Anxiety in the digital age is a growing concern as individuals navigate the complexities of social media and technology. The constant exposure to curated lifestyles and the pressure to present an idealized image online can contribute to heightened levels of anxiety.

For example, individuals may experience anxiety when comparing their lives to the seemingly perfect lives portrayed on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

Furthermore, the fear of missing out (FOMO) induced by constant connectivity and notifications can also exacerbate anxiety. The need to stay updated and engaged with online activities can create a sense of urgency and restlessness.

References:

• Smith, A. N., & Pettigrew, T. F. (2018). Bane or boon? Control and comparison appraisals of social media use differentially predict the impact of social media on well-being. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 37(10), 751-774.
• Kross, E., Verduyn, P., Demiralp, E., Park, J., Lee, D. S., Lin, N., ... & Ybarra, O. (2013). Facebook use predicts declines in subjective well-being in young adults. PloS one, 8(8), e69841.