How is digital dependence affecting normal life and mental health? understand these signs

Digital dependence grows over time and sometimes its impact can be understood by many signs in our lives. Too much focus on the Internet or electronic equipment is called digital dependence.

Internet has become an important part of our life. Everything is digital today for education, work, social media, business or entertainment. As this need is slowly taking over us, have you ever wondered how excessive digital dependence can affect our everyday lives? Digital dependency has grown over time. This has become the need of the hour. Digital dependence has many forms, such as excessive use of phones, social media, websites and OTT platforms. 

In simple words, digital dependence is said to be excessively dependent on the Internet or electronic equipment. Digital dependence grows over time and sometimes its impact can be understood by many signs in our lives. The withdrawal from social interactions and the beginning of becoming dependent on technology for connection are enough to raise mental health concerns. 

Understand these signs of digital dependence
1. You can get defensive when you ask questions about excessive online activity. Avoid excessive use of the Internet, but the question can make you too aggressive and agitated, resulting in anger and further isolation. 

2. You can connect everything to the virtual world, be it social life, work or games. You find it easy to rely on the virtual world. 

3. Prioritizing spending time with devices over family and friends is also a sign of digital dependence. By keeping away from social events or gatherings, most of your time seems to be spent only on devices. 

4. Loss of interest in any form of physical activity as it takes many activities to stay connected to the virtual world. 

Its bad effect on mind and health
1. Reading too much negative news, engaging in debate or defaming other users has become a new way of spreading negativity and form of 'entertainment'. This form of negativity can have a profound effect on thoughts. This further leads to a loss of confidence and less respect. Sometimes it can potentially aggravate depression as well. 

2. Insomnia can be caused by running the device for a long time at night. Screen light makes it difficult to sleep, which further changes the sleep cycle. It promotes irritability, mood swings, lack of focus and difficulty in working with the mind. 

3. The use of mobile, computer and other devices for a long time damages the eyes. This makes them vulnerable to many eye problems like redness, dryness, infection and blurring. Severe headache may also be experienced from time to time. 

4. Digital dependence leads to a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity and prolonged sitting leads to weight gain. If measures are not taken, it can lead to obesity, heart problems and other health issues. 

5. Sitting in the same position for a long time can cause neck, shoulder and back pain. In severe cases, it can even lead to spondylitis and other back problems. Using the phone for a long time puts pressure on the back, spine and neck.