Nico Dragano1, Thorsten Lunau. 1. Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The ongoing digitalization has profound consequences for work in modern economies. It is, therefore, important to investigate if digital technologies increase stress at work (i.e. 'technostress') and lead to impaired mental health. This article describes the concept of technostress and discusses possible risks and opportunities of digital technologies at work and their effect on mental health. RECENT FINDINGS: Studies report that the use of digital technologies is associated with specific psychosocial demands (e.g. higher workload, complexity, conflicts between work and other life domains) and resulting psychobiological stress reactions. It is, however, still unclear if this kind of technostress causes mental disorders because epidemiological studies are missing. Yet, an increasing number of studies suggests that well designed digital work may promote good health if it optimizes work organization or enables greater flexibility, and increases control and autonomy at work. SUMMARY: Digitalization of work seems to have both opportunities and risks for the mental health of employees. The number of studies is currently limited and further research is necessary to describe the advantages and disadvantages more precisely.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The ongoing digitalization has profound consequences for work in modern economies. It is, therefore, important to investigate if digital technologies increase stress at work (i.e. 'technostress') and lead to impaired mental health. This article describes the concept of technostress and discusses possible risks and opportunities of digital technologies at work and their effect on mental health. RECENT FINDINGS: Studies report that the use of digital technologies is associated with specific psychosocial demands (e.g. higher workload, complexity, conflicts between work and other life domains) and resulting psychobiological stress reactions. It is, however, still unclear if this kind of technostress causes mental disorders because epidemiological studies are missing. Yet, an increasing number of studies suggests that well designed digital work may promote good health if it optimizes work organization or enables greater flexibility, and increases control and autonomy at work. SUMMARY: Digitalization of work seems to have both opportunities and risks for the mental health of employees. The number of studies is currently limited and further research is necessary to describe the advantages and disadvantages more precisely.
Authors: Sandra A Murray; Haysetta D Shuler; Jamaine S Davis; Elsie C Spencer; Antentor O Hinton Journal: Trends Biotechnol Date: 2022-05-26 Impact factor: 21.942
Authors: Óscar R González-López; María Buenadicha-Mateos; M Isabel Sánchez-Hernández Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-04-16 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Pablo A Lizana; Gustavo Vega-Fernadez; Alejandro Gomez-Bruton; Bárbara Leyton; Lydia Lera Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-04-04 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Ion Ovidiu Panisoara; Iulia Lazar; Georgeta Panisoara; Ruxandra Chirca; Anca Simona Ursu Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-10-30 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Elisabeth Rohwer; Joelle-Cathrin Flöther; Volker Harth; Stefanie Mache Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-03-18 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Amal Akour; Ala'a B Al-Tammemi; Muna Barakat; Rama Kanj; Hussam N Fakhouri; Ahmad Malkawi; Ghadeer Musleh Journal: Am J Trop Med Hyg Date: 2020-10-27 Impact factor: 3.707