The Sepanx Triangle Relationship

Separation anxiety as a relationship byproduct of the: person, computer, and addiction

Written by: Cassandra Nicole D. Lagahit

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Every connection leads to dependence. Which is followed by attachment, and is a key to addiction. Every second, we see people with their gadgets. As if glued to their hands, and not having it would mean they wouldn't function. Perhaps this is true, because gadgets are now an essential part of everyday life. Gadgets are how we connect, learn, and grow as a person. However, there is always a dark side to everything. People become overly-dependent. Most possibly even addicted. We develop a strong emotional attachment. And get anxious, when separating from it. This is what separation anxiety is like. Or as we call it on the internet, ‘sepanx’. I fear that in this digital age, every individual with a gadget will develop this ‘sepanx’.

There are various elements in these mobile devices that cause sepanx. Foremost, computers are connectors. We use it for social media, entertainment, work, and even education. On the internet, a term called ‘F.O.M.O’ describes this situation. The acronym for ‘Fear Of Missing Out’. In literal connotation, people want to be constantly connected to the internet to not miss out on anything. It also offers users a wide variety of conveniences. Accessible online shopping, quick access to latest news, ordering food, booking transportations, and easy access to health services and information. It seems that these anxieties we feel are not from being separated from our gadgets per se, but from the connectors and conveniences it offers. After all, computers manage difficulties that individuals confront on a daily basis.

Overtime, this is becoming an issue that affects the life of users. As reported, poor sleep qualities, depression, and anxiety amongst young people are increasingly being a concern due to the excessive use of computers especially at nighttime. We also observe social comparisons symbolized by the followers, likes, comments, and shares that became crucial for self-evaluation. This leads to negative outcomes such as envy or resentment. Though, it can also lead to self-improvement and boost self-confidence. In whatever way, social comparison can further contribute to the rise of sepanx in the younger generations. It is time that we set distance and limitations between us and our mobile devices, and start acknowledging the impact it gives to our mental health and social life.

It may be argued that this potential spike of sepanx especially in the younger generation cannot be resolved especially in our digital age. Distancing and limiting ourselves from our phones are easier said than done, especially when society itself deems our generation to use technology in our everyday lives—education included. It may be even harder considering that we are headed to a purely technological world. While these may be true, I sincerely believe that it is not too late for us to learn how to regulate ourselves from the world of mobile devices. Believe in our capacity to achieve greatness even without the dependence and addiction to computers.

We must admit that mobile devices do play essential parts in our lives. The fear of developing sepanx notably in this digital age is reasonable and even highly possible. However, it is in our power and capacity to limit ourselves and control our use of gadgets. Remember, that we can connect, depend, and attach. Just never be addicted. Everything’s good—great even, but always in moderation.