When I close my eyes, I see millions of electric cables, blue in colour, glittering in a dark room. Every edge of the millions of interwoven cables has a plug or a sucket. Each animated plug is searching for their suckets and they get wrapped up even more in the quest.This to me, is a vivid description of a digitally mad world.
Digital revolution has swept accross every aspect of our lives.The advent of smart phones, social media plateforms and the endless pour of digital technology tools is no doubt adding enormous benefits to our lives.However amidst the irrefutable opportunities they offer,there should be a cause for concern about the 'digital madness' phenomenon.This article seeks to alert professionals, interested in digital skills or not, about the potential dangers associated with an insatiable pursuit of digital knowledge.
WHAT IS DIGITAL MADNESS
Digital madness, in my perspective, refers to a condition of significant perplexity caused by exhaustion, anxiety, and an unquenchable desire to acquire every newly emerging digital skill and tool to maintain relevance in the digital sphere. In fact, this contemporary form of madness is pushing many individuals towards obsession and mental exhaustion.
SYMPTOMS OF DIGITAL MADNESS
▪︎ Addiction
It is unwillful.You just can't stop.You feel obsolete each time you try.You equally get nervous each time you learn of a new discovery in the digital world.The mechanism in your brain has been imprisoned.
▪︎ Isolation & Excessive Screen time
You are very comfortable being all alone most often in a quiet place with a screen shining to your face.You feel comfortable chatting online rather than meeting your friends and family for an in-person drink or discussion.
▪︎ Dependency
You become dependent on your digital tools and apps.It is fun whenever you manipulate those skills and tools.They remind you of how skilled you are and nothing else matters much.You develop sudden uneasiness in the absence of digital tools.
▪︎ Lack of focus
You lose fucus in other tasks as they may seem boring.You also find it challenging to concentrate or complete task correctly due to distraction.
▪︎ Emotional stress
You may suffer from mood swings if you encounter challenges during your online experiences.
OVERCOMING DIGITAL MADNESS
Know when to stop
Set boundaries that you will respect.It might be difficult for a start, but if you are mindful of the risks, you can do it.
Engage in different activities
Think of what you used to like doing before the digital era invaded your privacy.Go back to them or create new ones.
Promote digital balance.
Use your digital hours wisely.Do the tasks with no distractions and for their allocated period of time.Once you finish,Stop.Do this for you and equally caution others around you to respect screen time.
Update your digital tools
Deleting old apps or those you do not use often can help reduce the time you spend on them and give you time to do something good for yourself.
Symptoms of digital madness may differ from person to person but the dangers ,harms and consequences are real.
We live in a technology "rush hour" era.Adopting a professional and responsible attitude towards digital madness is essential in navigating through the complexities of the digital world. By admitting that there are potential dangers and risks associated with excessive digital consumption, we can take proactive steps to establish a healthier relationship with technology. This includes setting boundaries, practising digital detox, prioritizing real-life connections, and promoting responsible quests and use of digital literacy . By fostering a balanced approach and being mindful of our digital habits, we can harness the benefits of the digital age while safeguarding our well-being and maintaining a professional and responsible stance towards the ever-evolving digital landscape
PERSONAL DIAGNOSTIC
Are you digitally mad?