Understanding Cyberphobia – The Fear of Computer Technology
Do you find yourself running in the opposite direction when someone asks you to send a simple email or sit at a computer? Are you afraid that the internet will defraud you no matter how many precautions you may be taking, that it will get into your soul? If you a high fear of the internet and all things computer related, you may have Cyberphobia.
It is probably difficult for you to explain to your family and friends about the stark fear you feel when you are handed any electronic gadget. At times even making a simple phone call may seem taxing as you are afraid you may do something else to the phone by mistake.
Living with this fear can be very difficult and is probably the bane of your existence. You may start to be unsure about yourself as everyone around you can use these electronic gadgets so freely, yet you feel hesitant to do so yourself.
However, there is no need for you to lose hope. There are ways to overcome your fears by identifying the root cause of it.
|
What Causes Cyberphobia?
Cyberphobia, like all other phobias, is an irrational fear. It is the fear of or the aversion to computers or any new technology. It is often seen in older people who either missed the revolution of technology or those who are still struggling to adapt to the new age of technology. It is also common for people to have Cyberphobia who have extremely low self-confidence and feel that they are prone to making mistakes, and so are afraid about judgment for that and that fact alone.
There are various ways in which you could experience Cyberphobia. For example, teachers may experience a form of Cyberphobia if they are forced to change their teaching ways. You may have Cyberphobia if you feel incompetent. It can also happen if you lack the skills required to ace in this new age of technology.
Cyberphobia is also due to negative experiences with technology or computers. For example, if your computer was hacked previously, you might fear the same happening again.
Whilst others may find Cyberphobia ridiculous and borderline silly, only a person who has this phobia will be able to relate to the depth of fear associated with it.
Symptoms of Cyberphobia
Like all other phobias, Cyberphobia is a mental disorder and manifests various symptoms in those who suffer from it.
These symptoms can be both psychological and physical.
Psychological symptoms:
The symptoms of Cyberphobia are generally unconscious and uncontrollable. They take over your thoughts, leading you to take extreme measures to avoid your object of fear, in this case, computers. It is known as safety or avoidance behavior.
You may notice that you have trouble concentrating and also find it difficult to relax. When the phobia is triggered, you may also find yourself sweating excessively.
Physical Symptoms:
The physical symptoms of Cyberphobia include panic attacks, fatigue, aches, and pains. You may also begin to feel breathless when in contact with computers or other similar electronic gadgets. Headaches may also occur around this time. When asked to or confronted with a computer, you may even find yourself getting dizzy.
If you notice that Cyberphobia is hindering or interfering with your life’s normal functioning, it is time to do something about it. You could even consider seeking our professional help. However, there is not just one particular treatment for cyberphobia. There are various treatment methods you can try.
Self Help – What Can You Do to Help Yourself?
Before you consider other treatment options, you may want to consider trying to help yourself. You can begin by trying to calm yourself when you are faced with your fear and reassure yourself that your fears are nothing more than a manifestation of your mind.
Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises and meditation can go a long way in calming down the chaotic mind.
Another way to overcome Cyberphobia is to expose yourself to that which terrifies you, in this case, computers and other electronic gadgets. You will find that if you are persistent enough, your fears will slowly begin to diminish.
You can start by learning new technologies and use the software that is most comfortable for you. You can twerk any of the above-mentioned techniques to help overcome your fears.
Professional Help for Cyberphobia
For many years, even psychologists have been oblivious to the fact that our minds are capable of producing real biological reactions to any given situation or stimuli. That means that to you the object or situation, in his case computer, poses a threat that feels very real to you.
The majority of people who have Cyberphobia know that their fear is irrational, but they continue to feel the fear still.
It is when you should consider seeking out professional help. Once you manage to convince yourself to go to a professional, they will take it from there.
It is not as simple as it sounds. It is crucial to remember that the professional should be a trusted mental health specialist only. It is to prevent any unnecessary trauma. However, the treatment methods may vary from person to person, depending on your symptoms.
Learning to Cope with Cyberphobia
All of the above-mentioned methods, both self-help and professional, can in no way guarantee a full recovery from any phobia. However, they will help you gain some control over it, making sure you are not at the mercy of the phobia anymore. It means that you may not feel the same levels as before and you will manage the situation much better if the situation were to ever present itself.
Learning to overcome Cyberphobia can go a long way in living a normal life. In today’s modern world, the knowledge of technology is especially important, which makes it even more important to have control over your fear of that very technology.
If you are faced with a situation where you have to use a computer or any new technology, now you can. Remember to keep assuring yourself that you are okay and that your fears are just temporary, and you could be on the path to competing with some of the IT professionals of the world with no hesitation.