The History of Stress: From Tech-Rest to Tech Stress

Ever wondered how we ended up in a world so noisy and stressful that we can't even hear our own thoughts? Learn about the history of stress over the decades and how we've unwittingly contributed to its rise.

Image by Kinga Howard

In the 21st century, the noise is everywhere! But how did we get here? Well, in today’s hyperconnected world, the cacophony of social media, incessant notifications, visual stimuli all around, and the relentless pace of life have turned stress from an occasional visitor into a permanent resident. Let’s take a journey through the decades and learn about the history of stress, from the tranquil (by today’s standards) 70s to the frenetic present, to understand how this condition has evolved and how it’s impacting us as individuals and society, and most importantly, what is causing it.

The 1970s: The Hippie Life

Ah, the 70s. Bell-bottoms, crochet tops, and rotary landline phones. Life was so much simpler. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), CBS News, and research by Warwick University, stress levels in the 70s were significantly lower than today. People in this decade reported high stress levels, mainly due to work or personal relationships. The key stressors were work, family, economic uncertainty (e.g., the oil crisis), and political turmoil (Watergate scandal). Stress management through social gatherings, family time, music, and exercise were common ways to unwind.

The 1980s: The Rad Modern Stress

Enter the 80s, where big hair and even bigger ambitions ruled. The workplace began to change with the advent of computers, increasing productivity and, consequently, expectations. The key stressors were job competition, technological advancements, economic recessions, and an increasing pace of life. Stress management was through aerobics, self-help books, and the early stages of digital escapism with video games and cable TV.

The 1990s: It's loading...

The 90s brought us the internet and mobile phones, revolutionizing communication and information access. Stress levels crept up, with more people reporting high stress. The pressure to stay connected and the birth of the 24/7 news cycle began to take a toll. The key stressors were information overload, job insecurity, societal changes, and the demands of a fast-paced lifestyle. Stress management included internet surfing, chat rooms, yoga, and the burgeoning wellness movement. Receiving the 'it's loading' notification was already a stress trigger!

The 2000s: I Need 300 Friends!!!!

And here's the new millennium! Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram redefined how we connect. By the end of the decade, researchers found a significant link between the presence of Facebook and increases in anxiety and depression among college students, often due to the pressures of maintaining a digital persona and the constant influx of information. The key stressors were social media pressure, economic instability (2008 financial crisis), and ever-present connectivity. Stress management included online communities, mindfulness apps, reality TV, and a focus on work-life balance.

The 2010s: The Age of Anxiety

The 2010s saw stress levels spike dramatically. By 2019, studies showed people feeling highly stressed, with social media playing a significant role. The fear of missing out (FOMO), cyberbullying, and the relentless comparison culture exacerbated stress. The key stressors were social media, political polarization, climate change anxiety, and economic pressures. Stress management included digital detoxes, therapy apps, fitness trackers, and the rise of the self-care industry.

The 2020s: Living in the Pressure Cooker

And here we are, in the roaring (and stressful) 2020s. The COVID-19 pandemic has redefined our lives. According to a February 2023 survey by Clever Real Estate, 61% of Americans reported experiencing high stress levels. Driven by health concerns, economic uncertainty, and the never-ending barrage of information from our digital devices, nearly 60% of people continue to report high stress levels. Some key stressors include pandemic-related stress, social media fatigue, economic instability, and climate change. The way people manage their stress includes virtual therapy, ASMR, telehealth, meditation apps, nature escapes, and a renewed focus on mental health.

How Stress Impacts Us Individually and Societally

Individually, chronic stress can lead to a myriad of health issues including anxiety, depression, cardiovascular diseases, and a weakened immune system. Its pervasive effects extend beyond physical health, impacting our sleep, relationships, and overall quality of life. The modern necessity to be constantly "on" and available has blurred the lines between work and personal life, often resulting in burnout.

Societally, the consequences of high stress levels are profound. They carry significant economic costs, manifesting in lost productivity and increased healthcare expenses. Moreover, stress undermines social cohesion, fueling polarization and conflict within communities. The relentless pressure to succeed and maintain an idealized life, particularly prevalent in the online realm, imposes unrealistic expectations, especially among younger generations.

As we explore how humanity has not only contributed but also engineered stress over time, from the Y2K panic to the COVID-19 chaos, it becomes evident that we are susceptible to feeling anxious and preoccupied without even realizing it. With global conflicts, climate disasters, racism, health issues, technology, and economic matters all in the mix, it's no wonder our stress levels are off the charts. It's high time we learn to stop stressing about stress before it even arrives. Don't you think?