Why your Phone is Stressing You Out (And What to Do about It)
In today’s hyperconnected world, our devices are always within reach, but at what cost? In a compelling conversation with cyberpsychologist Carolyn Freeman, the podcast episode “Eyeball Time” explores how our relationship with technology is reshaping our mental health, workplace dynamics and even our sense of identity.
From burnout and dopamine addiction to the modern myth of multitasking, Freeman offers insights not only from her personal journey – from corporate marketing to cyberpsychology – but from years of research into how technology impacts adult behaviour.
From Burnout to Breakthrough: Carolyn Freeman’s Journey
Carolyn didn’t set out to become a cyberpsychologist. After 15 years in corporate marketing and a personal bout of tech-induced burnout, she returned to university to study psychology, eventually finding her niche in the emerging field of cyberpsychology.
She now helps individuals – and increasingly, employers – understand the psychological effects of technology use, from stress and anxiety to attention fragmentation and burnout.
Availability Expectation: Always On, Always Anxious
Global organisations often promote flexibility, but the reality is a subtle pressure to be constantly available. Whether you’re on Slack at midnight or replying to weekend emails, the assumption of constant responsiveness is quietly draining workers, especially remote ones trying to prove their worth from afar.
Carolyn notes the gendered layers of this expectation too: women often juggle conflicting roles as mothers and employees, while men feel pressure to embody outdated ideas of career-driven masculinity.
Managing Tech Stress: It’s Personal
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Carolyn advocates for personalsed strategies over draconian rules like forced email shutdowns. Some people feel calmer checking messages after hours, others need clear boundaries. The key is to understand your own work-life-play balance and communicate that with your team.
She emphasises that burnout isn’t always about hours: it’s about energy. Workplaces need to ask not just “how much” people are working, but how they work best.
Neurodiversity, Multitasking Myths and Deep Work
Do you think you’re great at multitasking? Think again. Carolyn debunks the multitasking myth, noting that it is biologically impossible. Worse, it’s particularly draining for neurodivergent individuals who already face challenges with focus.
She champions “deep work” (uninterrupted stretches of focused effort) and says workplace culture must evolve to support it. That means rethinking notifications, email policies and addressing overload.
Takeaways for Individuals and Teams
- Understand your dopamine triggers and manage them mindfully
- Define your own work-life-play ratio
- Create communication norms that respect diverse working styles
- Managers: stop rewarding visibility and start rewarding outcomes
- Teams: support neurodiversity by minimising distractions and honouring deep work time
Conclusion: We Need a Culture Shift, not just a Policy Change
Technology isn’t inherently bad but unchecked use, unspoken expectations and outdated corporate culture are leaving workers disengaged and overwhelmed. Carolyn’s work reminds us that mental health in the digital age starts with awareness, followed by cultural flexibility.
It’s time to stop treating employees like machines and start recognising the human element of productivity.
Want the full story?
Listen to the full Spotify episode of “Eyeball Time: Availability, Expectation, and Moving from Industrial to Digital Revolution Mindset” with Carolyn Freeman on the Guy Osmond Podcast or select your alternative platform here.
