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Admittedly, the Technology column may be the last place you’d expect to see a discussion about the adverse effects of technology. But the social, psychological, and health impacts of our ever-more connected world are hard to ignore. Consider the amount of time you spend daily on your smart phone and computer to engage in various forms of communication and entertainment. Compare that to your typical day ten or twenty years ago (assuming you’re old enough to have been an adult that long ago!) Notice a difference?
Without a doubt, the proliferation of the Internet has improved the quality of our lives in many ways. But are there downsides to our technology-oriented lifestyle?
Always Connected, No Break!
The term “Always Connected” was coined more than a decade ago, when Cable Modem & DSL Internet services were being rolled out. Not having to wait for a dial-up connection to get to the Internet was a big selling point of these services. Today, most of us are connected to the Internet in more ways than one. Our Internet connections are accessible anywhere in the house, thanks to WiFi networks and affordable laptop computers. Our phones are many times smarter that desktop computers of a decade ago, with the Internet a click away.
We communicate with email, text messages, instant messages, blogs, status- updates (tweets), social networks, and the list goes on... We're continuously “connected” through and distracted by the cyber world, with little chance to savor the moment or deliberate on a thought. We're the living examples of a society with Attention Deficit Disorder!
Poor Communication
Ironically enough, a recent study found that although we communicate more often and with more people than ever before, the quality of our communication is significantly declined. A good example is the comparison between a handwritten letter we would've written to loved one twenty years ago journaling recent events versus today's email forwards and text messages without much meaningful content. We're essentially forgetting the art of communication and replacing it with short phrases about trivial topics. This could easily lead to a new generation of adults who lack the basic skills to interact with other humans face to face. Seeing a family at the dinner table, each playing with their smart phones or other gadgets is a great example of how we communicate less.
Internet Addiction
There have been several studies claiming that people are getting addicted to the Internet, and get urges to check email or social sites regularly. Although such addition may not be as physically harmful as smoking, or drinking, it certainly can affect one's personal life in many ways.
Physical Health Effects
Shoulder and neck pain from hunching over a laptop or improper computer desk setup, carpal tunnel syndrome from extensive use of mouse and keyboard, and eye strain and headaches from extended staring at a monitor are some of the best known health effects of using computers. Of course, a bit of moderation in use and awareness of posture can do magic in reducing these adverse effects.
Of course, despite all the negative effects of technology, it's hard to resist the benefits and entertainment that we get from our gadgets. So instead of being constantly consumed in our individual cyber worlds, let's occasionally take a break to appreciate the more basic things in life like having a conversation, reading a book, or taking a walk outside. Let's not allow technology consumption change our most human attributes the way the modern food industry made us unhealthy and sick!
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