Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, is a condition that affects millions of people around the world. As much as it is sometimes confused with simple shyness, this pathology is much deeper and complicated, making social relationships difficult.

It is not new, but the way in which the Internet, social networks and, in general, the new ways of communicating that current technology offers to those who suffer from social phobia, are. Sometimes for the better, but other times in a negative way.

What is social phobia?

We have all felt uncomfortable dealing with others, whether it is having to speak in public, meeting new people or finding ourselves in a situation that may be uncomfortable. Social phobia, however, usually goes far beyond what can be considered shyness or nervousness.

For starters, those who experience it may feel extreme anxiety over even seemingly simple social interactions. Speaking in public, participating in group conversations, or even doing everyday activities in the presence of others can trigger symptoms.

That is why the Internet, in these cases, can mean a shelter or a comfort zone, or a risk.

You have to understand that for many people with social phobia, the Internet is almost a refuge. Its use, like that of social media, allows for a degree of anonymity and physical distancing, which can be comforting for those who find face-to-face interactions difficult.

However, this apparent comfort can also become a long-term challenge. That is to say, it can worsen the situation for those people with social phobia, allowing them, to a certain extent, not to face their problem and hide behind a screen all the time, preventing personal growth and overcoming social anxiety.

The danger of social networks for social phobia

When it comes to social phobia, social networks also play a fundamental role. As much as these are, in theory, designed to connect people, they also present problems, such as constant comparison, fear of criticism, and pressure for a perfect image.

For example, non-verbal cues such as body language and facial expressions are lost in the virtual world, which can make it difficult to accurately interpret interactions. This can increase anxiety, as online communication does not always reflect the complexities of human relationships.

Fears are overcome by facing them and, in that sense, the Internet can in many cases make it easier for people with social phobia to deal with their pathology. As it seems to happen with everything, when studying this problem it seems that technology once again has two faces, being positive or negative.