A recent research published in Affective Science finds that lack of face-to-face interactions and rise of digital communication are connected to social anxiety in adolescents. The study elaborated that teens who prefer online platforms for emotional connections show signs of emotional ‘over-control’ which is one of the biggest reasons for anxiety in them. The lead author of the study, Sarah Myruski, says that digital media is having negative effects on the well being of adolescents, with higher levels of anxiety being common in 1 in 3 teen boys by the time they reach 18. Teens who are already socially anxious and hesitate during in-person interactions are the most vulnerable ones who turn to digital media as an escape which also results in anxiety.
For the study, the researchers gathered 80 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 16 and asked them to complete a questionnaire which was based on social anxiety and communication preferences. The participants underwent ECG recordings as well so the researchers can measure their delta-beta coupling which is an activity related to emotional regulation. The results of the study suggested that teens who rely on digital media for emotional communication have high levels of delta-beta coupling and that's why they have difficulty in regulating their emotions. This is also something which results in social anxiety.
The lead author said that they have found a brain measure called delta-beta coupling which is linked to over-controller emotional regulation and this can explain why teens are preferring digital communication over face to face communication. But the author also said that there are some limitations to the study like if digital communication is the reason for anxiety in teens or if anxious teens are more likely to use digital media for emotional communication.
There should also be a balance between digital media and face to face interactions, especially in older teens who use social media to build friendships. They shouldn't totally rely on digital communication and should also try to find ways for real-time communication like facetimes and calls. Teens are also encouraged to practice emotional regulation in their daily interactions and should try to not be dependable on digital media for communication.
Image: DIW-Aigen
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For the study, the researchers gathered 80 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 16 and asked them to complete a questionnaire which was based on social anxiety and communication preferences. The participants underwent ECG recordings as well so the researchers can measure their delta-beta coupling which is an activity related to emotional regulation. The results of the study suggested that teens who rely on digital media for emotional communication have high levels of delta-beta coupling and that's why they have difficulty in regulating their emotions. This is also something which results in social anxiety.
The lead author said that they have found a brain measure called delta-beta coupling which is linked to over-controller emotional regulation and this can explain why teens are preferring digital communication over face to face communication. But the author also said that there are some limitations to the study like if digital communication is the reason for anxiety in teens or if anxious teens are more likely to use digital media for emotional communication.
There should also be a balance between digital media and face to face interactions, especially in older teens who use social media to build friendships. They shouldn't totally rely on digital communication and should also try to find ways for real-time communication like facetimes and calls. Teens are also encouraged to practice emotional regulation in their daily interactions and should try to not be dependable on digital media for communication.
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