“Oh, did you see that on TikTok?” was the immediate response to a joke I made.
This response made me realize how ingrained social media platforms like TikTok have become in our lives. Nowadays, our first instinct is to assume that anything funny or relatable a friend says comes from an online trend or meme, rather than an original thought.
Could it be that we are becoming more chronically online? Younger generations like Gen Z are spending more time on social media than ever before.
According to an article by Keyhole, a social listening and analytics platform, people who are chronically online are defined as:
“Those who spend a significant amount of time online, to the point where their personality revolves around internet memes, culture, and slang. They are always connected to the internet and are constantly engaging with social media, messaging apps, or other online platforms.”
Dr. Julie Albright, a renowned digital sociologist and expert in technology and society, compares using social media for entertainment to drugging yourself. It boosts the pleasure hormone dopamine, keeping you in a pleasurable state and glued to your phone.
This addictive scrolling negatively impacts mental health. It can disrupt sleep, decrease productivity, and lead to information overload, which can reduce critical thinking skills.1
This summer, I encourage everyone to take some time to unplug and disconnect from the online world. With summer vacations and warm weather, there are plenty of opportunities to put your phone down and enjoy outdoor activities with people IRL, aka in real life.
As dental students or recent graduates, you already have a lot on your mind with balancing studies, work placements, networking opportunities, and more. Taking a break from the constant notifications and information overload of social media can help you feel calmer and allow your brain to rest before the new semester or associateship.
Disconnecting from your screens can also improve physical health. As healthcare professionals, you understand the importance of staying active. Instead of endless scrolling, enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, or any sport you enjoy to enhance your fitness and well-being.
Let’s make an effort to disconnect from our phones and reconnect with ourselves this summer.
— Marley Gieseler, Managing Editor, Oral Health Group
References
- What does Chronically Online mean? | Social Media Glossary by Keyhole. (2023, November 6). Keyhole. https://keyhole.co/social-media-glossary/chronically-online/