Digital technology has fundamentally changed the landscape for body-focused repetitive behaviors — both worsening it through new channels of comparison and avoidance, and improving access to support and treatment.
How Technology Worsens Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
- Social media enables constant social comparison that amplifies body-focused repetitive behaviors
- Notifications and always-on work culture prevent recovery from stress
- Doomscrolling and news consumption can worsen anxiety and mood
- Screen time late at night disrupts sleep patterns that regulate body-focused repetitive behaviors
- Passive consumption replaces active activities that buffer against body-focused repetitive behaviors
How Technology Helps Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
- Teletherapy has dramatically improved access to body-focused repetitive behaviors treatment
- Mental health apps provide evidence-based tools at low cost
- Online communities reduce isolation for those with body-focused repetitive behaviors
- Educational content helps people understand and destigmatize body-focused repetitive behaviors
Healthy Technology Habits for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
- Designated phone-free times (especially mornings and before bed)
- Curate social media to reduce body-focused repetitive behaviors triggers
- Intentional vs. passive consumption
- Balance screen time with activities that genuinely restore