What Is Digital Depression?
Digital depression refers to the psychological state associated with technological advances in communications. Inventions such as cell phones, PDAs, laptop computers and the Internet are designed to make life more convenient and connected. However, some people experience adverse effects by the extra stress that this level of connection brings. Digital depression is real and has been documented by psychologists. An already overworked class of business people are being overwhelmed by more technology that puts the office closer to the palm of their hands.
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Interruption
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Wireless devices are very convenient for staying in touch on the road, but they also lead to constant interruption. Many people cannot relax even when they are off of work because of emails rolling in or text messages and phone calls on the go. This can lead to a feeling of depression setting in as the person is constantly reminded of the influx of work that will be waiting upon his return to work.
Too Many Tasks
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Technology often causes a lack of concentration on any one task. While pouring over one job, mobile devices often interrupt with other issues that cause a person to be forced to multi-task constantly. This can cause the worker to have an overwhelmed feeling that, over time, leads to depression. Individual jobs are often not attended to with the same diligence they would have without the constant interruptions of the digital society.
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Device Creep
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Device creep is the name given to companies' scramble to get the latest devices. The intentions are good; they want to keep productivity at its highest level and give employees the very best tools to accomplish this. However, constantly learning a new device often only creates more stress for the worker. Learning the ins and outs of a new device can be much more stressful than conducting business in a way in which the employee is comfortable.
Work Never Ends
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Technology creates the illusion that there is a never-ending stream of work always cascading down the line. This can be depressing to workers who need a definite point at which the workday is over. Finding out new developments when at home can only lead to the employee pondering the next day's activities when they are supposed to be relaxing. This leads to a depressed state and eventually impedes productivity instead of helping it.
Troubleshooting
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More electronic devices inevitably mean more bugs in the system. New devices are especially prone to faults while the kinks are being worked out. This can be stressful to employees fighting deadlines and increasing workloads, only to find their computers and other devices are in need of repair. Workers would prefer a reliable system over having each and every technological advancement at their fingertips. This can lead to the feeling referred to as digital depression.
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References
- Photo Credit depression image by momanuma from Fotolia.com
