Older people feel lonelier when communicating online
The internet in general and social media in particular have changed people's lives and opened up a new world for the elderly, especially during the pandemic, which limits direct interactions. Many elderly people use phones, facetime, texting via online chat apps... to stay in touch with family and friends during the isolation period. Zoom calls, online book clubs or bedtime stories that grandparents tell their grandchildren over the phone have helped many people escape isolation.
However, according to The Guardian, a recent study found that during the pandemic, online communication makes people over 60 feel lonelier and more depressed than not communicating at all. “We were surprised to find that older people who used smartphones to communicate during the pandemic were more lonely and had negative emotions than those who had no online communication with others,” said Yang Hu, co-author of the study.
Older adults may experience loneliness over time, due to the shift to online socializing
Yang Hu said the team had expected that online contact would be better than complete isolation, but that didn't seem to be the case for older adults: “They experienced increased loneliness and mental health disorders over time, which was due to the shift to online socialization.”
The problem, says Yang Hu, is that older people who are not familiar with technology find it difficult and tiring to learn how to use them. But even those who are used to electronic devices find that excessive use is so stressful that it is harmful to their mental health, not simply a tool to cope with boredom and feelings of “aloneness.” “Too much exposure to electronic devices can be exhausting,” adds Yang Hu.
pressure from negative information in cyberspace
Many young people have increased psychological problems during the Covid-19 pandemic, the main causes being difficulties caused by the epidemic, conflicts in relationships with family and friends, and negative information about social events.
According to psychologist Pham Thi Thuy, during the recent social distancing periods, she often received "cries for help" from young people who were depressed due to the impact of Covid-19. They often asked about worries and stress when facing difficulties caused by the epidemic, family matters, marital relationships, how to raise children at home... "A male friend nearly 30 years old called me with loneliness and despair. He did not have a family, his spirit was always unstable and lonely. The unstable job during the epidemic season, along with the negativity in previous relationships made him complain," said Ms. Thuy.
Online connections tend to amplify loneliness.
Many experts also believe that young people are even "lonelier" because they spend most of their time on virtual relationships.The endless possibilities of Internet interactions also reduce the tolerance for loneliness, increasing the desire forexpectations about the number, speed and frequency of social network users' connections.Besides, between the real and virtual world, ridicule and slander will make them deeply vulnerable. The distance during the epidemic season makes it easy for many people to misunderstand and hurt each other.
So, although it may seem counterintuitive, online connections tend to amplify loneliness. “Technology and the internet provide people with greater knowledge and connections, but spending so much time and energy on countless ‘virtual connections’ can leave real-life relationships unattended,” says Stanford University psychologist Elias Aboujaoude, PhD, who is on the intersection of psychology and technology.
What is the solution for us?
Technology is now like a spiritual medicine for people. Through Facebook, Zalo, Skype..., we can still contact family, friends, colleagues. But no matter how modern, technology cannot replace direct interaction. Direct contact helps the body secrete the hormone oxytocin which helps reduce stress, improve memory and prolong life. On the contrary, virtual communication makes the brain have to process a lot of information, which in the long run makes us stressed.
Facebook, Zalo, Skype... cannot replace the "usefulness" of a handshake.
For the elderly, the development of the technological revolution makes connecting with society simple and close, the virtual world is certainly very fun, but using electronic devices for too long will have a negative impact on the health of the elderly such as reduced vision, dizziness, fatigue, laziness...
Reassurance for the elderly during the epidemic is very important, one of the factors affecting the immune system. There have been studies showing a close connection between emotions and the immune system. When we are anxious, sad or depressed, the immune system is also weakened. Therefore, help them stay optimistic, have a healthy diet, exercise to improve health and resistance.
And the advice given here, for young people, is to care for and talk to your grandparents and parents more. Ask about the feelings of the elderly to know if connecting online for them really brings joy and convenience as we think. Instead of just instructing grandparents and parents on how to access Facebook, Zalo,... sit down and tell them about your stories. Because after all, the purpose of most elderly people using the Internet is not to seek entertainment, but to make it easier to communicate and be close to their children and relatives..
The purpose of most elderly people using the Internet is not to seek entertainment, but to make it easier to communicate and stay close to their children and relatives.
And for young people, many of you are psychologically stressed because of Covid-19 data, feel scared when there are more infections, fake news, bad news... According to psychological experts, updating the news is necessary, but you should not read too much negative information.
Instead of being discouraged and complaining, you should take advantage of the opportunity to do more useful things. This is a golden opportunity to learn new knowledge and practice new skills throughonline classesYou can learn foreign languages, write, read books, plant trees, etc. These things will not only help you gain knowledge, but also bring you joy, confidence, and increase your self-worth.
Focus on the small things in life to increase your happiness and self-esteem.
You can also take advantage of the time to exercise at home, sweat, detoxify, help the body become healthier, happier, and improve the immune system. Psychologist Pham Thi Thuy also advises young people to arrange their eating, resting, and playing time scientifically, and not to indulge themselves by watching movies too late, being lazy, sleeping in...
