Introduction
Modern technologies undoubtedly change the world and people’s quality of life for the better. It is impossible to dispute the benefits of technical, medical, and biochemical inventions aimed at solving global problems such as hunger, disease, and consumption. An ordinary person without modern technology would be forced to spend a considerable amount of time and energy on things and tasks that are now performed automatically or take literally minutes. However, technology has a negative impact on society in general and each individual in particular. The digital age has brought a wave of mental illnesses among the young generation associated with an increase in depression, anxiety, addictions, and an overall decline in happiness levels.
Summary
The annual research review “Adolescent mental health in the digital age: facts, fears, and future directions” examines the effects of constant access to communications on adolescents’ mental health. The paper summarizes data from various sources – meta-analyses for 2014-2019, cohort studies, and longitudinal and momentary assessment studies (Odgers & Jensen, 2020). This reveals the theme of the process of deformation of the teenage psyche under the influence of modern technologies from different angles. Given that almost all teens in the US (95%) have access to mobile communications and digital technology, this provides an opportunity to assess the magnitude of the changes that are taking place. The period of the ubiquity of the Internet and social networks coincides with an increase in the number of suicides (especially among adolescent girls) and an increase in self-esteem problems, depression, and anxiety among the younger generation (Odgers & Jensen, 2020). Technology use is correlated with increased self-isolation and decreased social activity (Odgers & Jensen, 2020). Moreover, adolescents with mental problems tend to look for solutions on the Internet rather than seek help from adults or professionals.
Analysis
Analysis research by Odgers & Jensen (2020) indicates significant and practical links between adolescents’ use of technology and their well-being. They are exposed to various online risks that are not currently covered. The education system and parents need to provide more competencies to navigate the digital environment effectively (Odgers & Jensen, 2020). American culture will have a whole generation of young people traumatized and addicted to technology because no one taught them information hygiene.
Response
As strange as it may sound, imposing restrictions on the use of technology for children and adolescents is not a possible or realistic solution. The world has already changed, and this cannot be controlled; humanity will have to adapt to the new digital environment it has created (Odgers & Jensen, 2020). Therefore, people should study more about the impact of technology on the human psyche and develop methods of interaction. Information hygiene should become one of the taught disciplines at school. Moreover, everyone should strive to bring diversity to the public Internet space, which can have a therapeutic effect on teenagers.
Conclusion
Information technology, the Internet, and the new digital environment are new, unexplored, and steadily developing realities of modern society. For humanity, this is a kind of experiment that representatives of all generations go through, but it significantly affects young people who have been living with modern technologies since birth. At the moment, a negative relationship between the digital environment’s influence and adolescents’ deteriorating mental health is apparent. Statistics on the rise in suicides and mental illness point to an urgent need to take action against the adverse effects of social media and the Internet.
Reference
Odgers, C. L., & Jensen, M. R. (2020). Annual Research Review: Adolescent mental health in the digital age: Facts, fears, and future directions. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 61(3), 336-348. Web.