Introduction
Technology has significantly changed human lives, affecting how people work and relax. Devices with internet access, social media, and video- and image-sharing platforms have had a significant impact on communication. Now, people use various platforms to share their lives and communicate with one another, regardless of their location. While technological advancements have numerous benefits for humanity, they can also create issues for individuals as they become increasingly reliant on electronic devices. Technology can ruin human interaction in many ways, affecting how people become distracted from reality, disinterested in physical activity and health, and unable to hold conversations without the support of social media.
Dangers of Excessive Use of Technology
Virtual vs. Real Life
The first problem that arises from the constant use of electronic devices and the internet is the increased interest in social media rather than real life. Such platforms as Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok encourage people to share every moment of their daily lives and interact with others through reactions and comments. As a result, the time people spend on social media every day has increased in recent years (Naslund et al. 249). Heavy use of such platforms is connected to poor well-being, depression, and anxiety (Naslund et al. 250). Many people, especially adolescents and young adults, become disinterested in or afraid of living outside the technology-driven world. Instead, they focus on spending more time on social media, which further affects their mental health.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Apart from psychological well-being, people’s physical health is also affected by the extensive use of technology. Woessner et al. find that the introduction of various gadgets and applications has led to a reduction in people’s physical activity (2). Young children who previously went outside or played with toys now sit at home with a tablet or phone that their parents gave them.
Adolescents and children watch videos or play games without moving, which negatively impacts their health and promotes unhealthy eating habits, weight gain, and a lack of physical endurance (Woessner et al. 2). Adults who continue to lead inactive lifestyles develop many problems and have low strength and agility (Woessner et al. 2). The reliance on technology for entertainment diminishes people’s ability to maintain a healthy life.
Worsening Social Skills
The third potential issue that arises from the use of technology is the lack of social skills. Now, people usually text or message one another using a variety of applications and websites. This method is convenient, as it allows two or more individuals to connect instantly from anywhere at any time.
Nonetheless, texting has been found to reduce social skills, particularly among children and adolescents who do not look away from their phones during the day (Przepiorka et al. 2). Called problematic smartphone use, this behavior contributes to the youth’s social anxiety and lowers their self-esteem (Przepiorka et al. 2). Young people are unsure how to talk to other people in real life and participate in synchronous conversations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of technology exposes people to many issues in their daily lives. Some people lose interest in experiencing life without social media, while others become depressed and anxious but cannot put down their phones. Children and adults engage in less physical activity, which has a poor impact on their health. Moreover, excessive texting can lead to young people losing social skills and experiencing significant stress when interacting with others in real life. As a result, all types of human interactions become compromised due to the growing reliance on technology.
Works Cited
Naslund, John A., et al. “Social Media and Mental Health: Benefits, Risks, and Opportunities for Research and Practice.” Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science, vol. 5, 2020, pp. 245-257.
Przepiorka, Aneta, et al. “Social Anxiety and Social Skills via Problematic Smartphone Use for Predicting Somatic Symptoms and Academic Performance at Primary School.” Computers & Education, vol. 173, no. 104286, 2021, pp. 1-13.
Woessner, Mary N., et al. “The Evolution of Technology and Physical Inactivity: The Good, the Bad, and the Way Forward.” Frontiers in Public Health, vol. 9, no. 655491, 2021, pp. 1-7.