Turinys
To stand up for the offended, to prove one’s case, to lay siege to the boor – it seems that there are enough reasons to enter into an argument on social networks. Is the fascination with Internet controversy so harmless, or is its consequences not limited to the insults received?
Surely you are familiar with the almost physical feeling of disgust that comes when someone writes a blatant lie on social media. Or at least what you think is a lie. You can not remain silent and leave a comment. Word for word, and soon a real Internet war breaks out between you and another user.
The squabble easily turns into mutual accusations and insults, but there is nothing you can do about it. As if you are watching a catastrophe unfold right before your eyes – what is happening is terrible, but how to look away?
Finally, in desperation or annoyance, you close the Internet tab, wondering why you continue to engage in these pointless arguments. But it’s too late: 30 minutes of your life have already been irretrievably lost.
“As a coach, I primarily work with people who have experienced burnout. I can assure you that constant fruitless arguments and swearing on the Internet is no less harmful than burnout from overwork. And giving up this useless activity will bring huge benefits to your mental health, ”says Rachelle Stone, a specialist in stress management and recovery after burnout.
How Internet Controversy Affects Health
1. Anxiety occurs
You constantly worry about how your post or comment will react. Therefore, every time you open social networks, your heart rate increases and your blood pressure rises. Of course, this is detrimental to our overall health. “There are enough reasons for alarm in our lives. Another one is completely useless to us, ”stresses Rachelle Stone.
2. Increasing stress levels
You notice that you are becoming more and more irritable and impatient, for any reason you break down on others.
“You are constantly under stress, and any incoming information – from social networks or real interlocutors – is immediately sent to the “center of stress reactions” of the brain. In this state, it is very difficult to remain calm and make informed decisions,” explains Stone.
3. Insomnia develops
We often remember and analyze the unpleasant conversations that took place – this is normal. But constantly thinking about online arguments with strangers doesn’t do us any good.
Have you ever tossed and turned in bed at night and couldn’t sleep as you mulled over your answers in an already ended online argument, as if that could change the outcome? If this happens often, then at some point you will get a whole set of consequences – both chronic lack of sleep, and a decrease in mental performance and concentration.
4. Various diseases occur
In fact, this is a continuation of the second point, because constant stress threatens with a variety of health problems: stomach ulcers, diabetes, psoriasis, hypertension, obesity, decreased libido, insomnia … So is it worth proving something to people you don’t even know at the cost of your health?
“In November 2019, I decided to stop all sorts of disputes and showdowns with strangers on the Internet. Moreover, I stopped even reading other people’s posts and messages. I didn’t plan to give up social networks forever, but at that time I had enough stress in the real world, and I didn’t want to bring additional stress from the virtual world into my life.
In addition, I could no longer see these endless photos screaming “Look how wonderful my life is!”, And I decided for myself that Facebook is inhabited by two categories of people – braggarts and boors. I did not consider myself to be one or the other, so I decided to take a break from social networks.
The results were not long in coming: sleep improved, anxiety decreased, and even heartburn decreased. I became much calmer. At first, I planned to return to Facebook and other networks in 2020, but changed my mind when a friend called me in a state of terrible stress.
She told how she tried to have a civilized discussion on a social network, and in response she received only rudeness and “trolling”. From the conversation, it became clear that she was in a terrible state, and I decided for myself that I would never again enter into disputes with strangers on the Internet, ”says Rachel Stone.