From Technostress to Eustress

Resilience Research and Information Behaviors

Smokie (2002-2020), a laid back gray cat (Russian blue)

Chronic stress has become deeply ingrained in modern life, contributing to health problems like diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune function, metabolic syndromes, and increased susceptibility to mental illness. Organizations implement employee wellness initiatives, while individuals worldwide turn to online health information, particularly social media. However, the diversity of the internet introduces unique challenges, most notably technostress. This proverbial elephant in the room requires a closer examination. I integrate insights from resilience research, theories of information behavior, systems, and the digital enthusiasms of savvy information consumers and infophiles to propose reframing technostress as eustress.