We are used to getting addicted to drugs but did you know that the gadgets we love so much can lead to technology addiction. Technology has its benefits, but you need to watch out that you do not get addicted to your favorite social media accounts or gadgets. According to recent reports, Americans spend 5.4 hours a day on their phones. The key to using technology in moderation. There is nothing wrong with checking out your friends on social media, but there is a thin line between this and a compulsive need to be on the platforms.
This article shows you some harmful social effects of technology addiction
1. Lack of communication
Since we are always on various social media accounts, we have replaced this with face to face communication. You need human contact for you to have healthy emotions. Humans were not created for isolation.
When we isolate ourselves by listening to our iPods and spending many hours on the screen, we set ourselves for depression. Isolated people live shorter lives. Go out and say hi to someone.
2. Obesity
Spending the whole day playing video games on the couch will only make you obese. Due to various technological gadgets, we are spending more of our time indoors than exercising. As we binge on some show on Netflix, we engage in mindless eating which deteriorates our health. Take breaks of TV, smartphones and take a walk outside.
3. Lack of Privacy
The internet has stripped people off any privacy that they previously had. It is easy to go online and find out what a person is doing, contact information and whether their private relationships are working or not. This has exposed us to phishing expeditions by hackers as people snoop for personal information.
Lack of privacy has also exposed people to kidnapping incidences. And if you are from Australia the list of best VPNs for Australia will arm you with the necessary tools for protecting your private network from data theft.
4. Depression
People who are addicted to technology tend to be grumpy because they are constantly comparing their lives with others online. This is made worse by lack of exercise, poor eating habits and lack of human contact.
The number of people who are suffering from depression after the introduction of social media platforms has been on the rise. It is advised that you take a break from your gadgets once in a while and take in some sunshine or smell some roses.
5. Poor sleep habits
It has been noted that the blue light emitted by our smartphones affects our sleep patterns. When you spend long hours into the night playing video games or chatting with friends on various online platforms, you will have trouble sleeping.
The blue light from our phones hinders the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. This means your brain takes time to shut down. It is recommended that you switch off your gadgets when going to sleep. Ensure that your room is totally dark.
6. Cyber-bullying
Cyber-bullying has led to an increase in the number of suicide cases amongst teens. Through various online platforms, bullies can torment their victims online. It is not unusual for someone to make an innocent comment of Facebook, Twitter or Instagram only for the comment to be accompanied with insults.
Tolerance levels have declined online. People hide behind their phones, and there is a need for parents to educate their kids about the dangers of cyber-bullying.
7. Pollution
Technology has been changing at a rapid rate each year for the last decade. This means that some gadgets and computer equipment become obsolete. Disposing of this equipment that contains toxic materials has become a challenge.
When disposed badly of harmful chemicals to leak into the ground and water systems causing untold damage to the human population. What needs to be done is to create regulations to manage e-waste.
8. Tendonitis
This is the new age problem of the thumb. Due to continuous strain exercised on the thumb when typing you can experience tendonitis. The problem is also experienced by people who spend many hours playing video games. Besides problems with your thumb, technology addicts also suffer from back problems and eye strain.
9. Escape from reality
Technology addiction just like drugs has led people to create personalities online to escape from reality. People will create an image of success online that is very different from their real lives. Photos will be edited to reflect this allure of success. Friendships online are based on the number of likes and shares a post generates.
10. Sexual exploitation
This is a problem that confounds many parents. Children are been exposed to pornography at a very early age and the risk of meeting paedophiles online increases. Teens have taken this to the new level with the introduction of sexting. To remain popular young girls are sending their boyfriend’s nude photos which at times are shared to other friends online.
11. Low attention spans
Social media has created people with short attention spans. Since people are always looking for their information on their newsfeeds, the average attention span for a social media addict is 12 minutes to 5 minutes. You will notice this when you ask someone to remember names or special dates.
Technology addiction has also led to people constantly been distracted that they miss out on special moments in their lives. The number of injuries been caused by people constantly texting has been on the rise. We have also seen an increase in road accidents caused by mobile phones.
12. Increased violence
Today’s video games are more graphical in their depiction of violence. These violence acts extend to real life. Cases of children shooting other kids in schools have been on the rise. The problem lies in long-term exposure to violence makes someone be tolerant. It is not unusual to find kids sharing videos of them beating up another student and the video going online.
Conclusion
Technology addiction happens when people are unable to leave their gadgets. Subjects even experience withdrawal symptoms when they are kept away from their mobile phones or video games. Exposure to pornography and violence is shaping children in a negative way and technology is responsible.
The dangers of technology extend to the environment when we are unable to dispose of obsolete gadgets properly.
Also read: Here are Tips to Prepare Your Kids Today for Tomorrow’s Technology
