There’s nothing that makes me feel old like seeing the look in my daughters’ eyes (even though they try to hide it) when I ask them for help with my computer.  And with my work schedule switching from a fairly long commute to absolutely no commute, the extra time I thought I’d have is now used trying to connect to WiFi, unfreeze my remote computer access, or find an email with the right link to the right meeting.  My struggle with technology makes me feel embarrassed, clueless, and down right like a stressed out idiot.  Turns out, though, I’m not alone, and if you’re relating to what I’m saying, there’s a term for it.  According to Fast Company’s computer experts, it is called “technostress,” a condition they wrote about even before the pandemic.  And in this unprecedented stay at home time, it’s only gotten worse with our complete dependence on our phones and computers for connection.

Part of what stresses me out is how absolutely vital technology has become.  The good news, truly, is that I can continue to do my work, stay connected to my staff, and talk with family and friends.  I’m continuing in my book club and even going to religious services all from my home!  But the privilege of all of this connectivity is a constant layer of stress on all of us.  And the more important the meeting, interview, or communication, the more stressed we become.  Technostress is defined as the “negative stress and psychological symptoms directly related to the use and adoption of new technologies.”  The term was first used by Craig Brod in 1984 with the widespread adoption of computers in the workplace.  Research shows our frustration has only grown as our dependence on technology has greatly increased and spread throughout both our personal and professional lives.

Technostress isn’t just about using specific tools or kinds of technology, it also refers to our relationship with technology.  For one thing it blurs the boundaries between work and home life, not just in location, but also in our time.  And the speed of communication also ramps up.  We have constant emails backing up or we may worry about it, constantly checking.  And then there is the learning curve of how to use all the tools that are supposed to make life easier.  And there is little help, except for reading instructions that leave us more confused.  Every new tool I use has so many features and functions, I find I tune out and just want to use the basics.  The constant insecurity I feel is wearing.  I wait for emails that have links, stress when the link won’t open, and panic when they can see me but can’t hear me, or I can hear them but they can’t see me, and all the variations of things that go wrong.  

Studies show technostress can cause a wide variety of symptoms to look out for such as headaches, hypertension, back aches, and other physical symptoms.  People can develop mental fatigue and burn out, as well as a feeling of helplessness and low morale.  It can also cause emotional symptoms like panic/anxiety, feelings of isolation, irritability, reduced satisfaction, and an increased sense of pressure and overwhelm.  Sounds about right.

So what can we do?  First of all, give yourself a break.  Who knew we would all be shut in at home and having to make this shift to a new way of living so all of a sudden?.  Some of us are just not computer types of people.  I went into psychology to engage in conversations that were intimate and personal.  I try to remind myself that it’s ok to struggle with the technology and my ignorance does not reflect my competence in my work or my intelligence.  Next, and this is a tough one, you need to ask for help.  No doubt, we have to admit when we’re having trouble.  Sometimes I get lucky and make it work on my own,  but more often I may stare at the computer for hours getting nowhere without someone to help troubleshoot.  Finding someone with the patience and knowledge is a life line.  Also, use technology when it’s most important and necessary, and then take breaks.  Get away from a screen, meet someone in person for a socially distant chat, or if you can’t avoid technology, ask to use the medium you are most comfortable with whenever possible.  

Ironically, technology is supposed to be about making our lives easier.  And used in balance and when seen as a tool rather than a torture, it can be of great benefit.  For me, personally, I have to stop thinking of it as out to get me and remind myself that it’s just metal, plastic, and wires and has no personal desire to make my life miserable. In fact, at times these very tools can bring me a lot of joy and facilitate keeping my life going.  For the truth is, without my crossword puzzle app or online shopping, just where would I be these past four months?