Digital Overload, Part 1: Understanding the Impact of Being Constantly Connected

Digital Overload, Part 1: Understanding the Impact of Being Constantly Connected

In part one of our latest We Are Valley podcast, we take a closer look at something many of us feel but may not fully understand: digital overload. Joined by Kathryn Murray, LICSW and Rebekah Strong, DNP, PMHNP-BC, mental health practitioners from Valley’s Psychiatry and Counseling Clinic, we explore how constant screen time is shaping our focus, relationships, and overall well-being.

From the rise of telehealth and always-on connectivity to the subtle ways our attention is being pulled in multiple directions, this conversation unpacks why so many people are feeling mentally stretched. Our clinicians share a balanced perspective, highlighting both the benefits of technology and the growing need to be more intentional about how we use it.

We also dive into how digital habits may be affecting executive functioning, sleep, and mental health, especially for those experiencing anxiety, depression, or ADHD. And when it comes to social media, we discuss how curated “highlight reels” can contribute to loneliness, comparison, and a distorted sense of reality. This episode sets the stage for part two, where we’ll shift from understanding the problem to exploring practical ways to reset, reconnect, and regain control of our time and attention.

Content for this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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