Haben digitale Technologien bei der Arbeit Einfluss auf die psychische Gesundheit?

Dragano, Nico; Riedel-Heller, Steffi G.; Lunau, Thorsten

BACKGROUND: Traditional work stress research identified a large number of stressors; however, technology as a source of stress was not the focus of interest for long time. OBJECTIVE: This article describes the concept of technostress and investigates the impact of digital technologies at work on mental health. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Narrative review. Conceptualization of technostress, potential mechanisms of action and summary of empirical results on the influence on mental health. RESULTS: Several domains of technostress have been defined so far. Although empirical studies are rare and subject to methodological limitations, results suggest that certain types of technostress at work may have an adverse effect on mental health. Notably, digital technologies may also have a positive impact on the psychological well-being of employees if, for example, they enable better work organization. CONCLUSION: The digitalization of work is related to specific risks for the mental health of employees but also to possible benefits. Implications for further research in this developing field are identified.