The internet and social media are powerful and indispensable tools in daily life, but at the same time, they can be harmful to our mental health. With Clinical Neuropsychologist, Dr Rodney Stewart, who we first had on the Podcast in 2019, we discuss the mental health challenges that have been emerging due to extensive digital technology use, including: the types of mental health challenges people have been experiencing since we last spoke; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on internet use and our mental health; whether our digital life will become more important than our real life; and key signs that someone has a problematic relationship with social media or the internet.

 

This episode is also available on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music.

The internet has revolutionised the way we connect, learn, and live. It offers a world of information, platforms for self-expression, and ways to stay in touch with loved ones across the globe. Yet, for all its benefits, it also presents a complex and often challenging landscape for our mental well-being. Excessive or compulsive use can lead to what is often described as internet addiction, a behavioural pattern that can significantly impact our psychological health.

The relationship between excessive internet use and mental health is not a simple one. In many cases, it is a vicious cycle. People may turn to social media or online activities to cope with pre-existing feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. However, this often exacerbates the very problems they are trying to escape.

In 2019, we had a conversation on digital addiction with a particular focus on gaming and social media. At the time, the evidence on social media was primarily anecdotal, but based on the research that has since emerged, and how social media and broad internet activity use have evolved over the years, we thought it opportune to revisit the issue in this podcast episode.

 

Introducing our guest

Dr Rodney Stewart is a neuropsychologist from Curaçao with more than 25 years of experience in diagnostics, psychotherapy and education. After studying psychology and specialising in clinical neuropsychology in the Netherlands, he returned home to apply his knowledge and passion to his community. In 2000, he founded INTERACT; Diagnostic, Learning & Training Center, where he supports children, adults, and the elderly with neuropsychological and psychological challenges.

Beyond his private practice, Rodney has gained broad experience in mental health care and education, including serving as Dean of Students at the University of Curaçao. He is also deeply engaged in community initiatives, having contributed to the Curaçao Alzheimer Foundation, the Psychological Association of Curaçao (PsyCur), and SIFMA, a foundation dedicated to improving early childhood education.

Rodney’s work is defined by compassion, dedication and a strong commitment to making a lasting impact at both individual and community levels. Outside of his professional life, Rodney finds balance and joy in the simple pleasures. Music, the ocean, and precious time with his family bring him peace. His two children are his greatest teachers, reminding him every day to strive to be the best dad he can be.

With warmth, dedication, and a deep sense of service, Rodney Stewart continues to touch lives, one person and one community at a time.

 

Insights into our conversation

Although over the past five or so years, we have become more aware of our mental health, there is a still a stigma attached to it in the Caribbean region. Additionally, when we think of protecting our mental health, typically, a negative or unpleasant situation is the source. Rarely do we think we need to be vigilant in seemingly more pleasant circumstances, such as when on online or on social media, that make us content or gives us a hit of dopamine. However, those feelings of contentment that can cause us to spend hours surfing the internet or scrolling on social media, are exactly the reasons why we need to be more vigilant.

We also have to be mindful that although we might be aware of some of the ways in which extensive internet use can affect our mental health, we may pride ourselves on not falling into those traps. However, Dr Stewart shares some simple tests we can do to see where on the spectrum we fall. Ultimately, addiction is often a matter of degree, and so the odds are although most of us might not fail the suggested tests outright, we will be highly stressed by the process.

Below are key questions that drove our conversation with Dt Stewart.

  1. Noting that you were first on the Podcast in 2019, can you share with us how the mental health challenges people have been experiencing due to internet use generally have evolved over the past 5-plus years?
  2. Did you notice any long-term mental health effects from the pandemic, such as increased social anxiety or a greater reliance on technology for connection?
  3. Which will become more important: our digital life or real life?
  4. Can you explain the concept of “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO) and how it’s exacerbated by social media, leading to negative mental health outcomes?
  5. What are some of the signs of a problematic relationship with social media or the internet, and when should someone seek professional help?

 

We would love to hear your thoughts!

Do leave us a comment either here beneath this article, or on our Facebook or LinkedIn pages, or via Twitter, @ICTPulse.

Also, if you or a member of your network is interested in joining us for an episode, do get in touch.

Let’s make it happen!

 

Select links

Below are links to some of the organisations and resources that were mentioned during the episode, or might otherwise be useful:

 

 

Images credit:  R Stewart;  Freepik;  wirestock (Freepik);  Freepik

Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell

Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez