Living In The Age Of Technology And Internet Addiction: What Do We Know About Internet Use And Social Anxiety?
Despite trying, going without seeing a screen in your day can be difficult. Work, communication with friends and family, and many medical appointments have moved online for many people. In addition, over 4.89 billion people used social media in 2023. Technology has become a way of life for many, but it is a challenge for some. Understanding the link between internet use and social anxiety may be beneficial if you notice the internet and social media harming you or someone you love.
Understanding internet addiction
As the internet becomes more integrated into society, problematic internet use and internet addictions are more common. While the use of the internet for day-to-day operations is often required, it may be beneficial to pay attention to signs of excessive preoccupation, urges, and behavior related to internet use. Compulsive use may lead to distress for the user, and researchers have begun to wonder in recent years how internet use contributes to mental health conditions.
Young and Griffiths were the first researchers to define internet addiction, and they categorized this addiction into three distinct categories.
Categories of internet addiction
- Excessive gaming or gambling
- Sexual preoccupations, such as cybersex
- Socializing or social networking, including email and text messaging
People addicted to the internet may use it for prolonged periods and isolate themselves from social activity and life outside the internet. Individuals with this experience often have comorbid disorders like anxiety disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), social anxiety disorder, or depression.
Effects of internet addiction on mental health: Studies on social anxiety and internet addiction
Problematic internet use and social anxiety
When a study was conducted with adolescents in Taiwan, it was found that internet addiction was associated with depression, suicidal ideation, ADHD symptoms, hostility, and social phobias. While these correlations were seen across genders, females were more likely to experience physical symptoms such as pain related to social anxiety.
Researchers assessed the relationship between two groups of university students in Israel to understand further how social anxiety is correlated to and affected by internet addiction. Previous studies show a high correlation between internet addiction and social anxiety. Because of this, researchers hypothesized that the association would also be high in university-aged populations.
Another aim of this study was to look at the differences between genders. Based on the results of previous research, researchers in this study expected that men would show higher rates of internet addiction. They also hypothesized that those with high levels of social anxiety and internet addiction would prefer socializing online to in-person and social networks over other online activities.
How was the study set up?
Studies in research are often organized so that other variables are less likely to influence results. Researchers often try to compare two groups of people in the same environment with one core difference. This setup keeps the two groups' other environmental factors as consistent as possible. One group does not have continual influence from a factor that the other group does not.
For the above study, 120 students participated, half male and half female. Ages ranged from 20 to 60, and the average age was around 29.
When considering all participants, the average reported internet use included the following statistics:
- 46.7% for social media
- 48.3% for studies, work, and email
- 5% for computer games
55% of males reported the primary use of the internet was for studies, work, and email, while 57.6% of females reported the primary use was for social networks. Further, 49.2% of students earned a bachelor's degree, 35.8% had high school certificates, and 10% had advanced post-high-school education. 4.2% had master's degrees, and 0.8% had not finished high school.
44.2% had a full-time job, 33.33% had a part-time job, and 22.47% were unemployed. 82.5% of the participants were born in Israel. Demographic questionnaires were used to ask about the participants' age, birth, country of birth, marital status, employment, education, and internet use.
Measuring social anxiety by using the Liebowitz Social Anxiety scale
Following this, social anxiety was measured using the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale. This scale evaluates anxiety and avoidance of social situations. To complete this questionnaire, participants answered 24 items, 13 covering situations requiring performance and 11 describing social interactions. They responded from one (never) to four (very much) for each of these, indicating their fear of avoidance.
Measuring internet addiction by using the Young Internet Addiction Test (IAT)
Next, participants were measured on their internet addiction by completing the Young Internet Addiction Test (IAT). This test had 20 items measuring compulsive use of the internet. For each question, they answered a number ranging from one (never) to six (always). If their total score exceeded 80, they were classified as having an internet addiction.
What were the results?
The study results indicated a positive moderate Pearson correlation between internet use and social anxiety. Internet addiction was more likely present in a participant experiencing social anxiety.
To further examine this association, participants were classified as having high or low social anxiety. Statistical analysis found higher levels of internet addiction in those with high levels of social anxiety. This statistic further supports the idea that the stronger the social anxiety, the more likely someone is to have an internet addiction.
When examining the differences between males and females, researchers found that men were likelier to have high anxiety than women. In this study, 75% of those with high anxiety were men, while 25% were female.
Another hypothesis researchers investigated was that those with high social anxiety would use social networks on the internet more often than those without high social anxiety. However, there were no significant differences between social media use and high or low social anxiety in this specific study when looking at the research. No difference was found between men and women related to social anxiety levels.
To further consider the relationship between social anxiety and internet addiction, researchers ran a second study with a second cohort of 60 people. These participants were half male and half female and ranged between 20 and 40, with an average age of 23 for women and 25 for men. This group was given the same questionnaires as the first group.
This study also showed a positive correlation between internet use and social anxiety, with a moderate correlation for men and a weak correlation for women. Another analysis showed that high social anxiety was again associated with high levels of internet addiction.
Effects of internet addiction on our mental health: What do these results showcase?
Overall, the main finding of this study was a positive association between internet addiction and social anxiety. People with higher social anxiety were more likely to have an internet addiction than those with lower social anxiety levels. There were also no differences between males and females in the internet addiction scores. Further, those with high levels of social anxiety did not prefer social networks over other internet use, which went against what researchers suspected.
The association between social anxiety and internet addiction was in line with previous research. Research has shown that poor social skills often lead to high levels of internet use, and males with fear, depression, and anxiety are more likely to have high levels of internet use. There is also evidence that characteristics like shyness, loneliness, dating anxiety, and avoidance of social relationships may be associated with higher internet use. Those with problematic internet use have tended to be more neurotic, anxious, and less extroverted than those without problematic internet use.
Support options to combat problematic internet use and social anxiety
The Internet can be helpful for many tasks, such as building a sense of community, working flexibly, finding resources, and learning. However, it can be vital to find balance in life, and the internet should be used with positive intention and action. Reducing unnecessary screen time can build confidence, promote healthy social interactions, and increase overall wellness.
Online therapy
However, if social anxiety keeps you from reaching out for support, you might consider taking your first steps in a familiar environment. Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp can allow you to receive support from home. Depending on your comfort level, you can choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions with your therapist.
Online cognitive-behavioral therapy has been proven effective in reducing anxiety associated with anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder. An online therapist can offer tools when interacting with others to decrease anxious feelings and help you meet your social goals.
Takeaway
Does social media use increase social anxiety?
Yes, research shows that excessive use of social media can significantly increase an individual’s social anxiety and may contribute to broader social anxiety disorder symptoms. Studies on problematic internet use, including problematic social media use and problematic Facebook use, indicate a positive correlation between excessive screen time and worsening mental health results, particularly among young adults and college students.
How does the internet affect social anxiety?
The internet can either alleviate or exacerbate an individual’s social anxiety. For some socially anxious individuals, online platforms provide a safer space for social interactions, reducing stress in comparison to in-person encounters. However, excessive internet use and problematic internet use, especially among young adults and college students, are associated with internet addiction. This kind of online engagement can worsen anxiety by giving feelings of isolation and inadequacy, ultimately exacerbating social anxiety symptoms.
Studies have found a positive correlation between problematic internet behaviors and conditions like social anxiety disorder. These effects may be compounded in individuals with poor social skills or limited social support. As internet usage becomes a primary social outlet for many in modern society, future research is essential to understand its impact on mental health and overall psychological well-being.
Does social anxiety apply online?
Yes, social anxiety can also apply and happen online. More socially anxious individuals often experience the same worries and fears when having online interactions with other people, either personally or digitally. Research shows that this anxiety can even be intensified through specific patterns of problematic internet use, especially among college students and young adults who may rely on the internet as a primary social outlet.
These individuals may engage in excessive internet usage, leading to social anxiety symptoms, particularly when there’s a heightened fear of negative evaluation from others. For some, this may escalate into more severe issues such as internet addiction disorder, one of several specific internet use disorders being investigated. Although digital communication can sometimes ease social pressures, it can also result in negative consequences like avoidance behaviors and reduced social support.
There’s a growing need for future research into how digital platforms influence mental health, including studies using structural equation modeling, systematic review, and meta-analysis approaches. Understanding internet user characteristics and how these relate to mental disorders, such as social anxiety disorder or social phobia, is key for shaping clinical implications and public mental health strategies.
What is the root cause of social anxiety?
The root cause of social anxiety disorder often comes from a mix of genetics, life experiences, and how people think and react in social situations. In college students and young adults, poor peer relations, low self-esteem, and weak social support are common contributing factors. Many also show emotion regulation difficulties and fear negative evaluation in social interactions.
Studies using the Social Phobia Inventory show a positive association between these traits and symptoms of social phobia. Research, including the present study and meta-analysis, highlights how problematic internet use and problematic smartphone use are linked to worse social anxiety symptoms. Some individuals, especially those with internet addiction disorder, may avoid in-person contact with others, turning to compensatory internet use instead.
High internet usage and mobile game addiction can worsen mental health and harm psychological well-being. Some researchers use structural equation modeling and ecological momentary assessment to study how much time online affects mental disorders, especially in socially anxious users.
These show significant differences in how anxiety disorders are affected by technology. Ongoing internet addiction research calls for more data curation, stronger literature search, and clear data availability statements to improve scientific understanding of the correlation. Addressing the causes of social anxiety, especially in the digital age, is important for public health, future systematic review efforts, and developing support systems based on a cognitive behavioral framework.
How does social media affect people socially?
Social media can both help and harm people’s social interactions, especially for young adults and college students. For some, it builds social connections and support; for others, it can make social anxiety worse, especially in those with existing social anxiety symptoms or anxiety disorders.
A present study and systematic review found that too much internet usage, including mobile game addiction and problematic smartphone use, leads to negative consequences for peer relations and overall well-being. People may turn to compensatory internet use when they feel uncomfortable in real-life social situations, which can harm their self-esteem and exacerbate emotion regulation difficulties.
A recent meta-analysis shows significant differences in how individuals respond to time online, especially among socially anxious groups. These research findings, supported by internet addiction research, use methods like ecological momentary assessment and formal analysis to measure impact over time.
To ensure accurate results, researchers apply inclusion criteria, conduct data curation, and declare data availability statements. Studies also consider the role of commercial or financial relationships and financial support, all while highlighting the broader impact on public health.
Does technology increase social anxiety?
Yes, technology can increase social anxiety symptoms, especially in young adults and college students. While it may help with social interactions and building social connections, too much internet usage can lower self-esteem and affect a person’s overall well-being. Studies, including a systematic review and meta-analysis, show a link between technology use and anxiety. The present study found that people often use the internet to cope with stress (a concept sometimes called compensatory internet use).
Conditions like internet gaming disorder are also being studied, especially for their impact on public health, young adults, and college students. These findings, based on clear inclusion criteria and formal analysis, help guide future research. Factors like financial support and commercial or financial relationships may also influence tech-related mental health outcomes. In short, while tech use supports some social needs, it can also increase anxiety, according to current research findings and current meta-analysis data.
How does social media affect social skills?
It can both help and hurt social skills, especially for college students and young adults. While it offers ways to maintain social interactions, heavy internet usage, including social media and behaviors linked to internet gaming disorder, may reduce in-person communication abilities. According to recent meta-analysis findings, overuse of social media is linked to more social anxiety symptoms and greater reliance on compensatory internet use.
This trend can have long-term impacts on public health. Studies have also considered the role of financial relationships between platforms and users.
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