Technoanxiety

Technoanxiety is the experience of negative emotional states, such as worry or fear, in response to information and communication technologies or their use. It encompasses unease with learning new devices, concerns about privacy and surveillance, and distress from constant connectivity or information overload. While related to technostress, technoanxiety emphasizes anxious affect rather than broader work-related strain. It is not recognized as a distinct clinical disorder in major diagnostic manuals but is studied across psychology, sociology, and human–computer interaction.

Causes include gaps in digital literacy, rapid tech change, perceived loss of autonomy, and security or privacy anxieties. Symptoms may be physiological arousal (e.g., increased heart rate), cognitive worries, avoidance of devices, rumination, and reduced concentration or task performance. Technoanxiety tends to be more pronounced among individuals with limited experience with technology, older adults, or those facing the digital divide, though it can occur in any age group under certain circumstances.

Populations affected. Research often finds higher levels of technoanxiety among older adults, people with lower educational attainment or income, and those with baseline anxiety or phobias. In workplace settings, it can reduce engagement with digital tools and hinder learning new systems. Global prevalence varies by sampling and definition, reflecting different scales and contexts used in studies.

Measurement and research. Scholars use self-report scales that assess technoanxiety and related technostress constructs; however, definitions and instruments vary, limiting cross-study comparisons. Technoanxiety is frequently analyzed alongside information overload, techno-invasion, and other technostressors, as it interacts with attitudes toward technology and perceived usefulness.

Management and implications. Interventions include targeted digital literacy training, user-centered and accessible design, gradual exposure to new technologies, and clear privacy protections. In workplaces, supportive onboarding, reasonable change management, and IT assistance can reduce anxiety. Clinically, technoanxiety is addressed within general anxiety management or stress-reduction approaches when it impairs functioning.