Mental health awareness is at the forefront of global social consciousness at the moment due recent rapid progression through the digital age and into an online ‘social age’ which sees us connected to each other more than ever before. With the dawn of social media and its evolution into an economic and communicative powerhouse, attention-hoarding applications and web-based giants like Facebook and Twitter have expanded from our laptops and colonized our phones and televisions. We are surrounded by constant, unceasing communication. But when does this become harassment? 

Our laptops and televisions are not portable or easily accessible enough for us to remain continually glued to them (for the most part); yet, it is the vast global domination of countries by smartphones that has allowed the non-communicative breaks we should be allowing ourselves to vanish. Our smartphones now compile both television and internet capabilities into one, as well as their own device-specific applications or ‘apps’ which grant us instant access to the social crossfire. Even whilst in a rare period of seeming calm and tranquillity notifications bombard us with yet more interaction, yet more stimulation, and yet more social obligations to react to posts, comments, and friend requests. What can all of this lead to? Mental fatigue? Stress? Anxiety? Depression? Of course.

But do we really pay enough attention to the fact that we need to stop paying so much attention, all the time, non-stop, to our phones? No, I don’t think we do. According to a 2018 study, there is a clear and undeniable relationship between smartphone usage and depression, and many other studies have concluded the same or similar findings (Alhassan, Aljohara A et al.). Fear of missing out or ‘FOMO’ can result from not being active in these digital social spheres where users almost live separate lives. People seek validation of self-worth and value their popularity and happiness in connection with how many ‘likes’ or ‘comments’ they receive on Facebook and Instagram posts. All of this constant communication comes at a price if overused and that is where the ‘Look Up’ Campaign comes in. 

Whilst we stare at our screens we are missing out on the beautiful natural environments and cityscapes that surround us. We miss out on animals and the beauty of natural and man-made architecture. More importantly, our infatuation with our virtual lives can lead us to miss potential hazards for ourselves or others. It removes you from the world, the REAL world which we inhabit. Consequently, even if it is just for a few hours a day in the morning or night, you should designate some of your time to avoid your phone screen and ‘ look up’. Maybe it is merely a conscious decision next time you feel the urge to go on your phone or scroll aimlessly to look up and avoid using it for an hour or so; this little conscious effort can make a difference. More drastically, you could turn off your notifications in order to guarantee dry spells of social stimulation. However, if you feel this would impact negatively on your mental health too, then perhaps just abide by the first two suggestions.

Designate time for yourself to relax, to be free. Designate time to LOOK UP.