【悲報】Z世代に広がる“スマホ疲れ” SNSと完全に切れてしまうのも不安だが・・・
Smartphone fatigue is reportedly becoming a serious issue, particularly among Gen Z. Many are torn between staying connected on social media and needing a break, sparking online discussions like "I totally get it!" and "This is a tough problem." This unique struggle for digital natives prompts us to consider how to navigate it.
Related Keywords
Gen Z
Gen Z generally refers to the generation born from the late 1990s to the early 2010s. They grew up as "digital natives," with the internet, smartphones, and social media already established as societal infrastructures by the time they reached conscious awareness. Consequently, they naturally master digital tools as primary means for information gathering, communication, entertainment, self-expression, and social participation. This characteristic is deeply related to their "smartphone fatigue." Gen Z is often constantly online, exposed to pressure to stay connected with friends, follow trends, and present a perfect self. A survey reported that about 70% of Gen Z feels fatigued by SNS use, indicating that for them, social media is not merely a tool but an indispensable part of their identity and connection to society. This article focuses on the unique mental burden and conflicts Gen Z faces within their close relationship with digital technology.
Digital Detox
Digital detox refers to the practice of intentionally distancing oneself from digital devices like smartphones, computers, and social media, with the aim of restoring mental and physical well-being. In modern society, the widespread use of smartphones and the pervasive nature of social media have led to various issues such as information overload, decreased concentration, sleep disorders, eye strain, and mental exhaustion. "SNS fatigue," in particular, is becoming severe due to the constant bombardment of notifications and continuous exposure to others' information. A digital detox attempts to temporarily free oneself from this state and regain inner peace by focusing on real-world experiences and human interactions. However, as implied by this article's title, Gen Z's dilemma of "fear of being completely disconnected from SNS" highlights the difficulty of digital detoxing. In an era where work, studies, and communication with friends are largely concentrated on digital tools, completely stepping away from digital technology is not practical, demanding a more pragmatic sense of balance on how to "smartly engage" with it.
FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)
FOMO, an acronym for "Fear Of Missing Out," is a psychological phenomenon referring to the anxiety of being left out or missing out on important events or information. It has become particularly pronounced with the widespread use of social media, manifesting as anxiety or impatience about friends and acquaintances having enjoyable experiences or missing crucial updates. On social media, others' "best moments" and the latest trends are constantly updated and shared in real-time. Viewing these can lead individuals to feel that their own lives are not fulfilling enough or to fear being left behind from information. The dilemma of Gen Z, as expressed in the article's title "the fear of completely disconnecting from SNS," is believed to be rooted in FOMO. The anxiety of not being able to keep up with friends' conversations, missing out on the latest trends, or overlooking urgent messages if they leave social media binds them to digital devices, preventing complete liberation. This psychology is a major factor preventing them from stopping SNS use despite experiencing smartphone fatigue, and it is noted to affect the mental health of young people.