It starts with a glance. Then another. Before you know it, you're crouching down in the supermarket car park, checking your tyres again—just to be sure. Sound familiar? Welcome to "tyre anxiety," a modern affliction caused by the fact that most new cars no longer come with a trusty spare. Instead, manufacturers have gifted us with puncture repair kits, which seem about as useful as a chocolate teapot when faced with a shredded tyre on the M1.
And it's not just tyres. "Range anxiety" is plaguing electric vehicle (EV) drivers, who find themselves obsessively monitoring their battery levels like a nervous parent tracking their teenager’s first solo trip. With charging points still hit-and-miss, the fear of being stranded somewhere between Leeds and nowhere is very real.
But these worries aren’t just about cars. Technology has made life easier in many ways, but it has also introduced a new breed of anxieties that previous generations never had to deal with. From the pressure to be always available to the fear of AI taking over jobs, modern life is full of hidden stressors. Let’s take a deep dive into the biggest tech-induced anxieties shaping our lives today.
Digital Anxiety Overload: The Curse of Constant Connectivity
There was a time when the workday ended at 5pm. Now? Your phone buzzes at all hours with emails, WhatsApp messages, and that one colleague who thinks "urgent" means "I just remembered this at 10pm." The pressure to be permanently available has led to a rise in digital burnout, with people struggling to switch off—literally and mentally.
The Science Behind Digital Overload
Doomscrolling: The urge to compulsively scroll through negative news is a real psychological phenomenon. Studies show that constant exposure to bad news can increase stress and anxiety levels.
The Average Brit Checks Their Phone 100+ Times a Day: According to Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, people in the UK spend an average of 4.5 hours a day online, with many checking their phones every few minutes, often out of habit rather than necessity.
Notifications = Dopamine Hits: Every time your phone pings, your brain releases a small amount of dopamine—the same chemical linked to pleasure and addiction. The result? A subconscious need to keep checking.
🔹 The fix:
✅ Set "do not disturb" hours, especially in the evening.
✅ Turn off non-essential notifications (yes, even the group chat about Sharon’s new air fryer).
✅ Try a digital detox, even if it’s just for one weekend.
Technostress: Keeping Up with the Digital Workplace
Remember when learning a new skill meant practising handwriting or memorising the capital cities of Europe? Now, it’s about mastering yet another work app. Whether it’s a new project management tool or AI-powered everything, the relentless march of workplace tech is making employees feel like they’re constantly playing catch-up.
Why Workplace Tech Causes Anxiety
AI is Taking Over Certain Roles: Automation and artificial intelligence are replacing jobs in industries from customer service to accounting, leaving many workers uncertain about their future.
"Always On" Culture: The expectation that you should reply to emails, messages, and Slack notifications outside work hours leads to burnout.
Too Many Tools, Too Little Time: One company might use Zoom, Slack, Trello, Asana, and Monday.com—all for different purposes. The cognitive load of switching between so many apps is exhausting.
Real-Life Impact
A 2024 report found that over 40% of UK employees feel anxious about their ability to keep up with workplace technology.
One in three UK workers admitted they felt pressure to be online outside of working hours, with some fearing job loss if they didn’t.
Older employees often feel disadvantaged compared to younger colleagues, who tend to adapt more quickly.
🔹 The fix:
✅ Employers should provide proper training when introducing new tools, not just expect people to "figure it out."
✅ If tech stress is impacting your work, speak up—you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed.
✅ Set boundaries on work communications outside office hours.
Digital Perfectionism: The Pressure to Look Flawless Online
Ever taken 30 photos of your dinner just to post one that looks vaguely Instagram-worthy? You’re not alone. Social media has created a culture of perfection, where everyone’s life looks shinier and more successful than yours. But the truth? It’s mostly filters, careful cropping, and a lot of staged moments.
Why This is Happening
FaceTune & Filters: The rise of AI-powered photo editing means even "casual" selfies are now retouched. The result? Unrealistic beauty standards.
Comparing Reality to a Highlight Reel: You see your own struggles, but only the curated best moments of everyone else.
Fear of Judgement: Many people feel pressure to craft the perfect online persona, which can cause anxiety and self-doubt.
Real-Life Impact
A study by the Royal Society for Public Health found that social media is linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression—especially in teenagers.
The rise of "Snapchat dysmorphia" (where people seek cosmetic surgery to look more like their filtered selfies) is a worrying trend.
🔹 The fix:
✅ Follow accounts that promote realistic content and body positivity.
✅ Remind yourself that social media isn’t real life.
✅ Take regular breaks from Instagram, TikTok, and other comparison-heavy platforms.
Technophobia: Fear of the Digital Future
Not everyone embraces new technology with open arms. Some people feel genuine anxiety about AI, smart devices, and online security. The rise of AI tools has sparked fears about job losses, privacy concerns, and even dystopian futures (thanks, sci-fi movies).
Why Some People Fear Technology
AI is Becoming More Human-like: Chatbots, deepfakes, and voice assistants are increasingly indistinguishable from real people, which can be unsettling.
Data Privacy Concerns: With major data breaches making headlines, many people fear how their personal information is being used.
A Feeling of Being Left Behind: Older generations, in particular, often feel excluded from an increasingly digital world.
🔹 The fix:
✅ Learn at your own pace—small steps can reduce fear and build confidence.
✅ Use privacy settings and cybersecurity measures to protect yourself online.
✅ Accept that not all tech is bad—many advancements genuinely improve lives.
So, What Can We Do About It?
Technology isn’t going anywhere, so managing these anxieties is crucial. Here’s how to keep your stress levels in check:
✅ Set boundaries: Establish screen-free time and turn off notifications when you need to focus.✅ Seek support: If tech stress is affecting your work or life, ask for training or talk to someone about it.✅ Keep learning: Take it at your own pace—new skills don’t need to be scary.✅ Practice mindfulness: A little bit of digital detoxing can help your brain reset.
Technology is supposed to make life easier, not send us into a spiral of stress. So next time you find yourself anxiously checking your tyre pressure, refreshing your battery percentage, or wondering if AI will take over your job, take a deep breath. The future might be unpredictable—but at least we’re all figuring it out together.
