As technology use increases among all ages, teenagers are definitely at a higher risk of developing different forms of anxiety. Along with socially interacting with one another in person, cell phones create an area where there are no longer just expectations in school or at other activities, but now online. Although not everyone suffers from extreme anxiety, the excessive amounts of use on our phones cause stress like not other. The constant worry about a text, phone call, or being on social media is not just a disadvantage of technology, but one that is adding to mental health issues across all generations. Even though there are many positive attributes to cell phones and newer technology, the unrealistic expectations and “social cues” can be a lot for a teenager to handle. In order to decrease stress levels, teens need to be aware that what is portrayed online is not what is expected.
As time continues, people of all ages become more and more dependent on technology. Specifically, the toll this current generation has to social media. With such attachment to this online world it has become very easy to manipulate kids and teenagers to feel they have certain expectations to live up to. We become far too invested in other peoples lives and spend so much time focusing on a life that isn't our own that it turns into an escape from real life problems. Therefore, anxiety can be a result. Although, social media is not the only contributing factor, it is certainly one that cannot be overlooked. Living in a time of constant improvement, it can only be expected that this dependence of technology will grow stronger.
Adults turn *away* from their phone to lessen anxiety; children turn *to* their phone to lessen anxiety. That’s the crux of it: human interaction seems to make too many young people uneasy. Why?