Digital technology has fundamentally changed the landscape for coronavirus disease 2019 — both worsening it through new channels of comparison and avoidance, and improving access to support and treatment.
How Technology Worsens Coronavirus Disease 2019
- Social media enables constant social comparison that amplifies coronavirus disease 2019
- 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 coronavirus disease 2019
- Passive consumption replaces active activities that buffer against coronavirus disease 2019
How Technology Helps Coronavirus Disease 2019
- Teletherapy has dramatically improved access to coronavirus disease 2019 treatment
- Mental health apps provide evidence-based tools at low cost
- Online communities reduce isolation for those with coronavirus disease 2019
- Educational content helps people understand and destigmatize coronavirus disease 2019
Healthy Technology Habits for Coronavirus Disease 2019
- Designated phone-free times (especially mornings and before bed)
- Curate social media to reduce coronavirus disease 2019 triggers
- Intentional vs. passive consumption
- Balance screen time with activities that genuinely restore