The isolation caused by the coronavirus pandemic has led to a change of routine for all Quebecers. No school, no sports, no restaurants, no movie theaters, no shopping, no going out, no gatherings… isolation has left a void in our schedules. What to do with all this free time? Many of us have turned to technology and social media. Netflix, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Zoom… In some ways, and since nature abhors a vacuum (Aristotle), technology has allowed us to fill this emptiness and more easily deal with isolation. We have therefore been able to work remotely and stay in contact with our friends (thanks to virtual happy hours) and our loved ones (parents and grandparents) who miss their family. You have to admit that it’s better than nothing!
That said, research has shown that an increase in screen time may have negative effects on physical and mental health (anxiety, depression, obesity, insomnia, etc.) (See the blog Internet generation, mental health and physical activity). There’s also the unfortunate reality that many problems are associated with this technology-dominated world, including Internet addiction, Internet luring and cyberbullying. So, let’s ask the question again: So what do we do about it?
Tuned in to my health
The Centre Cyber-aide, whose main mission is promotion and intervention related to the safe and healthy use of information and communication technologies, has launched a series of discussions « Branché sur ma santé » between its general manager, Cathy Tétreault, and the TVA Sports sportscaster, Louis Jean, to inform parents and the general public who have questions about these hot topics in this period of isolation.
The change of routine caused by COVID-19 can lead to a subtle change in habits in terms of technologies and lead to the development of an addiction to eSports or social networks. You therefore have to be able to understand Internet addiction to know how to recognize it and intervene properly. You also have to keep in mind that it is not just young people who have an increased presence on the Internet, since sexual predators are also present.
Since they can no longer get into physical contact with young people, they also turn to platforms like TikTok or Fortnite. Caution is therefore required for certain young people lacking self-esteem since their vulnerability could make them easy prey. Since they are more concerned about receiving compliments and likes, unfortunately this behaviour could lead to the adoption of sexualized behaviours. The result is that these behaviours could lead directly to cyberbullying in the form of disparagement, hateful words, harassment, threats, extortion and others.
In short, far from wanting to be pessimistic – since we do still recognize the numerous benefits of technology and social media – do not hesitate to contact us if you are experiencing such situations and if you feel the need to talk about it or consult the fascinating capsules by Louis Jean and Cathy Tétreault which offer an illuminating and nuanced coverage of these complex topics.
Good viewing!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAQPhL1Lw844UVf6t12D1LA
https://www.facebook.com/Branchesurmasante/
For immediate assistance with the above-mentioned problems
https://www.centrecyber-aide.com/
https://sportaide.ca/besoin-daide/
Alexandre Baril
Project Manager – Take action! Counter bullying in sports
The change of routine caused by COVID-19 can lead to a subtle change in habits in terms of technologies and lead to the development of an addiction to eSports or social networks.
