Electronic devices and social media may lead to psychological and physical problems like eyestrain and losing focus on important tasks. They can also be the reason for serious health issues, such as depression. The misuse of technology may have a negative impact on developing children and teenagers. We should know about the psychological and physical health effects caused by technology, and how to create healthy habits using technology and avoiding overuse.
Psychological effects
Overusing or being highly dependent on technology may have serious psychological effects such as:
Isolation
Technologies like social media are made to connect people, yet they may have a negative effect in some ways. A study in young adults of age 19-32 years revealed that people who use social media frequently were more than 3 times as likely to be isolated socially than those who don't use social media as often. Setting time limits on social apps may help decrease social isolation in some people.
Depression and anxiety
People who have more positive interactions and social support on social media have less health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Well, the opposite is also true. People who have negative social interactions and are demotivated on social media platforms have more heath issues, such as depression and anxiety. While there is a connection between social media and mental health, an important factor is the types of interactions people have when they are on these platforms.
Physical effects
Misuse of technology may put you to the risk of physical problems such as:
Eyestrain
Electronic devices such as tablets, mobile phones and computers can have a person's attention for longer periods. This can result in eyestrain. Symptoms of eyestrain can be blurred vision and dry eyes. Eyestrain may lead to other problems such as pain in head, neck or shoulders.
Several technological factors can lead to eyestrain such as screen time, screen glare, screen brightness, being too close or too far away from the screen, improper sitting posture or underlying vision issues.Taking regular breaks from electronic devices is important to reduce eyestrain.
Sleep problems
Use of technology during bedtime may result in sleep issues. This effect is the result of blue light emitted from mobile phones and computers which affects the brain. Blue light disturbs the body's natural circadian rhythm. This disturbance can make it hard to sleep or make a person tired the next day.
To avoid this, you have to stop using electronic devices which emit blue light in an hour or two before bedtime.
Reduction in physical activity
Almost everyday digital technologies are sedentary (meaning spending too much time seated; somewhat inactive). Use of these technologies for longer periods of time results in a more sedentary lifestyle, which may result in negative health effects like obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes or premature death.
Taking breaks from these technologies is important for an active lifestyle, or you can make use of technology like workout apps or wearable technologies like fitbit watches which promote exercise, resulting in a more active lifestyle.
Conclusion
The recent advancements in technology have changed people's lifestyle. While technology has various possible effects, there are some negative effects as well. Anyone unfamiliar with the effects technology has on them may want to reduce the usage of electronic devices and screen time and notice how they feel with and without technology.
You must be logged in to post a comment.