For the first time in about a century, people have been forced to self-isolate because of a pandemic. COVID isolation has brought about a slew of problems, especially in youths and teens..
What we have differently compared to the previous pandemic from the 1900s, however, is technology. While it greatly helps, technology also brings with it a lot of problems.
Many lockdown issues that can affect emotional and mental health are brought about by technology. In this edition of the Youth Counselling blog, we’ll explore some of those issues and how to take advantage of resources for help.
4 Common Technology-Related Lockdown Issues
Being online is not a bad thing. It’s where most of us find information, entertainment, and connectivity with others, after all.
However, many teens and young adults today spend far too much time online, especially during COVID isolation.
Aside from excessive time spent on technology, issues like cyberbullying, stalking, and sexting have also become more common. As such, it’s important to know how all these technological lockdown issues affect you. These issues include:
1. Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying refers to any type of bullying done either online or through mobile devices.
There are many types of cyberbullying, some being subtle while others outright bash the victim.
2. Sexting
Sexting involves sending lewd messages and images online or through text. Some people may find it harmless.
However, this can also have serious consequences for the people involved.
Imagine taking an explicit photo of yourself and sending it to someone, only for them to spread it around. The consequences of this can be disastrous.
Even if you send it to someone you trust, unforeseen circumstances, like hacking, can be problematic.
3. Catfishing
Catfishing involves creating a fake online profile to victimize certain targets.
This is done for many reasons, including getting information, stalking, or attempting to become close to someone.
4. Cyberstalking
Cyberstalking can also be very harmful, especially to the victim.
How would you feel if you found out that every move you make is constantly being watched? You’d be anxious and paranoid all the time.
Regardless of the intensity of your exposure to any of these issues, it will not hurt to address them ASAP. These lockdown issues can worsen as time goes by, so don’t put off dealing with them.
What are the Effects of Online Activities and Issues on Youth?
Pretty much everyone nowadays has a social media profile or some sort of messenger service.
As such, it’s extremely easy to get harassed online. It’s not just about harassment — all the issues we mentioned above can have negative effects.
Regardless of the type of problem or issue you face online, you’re at risk of being adversely affected. Among the ones normally associated with online activities are the following:
- Self-esteem issues stemming from either physical or social insecurities
- Fear and worry, or excessive anxiety
- Mental health problems like depression and anxiety disorder
- Relationship problems, either with peers or with family
As unfortunate as it sounds, many of these become a normal part of a teenager’s or young adult’s life. This isn’t acceptable at all since these issues can negatively impact a person’s well-being.
As such, coping methods like remote counselling can help.
How Can You Cope with These Problems?
People tend to cope in different ways when faced with problems.
Unfortunately, not all ways of coping are healthy. If you’re trying to cope with these issues and problems, be sure to do so the healthy way.
Keep in mind that healthy ways include those that don’t take a toll on your physical and mental health.
Among the best ways of coping include the following:
· Talk to someone about it
Keeping all your thoughts to yourself, especially while you’re being victimized, isn’t an astute choice.
Be sure to share your mind with the people closest to you. Even if you’re not exactly the sharing type, it feels good to get things out of your chest.
· Don’t feed the trolls
Bullies and online trolls get satisfaction from eliciting a response from their targets. This is why it’s vital never to feed the trolls.
Don’t give them the satisfaction of knowing that they got to you.
Yes, you may be upset, but that’s why we recommend talking to your friends and family about it. They can be your outlet while you present a strong face to your bullies.
· Document everything
Of course, you can’t just let bullies and trolls get away with it.
Be sure to take screenshots of everything and document all conversations. These will serve as valuable proof for authorities.
· Ask for help
It doesn’t hurt to ask for help.
If you’re being bullied or stalked, talk to a person of authority. Teachers, guidance counsellors, and in more extreme cases, cops can all help.
Psychological therapy and remote counselling are also good options.
· Use the block button
Once you’ve taken account of all proof, it’s time to make full use of the block button.
You’re better off without these bullies, stalkers, and trolls in your life. Don’t be afraid to cut them out.
Most importantly, you should always look out for yourself when these problems arise. You can never predict how you’ll react to these situations, so keep your mental health a priority.
Keeping your mind healthy is crucial for you to stand firm amidst these challenges. If necessary, consult with a professional since remote counselling is an excellent option.
Limiting Your Time Online Can Be Beneficial to Your Mental Health
Are you the type that can scroll through Instagram or Facebook the entire day? There’s nothing wrong with that, especially during the pandemic, because it’s much safer than going out.
However, doing so isn’t exactly great for your mental health. Social media, after all, has been linked to increased levels of loneliness and self-esteem issues.
It may help to wean yourself away from these platforms. Some excellent ways to help you control the time you spend online are the following:
· Fix your privacy settings
Information is just too readily available online.
People with malicious intent may have access to your personal information, so always keep your privacy settings updated.
If you want to lessen your time spent online, this is the first thing you should do.
· Track and limit your time online
The average teenager spends about 9 hours a day on different media, including online platforms.
This is even more time spent than sleeping or doing something more productive.
Again, we can’t stress the fact enough that there’s perfectly nothing wrong with choosing to spend time online. However, too much of it can be harmful.
You also increase the chances of encountering things that upset you. Try downloading one of those apps that track how much time you spend online.
You be the judge of whether you’re spending too much time online or not.
· Find alternative activities
Yes, being online is fun. It gives you a sense of being in the loop, especially if you have FOMO. However, it’s not the only thing you can do with your time.
Try to find alternative activities to keep you occupied.
Why not try learning a new skill or hobby? Now’s the perfect time for it since we’re all cooped up at home because of COVID isolation. Give these a try and see how it goes.
· Identify your triggers
Some of us don’t spend our time online just because we want to. Some of us are forced into it, either by habit or by choice.
Either way, identifying what triggers you to overindulge in online activities is important.
Do you tend to just scroll through Instagram endlessly when bored? Do you go down the rabbit hole of looking for gossip when curious?
Try to identify the reasons why you overindulge and do something about it.
· Disable your notifications
Notifications from your apps can serve as alarm bells for you to start going online.
Naturally, if you limit or disable these notifications, you can also limit how much time you spend online.
Try disabling your notifications at certain times of the day, and just leave the most important ones on. For example, turn them off during the evening.
Make this a habit, and you’ll lessen the time you waste in no time.
· Give yourself a reward
Finally, give yourself an incentive to lesson your online activity time. These don’t have to be big rewards.
Anything that can give you some level of satisfaction will do.
Again, spending time online is never bad. However, if your online experience negatively impacts you, then be sure to minimize that time.
Follow the steps we recommended above, and you should see the time you spend online drop.
Psychological Therapy is a Viable Coping Strategy to Deal with Lockdown Issues
Counselling and therapy are proven to be beneficial to both mental and emotional health.
Regardless of the issues you face, it would help for you to consider this as an option. Remote therapy is particularly useful amidst the pandemic.
If you’re in Ottawa and the surrounding areas, why not give Capital Choice Counselling a try?
Our professionals excel in helping you prioritize your mental and emotional wellness. Contact us today to get started on your first counselling session.