"The winds of anxiety blow / Coldly through the empty hall"
(The Age of Anxiety, Part 1, Section 1)

“The Age of Anxiety”, a poem by W.H. Auden stretching over 100 pages, and written in the aftermath of World War II, captures a sense of existential dread and uncertainty about the future. The characters in the poem grapple with feelings of isolation, alienation, and a loss of meaning in a rapidly changing world. These themes resonate strongly with the anxieties and challenges faced by people today.. 

Most of the challenges we consider as threatening today did not exist at the time of Auden’s publication – at least not as we experience them now. Climate change, and loss of biodiversity was not talked about. Human trafficking was plainly called slavery. Details about pandemics like the Spanish flu hardly existed beyond Western Europe. Inequality and poverty was just how life was, and got much worse as a result due of the war, as was conflict and displacement. 

In the 2020’s these worldwide issues are very real, and so are people’s responses to them. Like the fictional characters in Auden’s poem experienced, the struggles that cause our growing anxiety and depression in the current decade are well documented. Certain age groups are more affected than others. Countries of origin (developed- or developing nations) also play a role in how global calamities cause anxiety. We want to consider the question: 

“Why are certain groups or individuals affected more than others who live on the same planet?”

Some answers to that question could include differences in economic, religious, or philosophical perspective. It could also be psychological defense mechanisms (unconscious psychological strategies used to protect the ego from anxiety or distress), or cognitive dissonance that suggests that people tend to avoid information that contradicts their beliefs, values, or actions. 

Is there something we could learn from any of these perspectives? 

There seem to be ways to live here on this planet with all its stressors, without paying the price with our mental health. We will explore the matter here and find that “different” way. First though, let us look at where all this happens – the world we live in.

Galileo Galilei wrote “Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems” in 1632. This work takes the form of a discussion between two fictitious characters about the questions of science of that time. This book was banned for over 200 years, and Galilei was placed under house arrest for the rest of his life. What caused the upheaval that led to such drastic punitive measures, was not the use of profane language, explicit sex or violence. It was his view, based on his scientific findings, that the earth, and other planets, revolved around the sun (heliocentric theory) like Copernicus suggested a hundred years earlier. This was contrary to the popular view based on Ptolemy’s theory that planets, including the sun, revolved around the earth (geocentric theory). The latter belief was the basis for scientific theory for more than 1,500 years. Galilei was found to be “vehemently suspect of heresy” by church and state alike. His biggest sin was to go against the popular beliefs of his time. 

David Seel Jr., in 2018, writes about Galilei in “The New Copernicans”: 

Everything about his experience told him reality was different from what the established order was telling him. He was seeing the world through different lenses with different implications.

In the 20’s of this millennium, it is not surprising that people can have different views on the same subject, especially when our backgrounds differ – just like science and religion may have differed almost 400 years ago.

Seel’s New Copernicans are the young adults of today, the Millennials and GenZ’s. These are the young adults who are seeing the world in this age through “different lenses with different implications”. These are the young adults who, as stated in the studies cited below, show a double-figure increase in psychological suffering like anxiety and depression over the past 20 years. These are the young adults who are most actively involved in technological development in the Information Age. They are the generation who are most vulnerable to the influence of social media.

Apart from the well-documented COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020’s bring unique global challenges that affect billions of individuals emotionally. Evidence suggests a significant increase in psychological suffering over the past 20 years, particularly among young adults. According to a study published by the American Psychological Association, mental health issues have increased significantly in young adults over the last decade, with a 52% increase in adolescents reporting symptoms consistent with major depression between 2005 and 2017. Statistics from the World Health Organization reveal a 13% increase in reported mental health disorders over the past 10 years. Globally, the top causes of death for young adults aged 15-29, are motor vehicle accidents, followed by suicide. A recent study by UCL-UK, published (2023) in Cambridge University’s Psychological Medicine found that one of the notable trends observed was a sharp rise in the rates of anxiety, depression, and stress in adolescents and young adults over the past 20 years. 

We're facing unprecedented global challenges that are affecting our mental health, sense of community, and individual freedoms.

Although the following challenges are listed as the threats that are globally most capturing the attention of governments, activists, and multinational organizations, these are by no means the only stumbling blocks to the happiness and prosperity of billions of individuals around the world. These are the issues that receive the most media coverage.  

Climate Change

This is arguably the most significant crisis of our time. Rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and biodiversity loss, threaten human societies and ecosystems. The window for mitigating the worst impacts is rapidly closing. 

Global Health Security

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global health systems and highlighted the threat of infectious diseases. Future pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, and the health impacts of climate change pose ongoing risks. 

Inequality and Poverty

The gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen, both within, and between countries. This leads to social instability, limited opportunities, and undermines sustainable development. 

Food Insecurity and Water Scarcity

A growing global population, coupled with climate change and conflict, is straining food and water resources. This leads to malnutrition, famine, and displacement, particularly in vulnerable regions. 

Conflict and Displacement

Wars, political instability, and persecution are forcing millions to flee their homes, creating humanitarian crises and fueling regional instability.  

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking

Despite being illegal, millions of people are trapped in forced labor, sexual exploitation, and other forms of modern slavery. This is a human rights abuse fueled by poverty, discrimination, and conflict. 

Loss of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Collapse

Human activities are driving species extinction and ecosystem degradation at an alarming rate. This loss of biodiversity threatens food security, water resources, and the overall health of the planet. 

The Digital Age and Its Challenges

Whether we are tech-savvy or not, living on earth at this time exposes us all to global developments that surpasses anything our ancestors ever had to deal with. This challenge has an overarching bearing on most sectors of our lives. We give more attention to this matter later on.

It's important to remember that these crises are interconnected and require comprehensive solutions. Addressing them will require global cooperation, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable development and social justice. Having said that, the emotional effects of these dilemmas on many times more people than before, poses a complex situation that requires intervention on a much, much wider scale than what is currently the case. Not only that. It absolutely needs the attention and introspection of each individual. As we consider this very basic list, it is a worthwhile exercise to ask ourselves these questions: 

“Am I really as healthy and calm as I claim to be? What about my family, friends, and colleagues?

The threats that the world as a community are faced with are huge. Do we as individuals dare to confront ourselves with the question “Am I really ok?”. What are the answers that we get? For the sake of this article, only the top seven psychological problems facing people globally are listed here. (To provide extensive coverage of each condition falls outside the scope of this article. More info is available on the web sites noted in the footnotes.)

Anxiety and Depression: 

These mental health conditions have seen a significant rise in recent years, especially among young adults. Factors such as social media pressure, economic uncertainty, and the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to increased feelings of anxiety and depression. [Source: World Health Organization (WHO)]

Loneliness and Social Isolation: 

With increasing reliance on technology, and the breakdown of traditional social structures, many people are experiencing increased feelings of loneliness and isolation. This can lead to negative mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety. [Source: Cigna]

Climate Anxiety and Eco-Anxiety: 

Growing awareness of climate change and environmental degradation has increased personal feelings of anxiety and fear about the future. This can manifest in various ways, such as eco-anxiety, climate grief, and eco-distress. [Source: American Psychological Association (APA)]

Technostress: 

The constant bombardment of information and the pressure to be constantly connected can lead to technostress – a phenomenon not heard of only a few decades ago – characterized by feelings of stress, anxiety, and fatigue related to technology use. [Source: Technostress.com]

Information Overload: 

The vast amount of information available online can be overwhelming and lead to information overload, making it difficult to focus and make decisions. [Source: American Psychology Association (APA)]   

Digital Addiction: 

Excessive use of technology leads to digital addiction, characterized by compulsive use and withdrawal symptoms – like anxiety – when not using devices.  [Source: HelpGuide.org]

Cyberbullying: 

The rise of social media led to an increase in reported cases of cyberbullying, .which can have devastating effects on victims. Fear and anxiety are the initial response and leads to more serious mental health issues, if not treated early. [Source: StopBullying.gov]

It's important to note that these challenges can interact and compound each other, making it even more difficult for individuals to cope. The common denominator in all the items in our list is anxiety. Addressing this suffering requires a multifaceted approach that includes individual coping strategies, social support, and systemic changes to create a more supportive and sustainable environment.

We would be ignoring the elephant in the room, if we do not address the fact that out of these top seven stress situations, four relate directly and three indirectly to our online presence and habits. 

The origins of the Information Age can be traced back to the mid-20th century, with significant milestones such as the invention of the transistor in 1947 and the development of the internet in the 1960s. This age, also known as the Digital Age, refers to the period in human history characterized by the rapid development and widespread use of information technologies, primarily computers, the internet, and other digital technologies. 

This era is marked by a shift from traditional industries to an economy centered around information and knowledge. Industries and societies have undergone significant transformations as they adapt to the digital age. The internet has connected people across the globe, enabling instant communication and collaboration. Information (including our personal data) has become a valuable resource, and its production, distribution, and consumption have become major economic activities.

The explosive growth in this “seemingly one area” has revolutionized the way we communicate, work, and live. Its profound impact on society is well documented, as its influence continues to shape our world. It informs, to a large extent, how we view the world around us. It determines how we experience what happens around us. 

While considering the human challenges of this decade, we find how every area of our lives, our thought patterns, and our emotional states, are being influenced by rapid advances specifically in terms of global internet communication technology. 

Trends and thought control

George Orwell's "1984" is a dystopian novel set in the year 1984 in the fictional totalitarian nation of Oceania. The Party controls every aspect of life in Oceania, including the people's history, language, and thoughts. They monitor everyone through telescreens and punish any act of disobedience, even thought-crime, i.e., the act of thinking rebellious thoughts. In the end, the main character in the book conforms, abandons his paradigm of self-determination, and becomes a loyal servant of the Party, completely devoid of individuality and free thought. 

Today, forty years later, the human freedoms of expression and association are being annihilated by exactly these freedoms on the one side, and content creators, cyberbullies and modern-day thought-police on the other. 

Despite all of our freedoms and human rights – like our technological progress, our global connectivity, our seemingly unlimited access to information – we are subtly being taken captive by expert influencers. 

Our thoughts are sheepishly shaped by the unquestioned guidance of unknown sages, self-indulging authorities who eloquently conforms our minds to the popular worldly patterns displayed on the screens before us. 

Information as currency

Bernice Boateng, Graduate Mentor Fellow at University of Denver, compares data, particularly your and my personal data, with the oil trade. The spice trade between Europe and the East centuries ago, was called Black Gold. When oil was becoming the lucrative industry it still is, it took on that title. Now our data is called the Black Gold. She writes on October 16, 2024: 

“Welcome to the Age of Data, where tech giants have traded in their oil rigs for server farms, and 'drilling for data' means crafting the perfect algorithm to keep you glued to your screen. Forget 'Big Oil' – we're living in the era of 'Big Data', and business is booming. Remember when striking oil meant you'd hit the jackpot? Now, it's all about striking the right nerve with a viral tweet or a can't-scroll-past-it TikTok. The modern-day prospectors aren't wielding pickaxes; they're armed with keyboards, AI models, and an uncanny ability to predict what cat-video you'll watch next.”

She continues to explain:

“So, the next time you're mindlessly tapping through stories or adding another unnecessary item to your online cart, remember: you're not just killing time – you're fueling an entire economy. In the grand oil rig of the internet, we're all drilling for data gold. The question is: are we striking it rich, or just getting our hands dirty?"

Interestingly, the apostle Paul, writing almost two millennia ago, warns against the exchange of unchecked information and its motives. He accurately describes the status quo in the '20s. 

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.   (Colossians 2:8 – English Standard Version)

Is there anything we can do about our postmodern enslavement? If we care to invest a minute to explore at least the date of publication, and who the author is, it would allow ourselves to at least take control of what enters our minds, one byte of data at a time. In doing so, the hidden purpose of these “lords of trends and popularity”, the real “reality” becomes crystal clear. Instead of helping us by providing accurate information, honest true stories, and unbiased product referrals related to our interests, quite the opposite is happening. We would soon find that our little bit of investigation clarifies that the main purpose of most vendors of information is to brutally capture readers for access to our personal information, our likes and dislikes, our interests, our time and attention, and if they are really good at their jobs, our opinions and comments. Our data has become the most precious commodity available on earth, and we pay the price (with our information) for everything that is on offer free of charge! 

Sadly, over the past decade or so, the Information Age has also become the Age of Anxiety! What began as the most promising development since the invention of the Gutenberg’s printing press, has grown to be a whole lot more than even the most enlightened seers would ever have imagined. Never before have there been access to information at this scale. 

The relationship between access to information in the Information Age and psychological diseases and disorders is complex and multifaceted. While some research suggests a correlation between increased digital usage and mental health issues like anxiety and depression, particularly among adolescents, other studies highlight the potential benefits of digital technology for mental health.

Suggesting a Correlation

In the article “Adolescent Mental Health in the Digital Age”, literature on the impact of digital technology on adolescent mental health was reviewed. It suggests a possible link between increased social media use and worsening mental health symptoms, particularly among girls. Other research suggests that adolescents may be particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of digital technology on mental health. However, it is important to note that this is not a universal trend, and individual factors play a significant role in determining the impact of digital technology on mental health. 

Alhur et al (2018) acknowledges the potential negative impacts of digital technology on mental health in “Digital age on mental health: Prevalence, challenges and the rise of telemental health solutions” This research paper also emphasizes the benefits of telemental health services in improving access to care and reducing stigma.

The increase in anxiety, and consequent psychological disorders and diseases in our current era, cannot and should not be ascribed to “normal” stress in a fast developing world, without accepting the impact of the scale of access to information of our day. Knowledge is power, the saying goes. That is certainly true, given that the information is reliable, which unfortunately cannot be confirmed about some of the information we are exposed to, especially on social media.

Along with increasing anxiety comes the dangerous phenomenon of its denial. We will briefly investigate this challenge.   

In terms of the scope of the article, it is worthwhile to differentiate between someone on the one hand denying a truth (or denying that the information presented can be false). On the other hand, and arguably worse, the denial that one is anxious, or suffering from psychological stress.

Psychological denial

Psychological denial is a defense mechanism that involves refusing to acknowledge or accept the reality of a threatening or uncomfortable situation. This can manifest as a subconscious or conscious refusal to accept facts, evidence, or warnings related to the threat.

A coping mechanism

When faced with a perceived threat, individuals may experience anxiety, fear, or feelings of overwhelm. To cope with these emotions, they may employ denial as a psychological defense mechanism. Denial can provide a temporary sense of relief, comfort, or control.

Examples and sources:

1. Climate change denial: 

Research has shown that some individuals deny the reality of climate change due to the anxiety and fear it evokes. (Source: "Climate Change Denial" by the American Psychological Association)

2. Smoking and health risks: 

Smokers may deny the health risks associated with smoking to avoid feelings of anxiety and guilt. (Source: "The Psychology of Denial" by the National Institute of Mental Health)

3. Terminal illness: 

Patients diagnosed with a terminal illness may deny the prognosis to cope with the emotional distress. (Source: "Denial in Terminal Illness" by the Journal of Palliative Care)

Key factors contributing to denial:

1. Fear and anxiety: 

The threat or situation evokes strong emotions, leading to a desire to avoid or escape.

2. Lack of control: 

Individuals may feel powerless to change the situation, leading to a sense of hopelessness.

3. Cognitive dissonance: 

The threat or situation conflicts with existing beliefs or values, causing discomfort and motivating denial.

Having said this, we bear in mind that denial can be a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, influenced by various psychological, social, and cultural factors.

Most individuals’ response to the major problems of the world is closely tied to the amount of information that is available to them. When a person knows nothing about climate change and hears that earth is on a destruction path, that causes severe anxiety. When another person becomes aware that the impending doom is thousands of years away, the response would be entirely different. The difference between these two is the amount of information they have access to. Their responses are also largely informed by their perceptions of the truth of the information they are exposed to.

Access to information

Digital technologies are here to stay, and have become pervasive in the lives and relationships of young people. They are essential both in work and leisure. To suggest to live completely without our mobile devices, particularly for younger ages, seems as unacceptable as to suggest joining a no-wi-fi cult. We need to educate, and discipline, ourselves to identify malicious or inaccurate content, and implement wise changes. Failure to do so has dangerous consequences to our mental and physical health, and not only our thinking. 

Adolescent Mental Health in the Digital Age 

Why are young adults more prone to psychological consequences to the challenges most people face? Why are anxiety-related diseases affecting more young adults than any other age group? In an Annual Research Review published in the National Library of Medicine, Odgers and Jensen found an increase in death by suicide across all age groups in the USA, but with an alarming increase (tripling over 18 years) among girls aged 10 – 14 years of age. Plotting these findings alongside increases in social media usage across this same time period, provided a powerful, but also sickening narrative that social media is driving changes in depressive symptoms and suicidal behaviors. Similar increases in both does not mean that “the one phenomenon causes the other”. Social media and digital technology usage has become a leading candidate to explain the sudden jump in depression and related problems among girls. Unprecedented and rapid changes in how adolescents spend their time, connect to the world, and communicate with each other, place mobile devices as major attractors for young people given their heighted need for affiliation, social approval, and novelty seeking. The effects of this usage must be better understood, and leveraged in ways that support instead of harm their mental health and well-being. 

Infodemics and misinformation

Shortly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO released a review on infodemics and misinformation about health issues. According to this review, the whole anti-vax movement, based on misinformation, had a vast number of unnecessary deaths on their belt notches. It acknowledges that social media plays an important role in crisis communication and management during health emergencies, but that much still has to be done to counter misinformation on these platforms.

Understanding our limitations and biases

Daniel Kahneman's "Thinking, Fast and Slow" is a groundbreaking exploration of human judgment and decision-making. His statement "The human mind is a story machine, not a truth machine." underscores our tendency to construct narratives, even when evidence to fully support them, does not exist. In terms of the Internet, this thought rings true with relation to both content creators (writers, video-makers, or even social media friends or contacts), and their audience. It is important to emphasize that because content is globally available on the internet, does not necessarily make it true. We need to check the facts, the credentials of the author/creator, and the date of publishing before we come to our conclusion about the truth of the content.

Another statement by Kahneman "The illusion of validity is a major problem in expert judgment" highlights the overconfidence of experts, who often rely on intuition and experience rather than rigorous analysis. This is closely related to the denial discussed above.

Countering the increasing anxiety and individual experiences requires specific cognitive skills. Anxiety caused by access to information about a possible threat can be minimized by a paradigm shift. This shift would involve changing our perspective on information consumption and how we process and interpret it. Here are some key aspects of this paradigm shift:

Selective Information Consumption

Managing the reliability of information, the kinds of preferred information, as well as the time spent on information platforms, goes a long way to minimize the anxiety caused by the “problems of the whole world”.

Prioritize Reliable Sources

Focus on information from credible and verified sources to reduce the spread of misinformation and fear-mongering. Spreaders of misinformation, conspiracy theorists, and social media are some of the sources that one should limit or completely avoid.  

Limit Exposure

Set specific times for news consumption and avoid constant scrolling or notifications. Not all notifications are important. To reduce the number of useless notifications on our devices only takes a few minutes. Consider the amount of time that is wasted by mindless scrolling through our feeds.

Curate Your Information Diet

Choose topics that are relevant to your life and avoid dwelling on negative news that doesn't directly impact you. Not all news is relevant. Most respected news platforms have functionality where users can indicate the kinds of reports that interest them. 

Mindful Information Processing

Challenge Negative Thoughts

Question the validity of anxious thoughts and replace them with more realistic and positive perspectives. Positive thoughts hardly cause anxiety. Asking ourselves the questions: “Why am I feeling this way?” or “Is this information really this unsettling?” goes a long way to eliminate many anxious thoughts before they become dangerous.     

Practice Mindfulness

Engage in mindfulness techniques like prayer, meditation or deep breathing to stay present and reduce anxiety. Different sources of information scramble our thoughts, making it difficult to remain calm. These techniques make it easier to order your thought patterns.   

Develop Critical Thinking Skills

Learn to evaluate information critically and identify potential biases or exaggerations. Not all bits and pieces of news or interest that we gather from our social media- or news feeds are worthy of your precious attention. Take back control of your mind by deciding what deserves “a second thought”.

Community and Social Support:

Connect with Others

Share concerns and worries with trusted friends, family, or support groups to gain perspective and emotional support. Very little in life is as useful to gain perspective as the good counsel of a trusted person. Being connected with someone does not only mean being connected on social media. Seek out those you know and trust.   

Engage in Positive Activities

Participate in hobbies, volunteer work, or social activities to distract from negative thoughts and promote well-being. Healthy activities and hobbies help our minds to rearrange what is important and what is not. Volunteering to help those unfortunate people who have much more worries than us, provides the fresh outlook that is often all that we need to minimize anxiety.   

By implementing these strategies, individuals can minimize the negative impact of anxiety-inducing information and cultivate a more balanced and resilient mindset.