The relationship between anxiety experiences and attention disorders in the digital age: a review of research

The article presents a review of studies on the impact of media content on an individual’s adaptive potential. It examines the relationship between anxiety levels and attention disorders in the context of digital reality. The influence of media content is analyzed through mechanisms such as media multitasking and media dependency. The literature analysis has revealed two patterns. First: media content consumption is linked to the experience of anxiety, which shapes selective attention to stimuli - individuals avoid information causing their anxiety. Due to this selectivity, individuals increasingly turn to subjectively approved content, ignoring negative materials, including news, which reduces their awareness. Second: individuals tend to incorporate approved content into their daily activities, for example, through combining work processes with watching videos. This reduces attention stability due to constant switching between different information sources. As a result, individuals shift their attention to negative information more often, which increases their anxiety. Thus, uncontrolled media consumption negatively affects an individual’s mental health and, in the long term, leads to symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and the development of anxiety disorders. Therefore, the author emphasizes the importance of awareness and management of media consumption for maintaining mental health and enhancing an individual’s adaptive potential.