There are many studies that discuss the problems of social isolation that the internet contributes to. But I feel that in different circumstances what can be generally considered a problem can instead become a benefit.
There is a substantial group of people who do not do well around others, or while they may be okay in a limited setting, cannot cope when in a crowd. The reasons can vary greatly but some of the common causes are:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
According to an article titled “What Triggers Anxiety? 11 Causes That May Surprise You” on the Healthline website, it is stated that according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America that an estimated 40 million people are affected.
Also from the same website is a list of common symptoms of anxiety, including:
- Uncontrollable worry
- Fear
- Muscle tension
- A faster heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
- Physical discomfort
- Tingling
- Restlessness
- Feeling on edge
- Irritability
And beyond anxiety into panic additional symptoms can be:
- A rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Shaking
- Feeling as if your throat is closing
There are a host of other issues that may arise from both anxiety and panic, and no two people are necessarily going to have the same responses to their particular triggers. In any event, for a significant number of these people, it is difficult if not impossible to deal with social situations, leading to self-isolation and a sense of disconnect from the society around them.
However, the very social isolation that can be a difficulty from internet usage can allow these people to have interactions with others in a setting where they can maintain their boundaries and coping mechanisms, helping them to feel once again a part of a greater community.
I intend to research what studies have been done, what the results have been, and then compare that to interviews with people who suffer from one or more of these issues, as well as others that may not be listed. Due to personal history and my position on a military facility I have routine contact with people who have been living with the problem for years, and others for whom it is a recent acquisition.
For full disclosure, I suffer from more than one of the causes listed above, so this is an issue of deep personal interest.
(Sorry for the long post.)
Reference:
Holland, K. (2020, March 28). What Triggers Anxiety? 11 Causes That May Surprise You. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/anxiety-triggers#1 (I couldn’t determine how to make this a hanging indent as appropriate for APA)