The document discusses the link between technology use and social isolation/neurosis. Ever-expanding internet and cell phone use has replaced in-person social interaction, potentially leading to addictive behaviors. Studies show a connection between various forms of technology and neurosis, which involves stress, anxiety, mood changes, and physical symptoms. While technology connects people globally, it has also made it easier to avoid real-world social and emotional problems. Increasing online communication and remote work can enable isolating lifestyles. Seeking professional help is important to avoid ignoring or exacerbating issues related to social isolation and neurosis brought on by technology use.

1. Technology Creates Social Isolation &
Neurosis
By: James Murphy

2. The link between technological advance and everyday
social interactions is becoming an important issue. An
example of this issue comes from the internet & cell
phones. The rapid expansion of using these products
has provided people with ever expanding knowledge
across the globe and led to addictive behaviors that
replace healthy forms of socializing.
There have been many case studies that carefully
examine the connection between Neurosis & various
forms of technology.

3. What is Neurosis?

4. Main causes of neurosis
Neurosis can be identified as various forms of intense
physical/mental stress.
• Consistent reoccurring feelings of permanent work &
the inability to feel relaxed over prolonged periods of
time.
• Strong emotional experiences are associated to
problems within our personal life.
• Can be derived from mental & physical symptoms.

5. Neurosis
• Persistent fear & anxiety from the
development of phobias
• Unwillingness to cope with stressful situations
• Consistently altered self-esteem values (very
low – very high)
• Easily changeable moods
Mental Symptoms
Physical Symptoms
• Infringement of appetite (over/under
consumption of food) to cope with stress
• Various forms of sleeping disorder
• Pains/altered feeling of the head, abdomen &
heart

6. Neurosis (continued)
Neurosis derived from the unconscious part of
the mind that acts as a storage for repressed
thoughts.
These memories are often related to disturbing
moments within ones life and can start from a
variety of scenarios that affected us negatively.
In current-day society Neurosis is becoming a
more common occurrence. Technology has been
speeding up the ways we perform all of our
tasks and it has become much easier to ignore
some of the problems it has introduced into our
lives.
Psychoanalytic Neurosis

7. Social isolation
Self-proclaimed internet addicts
have said, the internet has
improved quality of life but also
restricted our social interactions.
“It's a history that began with the
Industrial Revolution, when the
male started to leave the house to
earn a living and was not teaching
his son how to carry on his craft,
now we have very few remaining
institutions that are face to face.”
(Dixon, K. 2005)

8. Social isolation (continued)
On average, internet users spend at least 3 hours online
everyday, roughly half of those 3 hours are used for
communicating.
• Websites such as Twitter & Facebook enable us to
communicate with our piers through computer or
cell phone.
• Generally cell phones and these social media sites
don’t cause social isolation, however they can be
seen as a stepping stone to this kind of
behavior/mental state.

9. Social Isolation, Neurosis & Technology
The connection between these
three topics is indeed real. It’s
not surprising that technology
has provided more outlets for
these problems to thrive.
The world has never been more
connected and yet at the same
time it has created more
obstacles to overcome.
Technology can be linked to
people spending less time
socially connecting face to face
with others.

10. Social Isolation, Neurosis & Technology (continued)
Technology has slowly been replacing the ways we
interact within society. One of the most beneficial
social environments in our society is the workplace.
New technology has enabled people to work from
home and enables living an un-social life. which is great
for some people but in general it can lead to a more
socially disconnected way of living.

11. Can these symptoms be avoided?
• Symptoms should not be avoided. When dealing with
social isolation or Neurosis the first goal is to seek help
from a professional.
• Avoiding/ignoring feelings of isolation & Neurosis will
only make the severity of the problem increase.
• Social isolation & Neurosis implemented through
technology can be overcome with positive/processional
help.
• Overcoming these given problems starts with
acceptance of oneself and willingness to progress.

12. Solutions? (Neurosis)
The preferred method of treatment for
Neurosis is psychotherapy.
• This form of communication allows the
patient to align their emotional
background & learn how this disorder
is caused.
• A strong formation of trust between
patient and doctor
• Achieving a feeling of
traction/belonging & learning how to
cope with mental stressors, as well as
phobias.

13. Solutions (Social Isolation)
Isolation implemented by
technology can be difficult to deal
with in a society where it is made
available almost everywhere.
• Increase everyday face to face
interaction with others.
• Allow physical contact/help in
your life.
• Seek professional advice

14. Summary/Conclusion
Technology has improved society in many ways but as it
becomes more sophisticated (globally) people tend to
become more prone to physical/mental stressors it
implements within our everyday lives.

15. References
• Dixon, K. (2005, February 23). Researchers link use of Internet, social isolation. Retrieved April 12,
2015, from http://news.stanford.edu/news/2005/february23/internet-022305.html
• Hampton, K. (2009, November 3). Social Isolation and New Technology. Retrieved April 12, 2015,
from http://www.pewinternet.org/2009/11/04/social-isolation-and-new-technology/
• Henriques, G. (2012, November 23). (When) Are You Neurotic? Retrieved April 12, 2015, from
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/theory-knowledge/201211/when-are-you-neurotic
• Lutfala, A. (2011, October 28). Technology imposes social isolation. Retrieved April 12, 2015, from
http://trail.pugetsound.edu/2011/10/technology-imposes-social-isolation/
• Neurosis | psychology. (2014, September 4). Retrieved April 12, 2015, from
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/481779/neurosis
• Treatment of neuroses. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2015, from
http://unicen.org/en/services/treatment-of-neuroses