Information behavior and the subjective digital well-being of individuals affected by social anxiety disorder

Purpose This study aims to explore the subjective digital well-being of individuals with social anxiety disorder in the context of their digital information behavior. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured online interviews and one written interview with an interactive participative visual activity were conducted with 22 participants affected by social anxiety disorder aged 18–65. Findings The digital information environment of individuals affected by social anxiety disorder is shaped by using digital tools to balance or enhance well-being while assisting in or avoiding exposure to social situations. Findings show that information-seeking is a critical factor for self-care, enhancing subjective well-being. Additionally, creating and curating information about one’s health journey improves subjective well-being. However, destructive phenomena like information overload limit subjective well-being and can lead to information anxiety and avoidance. Originality/value To date, no studies have focused on the digital information behavior of individuals with social anxiety disorder, taking subjective digital well-being into account. This is the first empirical study that combines the concepts of information behavior and digital well-being using a participatory visual activity as part of the interview study. This research contributes to information science by embracing the concept of digital well-being, demonstrating how it overlaps with and can be integrated into information behavior studies.