The Invisible Struggle of Modern Society: Overuse & Abuse

• Jun 15, 2023

Y, a 16-year-old student, found himself constantly scrolling through social media platforms during his free time. What started as harmless browsing soon turned into an obsession. Y would refresh his feeds, compare himself to others, and seek validation through likes and comments. His online activities began to interfere with his study, relationships, and overall well-being. Despite receiving warnings from his friends and family about his excessive social media use, Y dismissed their concerns, claiming it was just a way to relax and stay connected. However, as time went on, he became increasingly isolated, neglecting in-person social interactions and losing touch with his hobbies and passions.
 
In our fast-paced and technology-driven world, it's easy to become consumed by the demands and temptations of everyday life. From the relentless pressure to excel professionally to the addictive allure of social media, overuse and abuse have silently seeped into our lives, affecting our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
 
Overuse & Abuse
Overuse can be characterized as excessive and compulsive behaviour that gradually erodes our quality of life. It encompasses various aspects, such as overworking, overconsumption, and over-reliance on technology. While these behaviours may seem harmless at first, the consequences can be far-reaching.
Long hours, excessive stress, and a lack of work-life balance can lead to burnout, physical exhaustion, strained relationships, and deteriorating health. Constantly chasing material possessions and the illusion of happiness through shopping can lead to financial strain, environmental degradation, and a sense of emptiness. Spending excessive time on social media, video games, or mindless browsing can lead to decreased productivity, social isolation, and even addiction.
 Abuse takes overuse to a more extreme level, manifesting in harmful behaviours that pose a significant threat to our well-being and relationships. It involves the misuse of substances, power, or individuals, often resulting in long-term damage.
Substance abuse affects not only the individuals directly involved but also their families, communities, and society as a whole. Power abuse involves exploiting one's authority to manipulate, control, or harm others. This abuse can result in emotional trauma, psychological distress, and a loss of trust in systems meant to protect us. Domestic abuse encompasses physical, emotional, and sexual violence within intimate relationships. Domestic abuse causes profound psychological and physical harm, leaving survivors in a cycle of fear and isolation.

Overuse & abuse in school children
As our society becomes increasingly connected and technologically driven, school children are facing new challenges when it comes to overuse and abuse. The widespread availability of smartphones, tablets, and computers has given rise to a generation of digitally connected school children. While technology can be a powerful educational tool, overuse can lead to negative consequences. The digital landscape exposes children to cyberbullying, which can have severe emotional and psychological effects. The competitive nature of the education system can contribute to high levels of stress and overexertion among school children. Unrealistic expectations from parents, teachers, and peers can create a toxic environment that undermines a child's self-esteem and well-being. Bullying remains a pervasive issue in schools, impacting the mental and emotional well-being of victims.
 Some school environments foster emotional and physical abuse, which can leave long-lasting scars on children.
Recognizing and addressing overuse and abuse is the first step towards regaining control of our lives. Cultivate self-awareness to identify harmful behaviours and their underlying triggers. Acknowledge the impact they have on your well-being and take responsibility for making positive changes. Establish clear boundaries in various aspects of your life, including work, relationships, and technology usage. Learn to prioritize self-care, allocate time for relaxation, and say "no" when necessary. Reach out to professionals for support and guidance. Engage in mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling. Replace destructive behaviours with positive and fulfilling activities.
 
To combat overuse and abuse in school children, we must foster a supportive and nurturing environment that encourages healthy habits and well-being. Educate children about responsible technology use, the importance of screen breaks, and provide guidelines for healthy digital habits. Prioritize mental health education and provide access to counselling services within schools. Promote positive discipline techniques that focus on understanding and empathy rather than punishment. Implement comprehensive prevention programs that address various forms of abuse, including bullying, emotional abuse, and physical abuse. Provide resources for reporting and ensure a swift and thorough response to incidents.
Contributed by
Debarati Basak
Founding partner & Chief growth officer
Carpediem EdPsych Consultancy LLP
Carpediem would like to acknowledge the use of photo by Anemone123 on Pixabay