alone with their own thoughts.
WHEN?
This problem can occur on any moment, but one important factor is someone's schedule. If a day is full of meetings and appointments, there is distraction, but during free time, people can get lost on the web or lose their sense of self-awareness.