You've Got Mail: Inbox Psychology

As email increasingly becomes essential to daily life, researchers are finding that inboxes provide a reflection of mental health. For example, a cluttered inbox may indicate a reluctance to finish projects, and those who compulsively reorganize their inboxes may be missing opportunities or directing energy away from other issues. A disorganized inbox could also reveal an inability to say no to friends or clients. In extreme cases, overloaded inboxes can lead to guilt and avoidance of email altogether.

Slippery Solutions

While inbox psychology can be complicated, experts offer simple tips to help prevent email chaos, such as sorting email into folders and using the alphabetize feature. It's also recommended to set aside a small amount of time online each week for inbox maintenance. For worst-case scenarios, more drastic measures may be in order, such as deleting messages and starting fresh.

An Online Degree in Psychology

There may be no set solution for tackling the inbox, but understanding the psychology of this behavior may extend to other areas of life. If you're interested in the parallels between inbox and social behavior, an online degree in psychology could provide you with the skills you need to interpret online behavior. An online psychology degree could also train you to provide counseling to those in need.

Source

"Moving On: What Your Inbox Says About You," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette