The United States is a 24-hour economy where people are always engaged with work, school, business, and other errands. The busy schedule makes it difficult for people to frequently meet with their friends, partners, family, and colleagues. However, with advancements in digital technology, people can hold virtual meetings, chat on social media and remain connected despite the differences in geographical boundary and time. Although physical interaction is still relevant, Americans are obsessed with technology because of accessibility, cultural trend, peer pressure, high levels of stress, and the desire to stay updated.
One of the primary reasons for addiction to digital machines is the ease of access. Notably, 85% of Americans are on the internet daily, and 31% are almost constantly online (Perrin & Atske par.2). The implication is that many people have smartphones, laptops, and tablets. Moreover, there is high internet penetration across all states. Moreover, organizations are moving from paperwork to electronic documentation and use robotics to engage in repetitive tasks.
In addition, culture trends have a significant influence on the way people treat technology. For instance, there is the evolution of “digital native” within the educational sector, characterized by the infusion of laptops into the classrooms (Agarwal et al. 126). In the hotel and tourism industry, bookings are made online, and then people get food deliveries which means that the need to have their phones to purchase goods Furthermore, medical professionals are now innovating technologies and tools to enable virtual consultation and case management of patients. Thus, the current trend is that there is a shift from the provision of physical services to online, and people need to be on their gadgets to get essential services.
The other reason for obsession with technology is peer pressure, especially, among young adults. If one parent purchases a laptop for their junior high child, others want to fit in and feel a sense of belonging. One study indicated that students in their late teens never admit that they are using their phones excessively despite checking every few minutes (Agarwal et al. 127). The rationale is that the youth cannot see when they become obsessed with technology because it is a norm. Thus, the need to feet in the system and please people make others to become addicted to technology.
The Americans have a lot of stressors from constant news and tasks that they engage in. As a result, technology is used as an escape by people who are under stress. Moreover, technology provides some form of entertainment for people to relax during their daily sessions. The other reason Americans have their technological obsession is that they are always looking for breaking news. People no longer have to wait for the mass media broadcast to find credible news. Hence, in the contemporary world, having information and staying up to date is vital.
In summary, Americans are spending significant time and energy on technology to the extent that it is becoming an obsession. One of the reasons is the digitalization and technological penetration in the country. Furthermore, a culture of virtual services is developing fast, and people have to keep their technologies to get essential services. The addiction develops from peer pressure and the desire to be on-trend. Technology provides an escape for people with psychological issues who maintain connection with others to remain sane. Moreover, in some cases people get attachment to the technology because they want to be the first to get news updates.
Works Cited
Agarwal, Monica et al., “Role of Social Media on Digital Distraction: A Study on University Students”. Journal of Content, Community & Communication, vol. 13, no. 7, 2021, pp. 125-136.
Perrin, Andrew and Atske, Sara. (2021). About Three-in-Ten U.S. Adults Say They Are ‘Almost Constantly’ Online. Pew Research Center. Web.