Throughout most of human history, people lived in environments that changed very slowly. For thousands of years, we evolved in close-knit, small communities, surrounded by nature, reliant on our instincts for survival. The inherent rhythms of life paved the way to the development of social hierarchies, roles, and emotional coping techniques.
Nonetheless, in a matter of a few centuries, our lives have undergone a total transformation due to the swift progress of technology. Because of the development of digital technology, we are living in a time of 'hyper-connectivity' and 'information overload'. Our minds are still getting used to this reality. The author argues that we are just now starting to understand the mental strain brought on by this drastic change in our lifestyles. Because of social media, screens, and constant media exposure, mental health issues are more common than ever in today's environment, including, but not limited to addiction, depression, and anxiety.
The author questions whether the digital age has brought about a ‘new’ kind of mental illness or simply amplified the struggles humans have faced for centuries. Have we evolved emotionally to meet these new demands, or has our psyche been overwhelmed by the sheer speed of change?
Is mental illness in the digital age a new pathology, or just a modern evolution of the human mind?
– William James