The Long-Term Effects of Living in a Technological World
The reliance on technology has increased due to its advancements and solutions to various problems. People use devices such as computers and cell phones for work, communication, education, and entertainment, which exposes them to potential health risks such as radiation, eyestrain, and poor posture. Although the effects of living in a technological world are mostly beneficial, long-term use can lead to psychological and physical health issues that need to be addressed.
Technology has brought about numerous benefits to humanity in various sectors, including communication, education, business, and entertainment. In addition to making calls, people can interact and share information through social media platforms that allow for the transfer of different types of content. Distance education is also made possible through connectivity, enabling people to study from anywhere. Technology plays a critical role in all business activities, including market research, advertisements, sales, transactions, and organizational management. Entertainment has also been transformed by technology, allowing individuals to download and share music and videos, among other forms of media. In summary, the long-term effects of technology have positively impacted humans in every sector, providing solutions to challenges, making tasks easier and more efficient, reducing costs, and offering great convenience.
The prolonged use of technology devices can lead to various psychological issues, despite its numerous benefits. These issues include addiction, depression, and isolation. Potenza et al. (2020) noted that excessive use of technology devices, especially social media sites, may lead to feelings of social isolation. This may also cause disconnection among family members, leading to reduced interaction and communication. Moreover, technology use may trigger negative social comparisons, which may result in anxiety and depression. Lastly, addiction is a potential outcome of prolonged technology use, and it can cause increased stress, anger, and social withdrawal (Carrier, 2018). To mitigate these psychological challenges, it is essential to reduce screen time and adopt healthy physical and social habits.
In addition to psychological effects, long-term technology use also has negative physical health effects, such as eyestrain, poor posture, and reduced physical activity. Eyestrain is a common problem due to factors such as screen glare, excessive brightness, and prolonged screen time. This can cause discomfort, blurry vision, and dry eyes. Poor posture when using computers can lead to musculoskeletal problems, such as neck pain and spinal injuries. Moreover, excessive use of technological devices can lead to sedentary behavior, which increases the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type II diabetes. To mitigate these physical health challenges, it is important to regulate the use of technological devices and adopt healthy habits like exercising regularly and maintaining proper posture when using devices.
While living in a technological world has numerous benefits, extended periods of time spent using technological devices can lead to various psychological and physical challenges. The modern world offers limitless opportunities for communication, education, business, and entertainment. Technology improves communication, increases convenience, and lowers costs across different industries. As a result of increased connectivity, technology has also made tasks easier and more efficient. However, prolonged use of technological devices can lead to psychological and physical health challenges that must be addressed. Strategies to mitigate these effects include reducing the amount of time spent using devices, engaging in physical activity, and using correct sitting postures.
References
Carrier, M. (2018). From smartphones to social media: How technology affects our brains and behavior. ABC-CLIO.
Potenza, M. N., Faust, K. A., & Faust, D. (2020). The Oxford Handbook of digital technologies and mental health. Oxford University Press.
Prado, C. G. (2019). How technology is changing human behavior: Issues and benefits. ABC-CLIO.