[Technology Saw] – A Novel Study Reveals a New Way to Spot and Help People with Social Anxiety.
Highlights:
- This study examines how social anxiety influences alcohol consumption, especially in unfamiliar social settings.
- Researchers studied 48 heavy social drinkers aged 21 to 28 to understand the link between social anxiety and alcohol intake.
- Participants used a smartphone app to complete random surveys, including providing pictures of their surroundings and noting their familiarity with present individuals.
- The study found that social anxiety affects drinking behavior based on social context.
- The researchers suggest socially anxious individuals may use alcohol in unfamiliar settings to manage stress or enhance social interaction.
- Innovative ways to handle social anxiety.
This article discusses how people who experience social anxiety may tend to drink more alcohol in situations where they don’t know many people.
The research, published in the journal Addictive Behaviors used smartphone surveys and alcohol sensors to explore how social anxiety and the social context influence drinking behaviors in real-life situations.
Social anxiety and alcohol consumption
Social anxiety refers to feeling nervous or uncomfortable in social situations.
The study aimed to understand if social anxiety plays a role in how much alcohol people consume, especially in situations where they are not familiar with many people.
Previous research on this topic has provided mixed results, and this study aimed to address these inconsistencies.
Research Method of the Study
The researchers recruited 48 individuals who were heavy social drinkers (drinking 2–3 times per week with an average of 3.8 drinks per occasion).
These participants, aged 21 to 28, were asked about their social anxiety using a scale at the beginning of the study.
They then self-reported their alcohol consumption for the next week while wearing a device that monitored alcohol levels through their skin.
Smartphone surveys and social context
Participants were also asked to use an app on their smartphones, which randomly administered surveys throughout the day.
During these surveys, participants provided pictures of their surroundings and reported on their familiarity with the people around them, categorizing relationships as “romantic partner,” “friend,” “coworker,” or “stranger.”
Findings of the Study
The results of the study revealed that social anxiety and social context interacted to predict drinking behavior.
Specifically, participants with higher social anxiety tended to drink more when they were surrounded by strangers than when with friends or family.
On the other hand, those with lower social anxiety did not show a significant difference in their drinking based on the familiarity of the people in their environment.
Interpretation of Results
The researchers suggested that socially anxious individuals might consume more alcohol in unfamiliar settings. This is to cope with stress, enhance their mood or facilitate social interaction.
This insight may help explain why previous studies had mixed results, as they often did not consider the social context in which drinking occurs.
Study Limitation of the Study
Despite the findings, the study had limitations. The participant sample was small, and they collectively had low levels of social anxiety.
Additionally, the measure of social context had imperfections. This is because not all individuals present in a particular environment were captured in the photographs.
The researchers said that alcohol consumption is influenced not only by individual motivations but also by the broader environmental context.
Recognizing the role of social context may be crucial in developing effective strategies. This is to prevent alcohol use disorders in socially anxious individuals.
Social anxiety complexities
People with social anxiety often see themselves and others in a negative light, thinking they’re not good enough or that everyone’s judging them.
They tend to focus on the bad things, like worrying about what might go wrong in social situations, which only makes them feel worse about themselves.
Then there are the emotions involved. It brings on a lot of fear and nervousness when facing social settings.
It’s like their body goes into panic mode, with symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, shaking and feeling like they can’t breathe.
These physical feelings make them believe that social situations are really dangerous or scary, adding to their stress.
And let’s not forget about behavior. People with it often try to avoid situations that make them anxious, like skipping parties or leaving a crowded room.
They might even rely on things like seeking constant reassurance or turning to substances like alcohol to cope. While these actions might provide temporary relief, they actually make the anxiety worse in the long run.
But social anxiety isn’t just about individual experiences—it’s also influenced by broader factors like cultural norms and societal expectations.
Different cultures have their own rules about how people should act in social settings, which can affect how social anxiety shows up.
More so, there’s pressure from society to always be perfect and successful, which can make people feel even more inadequate.
Innovative Ways to Handle Social Anxiety
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET): Imagine using virtual reality (VR) to practice social situations in a safe and controlled environment.
Also, it helps you get used to triggering scenarios and practice coping strategies without the pressure.
Mindfulness and Meditation Apps: There are apps out there that guide you through mindfulness and meditation exercises.
Also, they teach you to manage anxiety through activities like deep breathing and muscle relaxation. Over time, it makes you more aware and present in social situations.
Companion Support Apps: Some apps connect you with others who have gone through social anxiety.
It’s like having a supportive online crew where you can share experiences. Also, get advice and work on your social skills in a chill and understanding space.
Wearable Biofeedback Devices: Wearable gadgets can measure things like your heart rate or skin conductance. Also, they give you real-time feedback to help you recognize physical signs of anxiety.
Learning to control these responses helps you actively manage anxiety in social situations.
Therapeutic Gaming: Picture playing video games designed to help you practice social interactions in a virtual world.
Also, these games create scenarios where you can interact with characters or other players online. It lets you practice social skills and boost your confidence in a low-pressure setting.
AI Chatbots: Think of AI-powered chatbots as virtual conversation partners. They simulate conversations and provide guidance on managing social anxiety.
Also, this is like having a judgment-free space to practice talking and get instant feedback on your communication skills.
Adventure Therapy Programs: Imagine therapy sessions mixed with outdoor activities and challenges.
Adventure therapy encourages teamwork and communication, helping you build social skills, self-confidence and resilience in a supportive group setting.
Teletherapy and Online Support Groups
Joining online therapy platforms or support groups brings professional help. It also provides community support right to your home.
Also, you can attend therapy sessions, join group discussions, and access resources designed to help you manage social anxiety.
Expressive Arts Therapies: Get creative with therapies like drama, music or art. They offer unique ways to express yourself and explore emotions tied to social anxiety.
Also, engaging in these activities can boost self-awareness and improve self-expression in social settings.
Exposure through Virtual Social Platforms: Imagine practicing social interactions on virtual platforms where you can use avatars or stay anonymous.
These innovative approaches are like a toolkit, offering different ways to tackle social anxiety based on what suits you best. They provide support, tools and chances for you to practice and build your social skills over time.
However, the above research sheds light on how social anxiety and the presence of strangers in a social setting may impact drinking behavior.
Understanding these dynamics can contribute to developing more targeted interventions for individuals. That is, individuals who struggle with social anxiety may turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism in unfamiliar situations.