Researcher Warns Families of Hidden Emotional Effects of Constant Digital Media
Speaking to IQNA, he describes the shift as subtle and gradual, making timely awareness essential.
Dobashi argues that the problem begins when digital media stops being a simple tool and becomes the emotional backdrop of the home. At that point, he says, harmful content can influence moods without people realizing it.
He identifies three main indicators that online engagement is affecting family well-being.
The first is a rise in unexplained anxiety. Dobashi says this appears when a home feels tense even though nothing specific has happened. He attributes it to repeated exposure to negative news, alarming commentary and continuous social comparison.
In his view, adults may feel overwhelmed by economic or political updates, teenagers may experience pressure from idealized lifestyles online, and young children may internalize fear from disturbing visuals.
Read More:
The second warning sign is a decline in real conversation. Dobashi considers this one of the most damaging changes.
When screens replace eye contact and daily dialogue, he says, the emotional space of the home weakens.
He points out that mealtimes, shared breaks and casual exchanges often lose their natural flow as individuals stay absorbed in their devices.
Over time, he believes this leads to loneliness, emotional distance and a tendency to seek comfort or validation online instead of within the family.
The third indicator is emotional reactivity driven by digital trends. Dobashi explains that when a family’s mood follows the emotional tone of the media they consume—whether quick amusement from short clips or sudden anger from sensational posts—it shows that their emotional stability is becoming dependent on external triggers.
He describes these reactions as shallow and short-lived, a sign that deeper emotional resilience is being eroded.
Dobashi offers several recommendations for families who want to manage media use more consciously, especially during social tension or crisis.
He suggests creating fixed, limited windows for consuming news to avoid constant exposure. He also advises setting “screen-free zones” in the home—such as kitchens or bedrooms—and turning off notifications during sensitive periods.
Read More:
Verifying online information is another principle he emphasizes. He recommends checking the source, confirming the information elsewhere, and questioning the intention behind the content.
With children, he encourages open conversation rather than relying solely on restrictions. Watching content together and analyzing it, he says, helps develop critical thinking and reduces the impact of harmful media.
In the long term, Dobashi highlights several habits that support emotional stability: short periods of “digital silence,” creative production instead of passive scrolling, nurturing real-world relationships and protecting sleep by reducing nighttime screen use.
During heightened social stress, he suggests maintaining normal routines and intentionally seeking small moments of hope.
His final advice is what he calls “conscious disconnection”—stepping away from digital noise long enough to regain clarity before re-engaging.
4313553
