FOMO, FOBO and NoMo

For many of us, the idea of an 'online life' is simply an adjunct to our real lives - a bit like wondering how much time we spend watching tv, or reading, or in the gym. But the use of smartphones and tablets is becoming more and more a part of everything we do, from simply communicating to researching, entertaining, guiding and cueing behaviours. I recently came across this article which seems to be a step towards keeping it all in perspective.

'The Australian Psychological Society issued its Stress and Wellbeing in Australia report last year, which included a section on social media that found 56 per cent of teens were heavy social media users, connecting more than five times per day, with 24 per cent being constantly connected. Sixty per cent felt brain 'burnout' from constant connectivity of social media.

Ms Lishman, an Australian psychologist, said people were becoming genuinely addicted to their devices, because of the rush generated by positive reinforcements and messages from friends.

Another psychologist, Ms Thornton, said parents had a vital role to play in dealing with this situation. "It is critically important to create a household where you have guidelines about what is OK and what is not OK, and to limit use, restrict inappropriate sites and foster a family environment," she said. "And parents have the power because they have the money. Who is paying for the internet connection? Turn the modem off overnight, have a password on the account that only you know; unless we put boundaries in place there will be huge repercussions."

"We can't do without technology now. And there are good things on the internet, but a virtual relationship is no match for a real, physical relationship." '

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-03/psychologists-scramble-to-keep-up-with-social-media-addiction/7293862