Designed to make life easier at home and at work, new technologies can instead cause anxiety for those who have trouble adapting
By Marie-Josée Roy
Emails, virtual meetings, online banking, social networks—never before have our lives at home and at work been so governed by technology. “We are living through what some people call the fourth industrial revolution,” says Ariane Ollier-Malaterre, the Canada Research Chair in Digital Regulation at Work and in Life and a professor at the UQAM School of Management in Montreal. “Technological changes are accelerating significantly. Obviously, the pandemic reinforced this trend, because we changed our ways of working to be able to keep working remotely.” From one development to the next, the average person must adapt and expand their knowledge if they want to keep up, and that can be stressful.
Adaptability
The ability to adapt to new technologies varies from one person to another. While one shops online and enjoys playing the latest games on their phone, another barely manages to access their emails. Why is it harder for some people than for others? “It depends a lot on how open you are to change and how adaptable your mind is,” Ollier-Malaterre says. “A person’s basic psychological needs must also be taken into account. How can you be independent and competent at work if you don’t know which tools to use?”
According to François Pellerin, a consultant in organizational psychology, it’s first of all a question of reaction. “Feeling overwhelmed can take several forms, but more often than not, it presents as a resistance to change,” he says. “The ability to use the technologies is there, but people don’t see the point. They wonder why they have to change something that worked for them.” Whether you’re working or retired, feeling overwhelmed by technology can lead to its share of negative emotions. “There is, of course, a feeling of obsolescence, but that feeling of being overwhelmed can also cause anxiety,” he adds.
The Burden of Technostress
The term “technostress” first appeared during the 1980s, when more and more people were beginning to use computers at work. In his 1984 book Technostress: The Human Cost of the Computer Revolution, Craig Brod defined the condition as “a modern disease of adaptation caused by an inability to cope with the new computer technologies in a healthy manner.” It can present as irritability, headaches, and even nightmares, not to mention depression.
“Technostress encompasses two aspects related to technological changes,” Ollier-Malaterre explains. “First, techno-uncertainty—that is, you can get to work one morning and find a new tool that you don’t know how to use— and second, techno-complexity: now you don’t just get emails; you also have to manage people who contact you by phone or by text, not to mention those who want to meet on Teams, Zoom, or Slack. It’s become like a second job: you have to do your regular work, and you also need one or two days a week to get caught up.” The problem is that work schedules rarely allow for this.
What to Do
Whether you want to manage technology in your everyday life or master the tools available at work like a pro, you can address the issue. “At work, it’s always important to be honest and transparent with Human Resources or your supervisor about any technological challenges,” explains Bruno Dupuis, a project manager at Carrefour RH, which offers human-resources services and training. “There needs to be an open conversation about training or resource needs, which will help you find customized solutions. This also shows a willingness to improve your skills.” It takes time: to improve your skills, nothing beats practice—and a little patience.
“Be gentle with yourself,” Ollier-Malaterre advises. “You need to understand that everyone is in the same boat. You mustn’t think that it’s because of your age that you’re feeling overwhelmed: young people experience the same pressure.” Pellerin recommends finding meaning in the learning: “You need to understand how a given technology can help you. Look for the why. What is the important thing for you? What do you need to do? Start with that, and you’ll learn to master it.” You might even discover a new passion!
The Bright Side
Although they can create hurdles, new technologies also come with many advantages. “We mustn’t paint too negative a picture,” Ollier-Malaterre says. “It’s true that they can be challenging, but they also offer opportunities—possibilities for enriching daily life. We can do so many things that we couldn’t do before. We can participate in webinars anywhere in the world. It’s amazing.” By using technology effectively, you really can make life easier, whether you’re organizing virtual visits with the grandchildren, grocery shopping online, or taking courses via the Internet.
“There’s a kind of momentum that is good to hang on to as you age,” says Dupuis, who encourages people to develop their curiosity. “Stimulation is good for the brain. I always push people to learn.
When you’re too cautious, nothing can happen. If children can learn to use a device so young, it’s because they actually try it. Don’t worry about doing something wrong—just try it and go back if you make a mistake. Whether you’re seven or 77, that’s how learning works.”
