When it comes to the internet, how much is too much? Sending one too many cat GIFs in the group chat? Posting yet another selfie to your Instagram stories? While the answer to those questions is probably yes, there’s an entire culture of people now taking their online actions even further than that: especially among those who have pretty much grown up with a smartphone in their hand.
Welcome to the world of the chronically online, where being active on the internet is much more than a pastime – it’s an entire personality trait. But what does being chronically online actually mean, and is it something parents need to be worrying about?
What does it mean to be “chronically online”?
We all spend a lot of time on the internet, but for someone who is chronically online, they dedicate so much of their day to websites, social media, and other online activities, that it almost becomes a part of who they are.
Being chronically online, also referred to as extremely or terminally online, doesn’t simply mean someone spending hours at a time scrolling TikTok, or poring over Reddit forums for a chunk of the day. Those who are seen as being chronically online put internet culture above most other aspects of their daily life, to the point where their online lives may become more important than their real one.
In the world of the extremely online, the internet isn’t simply entertainment or a place to escape, it’s just…normal life, and the trends and memes that course the planet in seconds are a completely valid way to see life as we know it.
How can being chronically online affect mental health?
As the term “chronically online” is relatively recent, and mostly exists in an internet setting, no studies have been done on its effects on mental health. However, one aspect of being extremely or chronically online is spending large amounts of time on social media, the effects of which are beginning to be seen in studies worldwide.
Even in moderation, certain aspects of social media and the online world can negatively affect mental health. But many of us aren’t consuming social media in moderation. The recently published US Surgeon General’s Advisory on social media reports that a third of teenagers between the ages of 13-17 use social media “almost constantly”. According to one US study, teens who spent over 3 hours a day on social media were doubly at risk from experiencing mental health issues, such as symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Increased time online also increases potential exposure to extreme, hateful, or violent content, not all of which is suitable for young (or even older) users. Social media has become a place where people can livestream any type of content they choose, which can include dangerous behaviors. Being exposed to harmful or inappropriate content could contribute to acts such as self-harm, or violence, becoming normalized in the eyes of the viewer.
Another aspect of being chronically online is not just watching, but engaging with content on social media. Taking part in discussions or even arguments online, or picking fights with others over things which don’t particularly matter in an offline context, is often part and parcel of being extremely online. This constant need to be involved in discussions and arguments on the internet, along with all the extra notifications it can generate can be draining, leading to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout.
Signs of being chronically online
As we all spend more and more time dependent on technology, it can be difficult to separate heavy internet use from more problematic tendencies, such as internet addiction, or being chronically online. However, spotting troublesome behaviors, particularly in young teens and children, is key for friends and family members to provide support, or intervene before the online problem gets worse.
1. Talking a lot about online culture
When the phone’s down, do they still frequently reference internet culture, such as memes, online discussions, or viral trends? Someone who is chronically online is usually hyper aware of each and every “event” that happens on the internet, so many of their talking points could revolve around this. If your child starts to become more familiar with online culture than what’s going on in the “real” world, this could also be a red flag.
2. Preferring to go online than meet with friends
While having a smartphone in your pocket is designed to keep you in touch with friends and family, sometimes the opposite can be true, and excessive social media time or exploring the internet can take us away from those nearest and dearest. If your child starts to turn down social events or avoids meeting with friends in order to spend time online, you may want to find out the reason for this change in behavior.
For the extremely online, basic tasks such as personal hygiene, or getting food and drink, may become less important. Tasks and responsibilities in real life could start to take a back seat, with your child’s online life becoming their number one priority.
3. Spending a lot of time online, and inactive
It goes without saying that someone who is chronically online spends a lot of time on the internet, but if your child’s online time escalates significantly, this could be something to watch out for.
Pay attention to how your child is using their phone, tablet or computer, too, rather than simply considering when. Are they spending large chunks of time slumped on the sofa, or not moving from their desk as they scroll? Increased amounts of time online paired with a lack of physical activity (e.g getting up to grab a snack, visiting the bathroom, or having a session of stretching) can be a sign that they are truly too absorbed in their online world.
How to help reduce time spent online
If you’re worried about the time your child is spending on the internet, there are some ways you can help them create healthier habits. In the “chronically online” phenomenon, part of the problem is also exposure to social media and online content, so helping your child find a healthy balance where they can still be entertained online, but find the fun offline too, is key.
Some ways to help your child spend less time online include:
- Creating a schedule for them so they know when to expect offline time versus online
- Limiting time on apps and games, such as setting limits of an hour per day on social media
- Muting notifications, especially from apps which aren’t essential and which frequently distract them
- Making plans with them focusing on offline activities, such as family outings or one-on-one time where you can enjoy something together
- Promoting offline hobbies and encouraging interests they have formed outside the world of the internet
- Talking to them regularly about their internet and phone use: how it makes them feel, what they have seen when scrolling, and what they like doing when they go online
Digital wellbeing tools for teens like Qustodio can help to set limits and restrictions on apps your child finds more difficult to spend time away from, while also creating schedules and routines that they can stick to – without you having to worry about setting timers or checking the clock!
Ultimately, the goal should be to help your child prioritize the time they spend offline, rather than on. Just like exercise and a healthy diet, it’s all about moderation. There’s no reason why your child can’t enjoy the fun, positive side of the internet, with all it has to offer – they may simply need some help and guidance to keep their use in check. Setting clear boundaries and regularly engaging with your child will go a long way in making their internet use more productive, positive, and rewarding.
