Hyperconnection: what it is and what are its consequences

Every day the phrase of Godfried Bogaard, who said that “In the past, you were what you had. Now you are what you share”. This phrase related to hyperconnection is not the work of a person with little knowledge, quite the opposite, it is one of the greatest specialists in social networks.

Millions of users, mainly among the youngest, feel an uncontrollable desire, an urgent need to always be connected. Social networks attract more users with each passing day.

What is hyperconnection

This term, which is increasingly used by specialists, has not yet been officially defined. However, according to a study published in the prestigious magazine Psychological Science, The need to be connected to the Internet and social networks is more irresistible than the need to smoke a cigarette, drink alcohol or have sex.

The study was carried out by researcher Wilhelm Hofmann together with Kathleen Vohs, from the University of Minnesota, and a team from the University of Chicago Business School. The results indicate that the strongest longings suffered by the participants They related to social networks, even above food and sleep.

It is evident that hyperconnection can be a problem. Today we are exposed to countless online stimuli. Therefore, the fact of being permanently connected It becomes a problem when we are not able to disconnect. It is even estimated that a person addicted to hyperconnection can work up to 240 more hours a year.

Consequences and risks of hyperconnection

Currently, Many people find it difficult to spend more than an hour at a time without looking at their cell phone or tablet.. According to data, 75% of people who have a smartphone use it while they are in the bathroom. This means that we have fewer and fewer moments in which these devices are not an active part of our daily lives.

Thus, new technologies, which can be facilitators of a good number of tasks, including communication and access to information, taken to excess, They are identified with quite important risks.

Impact of excess information

Being exposed to such a high torrent of information can generate high levels of stress. It may even have functional consequences.

The lack of education in values ​​is also one of the most serious consequences. Being exposed to so much information, not everything you receive is of quality. Therefore, the impact on young people and children, whose minds have not fully developed, can be dangerous.

It is important to offer critical education to children so that they know how to identify the dust from the straw. Otherwise, they will be exposed to a huge amount of junk content.

Impact on social relationships

Obviously, social relationships are also affected. While the internet can be great for connecting with friends and family, It also has its negative side, such as the creation and maintenance of liquid ties, so called because they are more superficial. Such links actually create a feeling of emptiness and discomfort.

Also in couple relationships they have caused an increase in infidelity and misunderstandings. In fact, there are already studies that show that the number of separations and marital conflicts has increased.

Impact on self-esteem

Lastly, this phenomenon has also caused a strong impact on self-esteem. It mainly affects adolescents, who experience a natural process of creating and affirming their identity.

However, The personal relationships of an adolescent have an enormous implication in their identity development. Therefore, superficial online relationships cause insecurity, poor self-image and the creation of an inconsistent personality.

If when looking at social networks you think that other people’s lives are more interesting than yours and affect you, stop and think: are you spending many hours on the Internet and with your cell phone or tablet in your hand? Yes that’s how it is, maybe you need less hyperconnection. Disconnect, go out there and enjoy.

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