how has technology impacted people's social anxiety

Technology has altered social anxiety in several key, often opposing ways: - Increased exposure and comparison: Social media magnifies social comparison and fear of negative evaluation, raising anxiety for many (Vogel et al., 2014; Feinstein et al., 2013). - Greater opportunity for reassurance and controlled interaction: Messaging, texting, and online communities let people manage pacing, rehearse interactions, and find supportive peers, which can reduce anxiety (Capone et al., 2019). - Avoidance and safety behaviours: Reliance on digital contact can reinforce avoidance of face-to-face situations, maintaining or worsening social anxiety over time (Rodebaugh et al., 2012). - New performance pressures: Video calls, curated profiles, and constant connectivity create novel performance and impression-management stresses (Tromholt, 2016). - Reduced stigma and access to help: Online therapy, psychoeducation, and peer support lower barriers to treatment and encourage help-seeking (Andersson, 2018). - Variable effects by individual and context: Outcomes depend on personality, existing anxiety severity, usage patterns, and platform type—technology can be a risk factor, a coping tool, or both. References (select): Vogel et al., 2014; Feinstein et al., 2013; Rodebaugh et al., 2012; Andersson, 2018.