Although the term cyber stress has come to refer mainly to the headaches and threats of cybersecurity, we use it to describe the many forms of stress that the use of information and computer technology has ushered into our lives. So much of what we do, and increasingly who we are at work and elsewhere, revolves around the tech that connects us to cyber space and the virtual online world. In this podcast, we explore some of the negative aspects of technostress and virtual connection on our well-being, and we consider some ways to reduce the consequences and impacts.
We have all heard a lot about digital detox and zoom fatigue, but how good is our awareness and understanding of how technostress and working online, in cyberspace, affects our psychological functioning and our well-being. Our ability to connect digitally and work anywhere, anytime brings great freedom and flexibility, but are our brains and bodies paying too heavy a price? The resulting stress can take the form of digital distraction, hyper-immersion, addiction or even burnout. What skills and support do we need to help us to have a more balanced relationship with our tech and cyber environment?