Professors and technology experts from the Bringham Young University in Utah shared that despite the adverse effects brought by technology during the pandemic, there are ways that everyone can use to improve one's mental health.
Increase in use of technology during the pandemic
A drastic increase in the number of people dependent on technology has been recorded. That is since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. According to reports, this is described as an inevitable surge.
Businesses have shifted to online platforms; employees have to work from home; and even students have to attend virtual classes.
Because families had to stay at home most of the time, this threatened the mental health of some individuals. Spending more time together became a challenge for some families.
However, experts from BYU say that there are ways on how to improve mental health through technology. According to them, despite the increase of cases of depression and anxiety, there can still be ways to turn things around.
How to improve mental health through technology
1. Be active users of technology
Sarah Coyne, the School of Family Life associate director at BYU, shared that technology users may be categorized as active and passive users. Depending on the kind of user that one is, it can somewhat affect interaction online.
Coyne says that active users are those that interact positively. These users are liking, sharing, and uplifting others. On the other hand, passive users are those who observe and scroll.
Coyne believes that active use of technology is the healthier way to go. She said, "It's important to be really mindful of your social media use and making sure that we are not just scrolling."
2. Use technology to connect with others
Another expert from BYU, Quintin Hunt, said that another way to improve mental health through technology is by using it to connect with others.
Although we lack the physical aspect when connecting with others via technological means, staying connected and finding people to talk with is vital during the pandemic.
For students, they feel that attending virtual classes is more exhausting. One student shared, "It's hard to find the energy to really do anything because I am not getting that social interaction that I really want that helps me actually enjoy the class."
Meeting friends while following COVID-19 protocols is a solution that some people do.
However, Hunt emphasizes that technology can be a great way to improve one's mental health. He said that one should not be afraid to talk about their struggles or talk about their mental health during these times. He said that people should continue to value one's relationship even if there is physical distance.
