How can you tell if someone is chronically online?

Are You Talking to a Human or a Hashtag? Spotting the Chronically Online

We all know someone who seems permanently plugged into the internet. They’re a walking, talking encyclopedia of viral trends, their speech peppered with the latest online slang. But when does online engagement tip into being chronically online? And how can you tell if someone’s digital life is overshadowing their real one?

One of the most obvious signs is a constant reliance on internet speak. While dropping the occasional “Yeet” or referencing a popular meme can be funny and relatable, someone chronically online takes it to another level. Imagine having a conversation where every other sentence is punctuated with “Sheesh!” or “Slay!”, regardless of context. It becomes less about genuine communication and more about clinging to a digital identity.

Then there’s the phone addiction. We’ve all fallen victim to the siren song of a notification, but for the chronically online, their phone is practically an extra limb. Every ping sends them into a Pavlovian frenzy, eyes glued to the screen, oblivious to the world around them. They prioritize virtual interactions over real-life conversations, leaving friends and family feeling ignored and unimportant.

This dependence on the digital world can manifest in other ways too:

• Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): A constant need to be updated on every trend and online discussion, leading to anxiety and stress when offline.
• Distorted Reality: Difficulty separating online persona from real-life identity, leading to unrealistic expectations and comparisons.
• Sleep Deprivation: Spending excessive time online, often late into the night, neglecting sleep and impacting physical health.

It’s important to remember that enjoying the internet and engaging with online communities isn’t inherently bad. But when someone’s digital life starts to negatively impact their offline well-being and relationships, it might be time for a digital detox. After all, life’s too short to spend it glued to a screen. Go out, experience the world, and have a conversation that doesn’t involve a hashtag.