When we think of loneliness, we tend to think of long stretches of time with no social interaction. Yet, in a world where virtual connection is prominent, it’s hard to realize that we may be feeling lonely. Being chronically online offers the guise of connection, but parasocial relationships can cause more harm than good.
Is being alone the problem?
Having time alone is important for self-growth and reflection. Without the influence of others around you, it’s easier to dissect your feelings and learn new skills. Which is why living in a world where being chronically online is common, can pose a huge issue for our personal development. Being alone is not the problem but how we utilize our alone time is what needs to be considered.
What does it mean to be chronically online?
Being chronically online is spending so much time on the internet that it’s an obsession. Using the internet as your main form of socialization, and entertainment, while feeling the need to maintain a digital presence are all signs of being chronically online [4].
The internet is fast-paced so it can feel like we are always missing something important. Whether it’s a trend, a new sale, breaking news, a viral story from an influencer, or even a funny meme. When we are chronically online, we do not realize how influenced we are by the different avenues of information we are receiving.
Is being chronically online that bad?
The toll that being online takes on a person is one that most do not notice. We can escape into an online world by another person’s aesthetic, or situation, that we forget about our own life and struggles [1]. That is the beauty of escapism. Being involved virtually with other people to learn, or as a distraction is not inherently bad, but not realizing when you need to take a step back to refocus your attention can be.
When you’re terminally online, the constant distractions and virtual involvement in a digital world can lead to social isolation. You might not experience loneliness on a day-to-day basis because of the connection you feel when online. However, if you’re always online, it might be difficult for you to foster meaningful relationships with family and friends. Your digital connections can cause a disconnect in your real life, leaving you socially isolated.
How does being chronically online negatively affect someone’s mental health?
When online, we can instantly get devastating information from across the globe, which can cause us to internalize people’s stories and experiences. Social media algorithms also quickly switch between serious topics and funny videos. The emotional whiplash is intense, and your nervous system becomes accustomed to the chaotic shifts.
Eventually, the visceral need to be incredibly informed about everything all the time can become second nature. We neglect our personal growth and isolate ourselves by watching other people through a screen. This can lead to comparison, anxiety, depression, isolation, unrealistic expectations, self-esteem issues, emotional loneliness, and even burnout [4].
Related: Social Media and Mental Health
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Can being chronically online also impact your physical health?
Being online nonstop can negatively impact your physical health. If remaining online is a priority for you, you may neglect other priorities such as physical activity, eating regularly, drinking enough water, or even spending time outside. Additionally, chronic loneliness can push you further away from these priorities and lead to more negative health outcomes.
How to successfully unplug from being online?
There are a few options you have when learning to unplug from chronic internet use [2]. Start small, so over time it can evolve to longer stretches of unplugging. Leaving your phone in another room is a big and helpful step, since it’s close enough to pick it up again but far enough away to not check it every few minutes.
Other forms of unplugging from online can include:
- Watch an episode of a show, or a movie
- Play a podcast on your headphones while you clean
- Cook dinner for yourself
- Read a book
- Color for stress relief
Anything done without your device around you is key, we do not want to be tempted to pick it up during our unplugged time.
What are things you can do alone, without being on your device?
When thinking of doing various activities, we always think we need to be with someone to experience them. If we don’t have a person to go with then we just stay home, and doom scroll on our phones. Seeking out experiences alone leaves room for new in-person connections and the ability to really enjoy your own company.
We recommend silencing your phone and putting it in your pocket when trying out these new hobbies:
- A new pottery class
- Seeing a movie
- Having dinner at a restaurant
- Browsing a bookstore for a new read
- Going on a hike
- Trying out a new exercise class
- Practicing mindful meditation
Do I have to give up my online time?
Being online will not change in our society, as we are all connected by the internet. The key is limiting your time online and noticing when your online time is impacting your mental health.
What to do if unplugging doesn’t improve my mental health?
For some, unplugging doesn’t always help a person’s mental health improve from being chronically online. Not only are feelings of anxiety and depression surfacing, but it could also be magnified for those who already experience those mental health issues [3]. If you have tried to unplug with no improvement to your mental health, or are having trouble unplugging, it might be time to reach out for professional help.
What kind of programs exist to improve my mental health?
Remember, you are not weak for being chronically online; this has been a rising issue over the years, and you are not alone. Depression, loneliness, and anxiety may feel unmanageable, but Clear Behavioral Health is here to help. We offer a wide variety of different mental health programs to assist with your current mental health issues based on the severity of your symptoms.
Outpatient Program
Outpatient treatment programs are a flexible treatment option for those looking for more than a weekly therapy session. You visit our outpatient treatment center to attend therapy sessions with modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), in both an individual and group setting, case management skills in an individual and group setting for building fundamental life and coping skills, and holistic therapy including yoga, sound baths, meditation and more. Outpatient treatment programs offer ongoing emotional and social support while teaching real-world skills. This is the best option if you would like continued support as you navigate your everyday life.
Inpatient Program
A mental health residential treatment program is for people who will live in our residential treatment facilities during treatment. The residential treatment program offers a structured therapeutic environment incorporating an intensive daily program with around-the-clock supervision and support. Therapeutic tools included in this level of care are individual and group therapy, along with psychiatric care and holistic healing approaches. This is recommended if you need a more hands-on and monitored approach.
Learn more about our mental health treatment programs in the Los Angeles, California area. Reach out to our experts today.
Take the First Step to Managing Your Mental Health
When being chronically online impacts your mental health, daily tasks and relationships, it’s time to reach out for help. Contact our team at Clear Behavioral Health to learn more about our mental health treatment programs. We provide in-person treatment options throughout Los Angeles, CA, conveniently located in Van Nuys, El Segundo, and Santa Clarita, California.
If in-person treatment does not seem feasible, we also have a virtual option for all California residents.
Don’t let being chronically online harm your mental health any longer, reach out today.
References:
- Firth, Joseph, et al. “The “Online Brain”: How the Internet May Be Changing Our Cognition.” World Psychiatry, vol. 18, no. 2, 6 May 2019, pp. 119–129, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6502424/, https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20617
- Huff, Charlotte. “Media Overload Is Hurting Our Mental Health. Here Are Ways to Manage Headline Stress.” APA, American Psychological Association, 1 Nov. 2022, www.apa.org/monitor/2022/11/strain-media-overload
- McLean, Mass General Brigham. “The Social Dilemma: Social Media and Your Mental Health.” McLean Hospital, McLean Hospital, 29 Mar. 2024, www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/it-or-not-social-medias-affecting-your-mental-health
- Piedmont. “How the Internet Affects Your Mental Health.” Www.piedmont.org, www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/how-the-internet-affects-your-mental-health
