Top 8 Positive and Negative Effects of Technology

Few people today can function without some tech items, and most have many. Who doesn’t have a smartphone, an iPad, and a laptop? You may have pictures of family and friends at work on a digital photo frame and work on a desktop computer or laptop. Then, there are video games and television programs to plug into in the evening.

You might even be one of those people who just can’t seem to tune out their phone, which is like an appendage. There is evidence of the positive and negative effects of technology on society and our health. So, how do all these tech items affect you? Or do they? Let’s consider how tech items are affecting your day-to-day life and what, if anything, you might want to do about it.

Negative Effects of Technology

Before we discuss the positive effects of technology, we should first know the negative effects of technology on society and our health.

Negative effects of technology

1. Slouched Posture

Another factor at play is one you probably hadn’t thought about. Using tech items like smartphones is hurting your posture. Okay, not good, but not that bad, right?

Unfortunately, it is.  Research is saying that slumping over the position you have when on your phone isn’t just a pain in the neck but that it also has negative psychological effects.

A slouched posture can reflect emotions like sadness, fear, powerlessness, or depression. Bad posture can reflect a negative state of mind and cause you to think negatively.

The New York Times did an article about different studies in which people were asked to sit upright or slouched and respond to various situations. Those who were slouched had significantly more negative responses, such as feelings of lower self-esteem and mood. Some had a greater sense of fear, and others became more submissive in behavior.

2. Digital Eye Strain

Digital eye strain, otherwise known as computer vision syndrome, is the latest vision issue due to all the time spent on phones and in front of computers. It may involve dry eyes, headaches, and neck and shoulder pain. Improper lighting, glare from screens, and posture may also be factors when this syndrome appears.

Doctors often ask how much time you spend in front of a computer or on your phone when diagnosing this condition. You are even more at risk if you already have eye issues and wear contact lenses.

3. Poor Sleep

Another effect of too much tech activity you’re probably familiar with is an effect on your sleep. As you’ve heard over and over, better sleep has numerous benefits, including your state of mind and mood. Experts say that both falling asleep and the quality of your sleep can be negatively affected by tech items. Cognitive stimulation is what keeps you from falling asleep. Even an email or video game can cause you stress or tension, producing the stress hormone cortisol. The small amount of light from these devices delays the production of melatonin, the hormone that helps us sleep.

Doctors believe the best way to improve your sleep is to turn off all devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime and try not even to allow electronics in the bedroom. If that doesn’t sound possible, you can keep your phone out of the bedroom or away from your bed at night. In AOL’s third annual email survey, over 40% of respondents admitted to checking email in the middle of the night. If you have children, doctors advise keeping all devices out of their room at night.

It may sound like tough love, but do yourself and your family a favor and try to de-tech at certain times throughout the day, especially at night.

4. Emotional Weakness

Social media can bring happiness or sadness into your life. It is totally up to you which type of content you access and post for the public. If you start comparing yourself to others, then emotional imbalance can occur.

People who spend more time on social media are missing from their friends and family circle. Those who copy celebrities and try to copy their lifestyle can become victims of depression and anxiety if they do not receive the expected acceptance or response.

FOMO is another different problem of always being on social media. If you were not invited to a party where you were supposed to be, then fear of missing out can bring the feeling of isolation from society.

Positive Effects of Technology

Above, we discussed the negative effects of technology, and it’s time to talk about the positive effects of technology. Let’s have a look at the positives of technology-

positive effects of technology

1. Positive Mental Health

Studies have shown that seeing positive things, like pictures of loved ones, improves your mood. So, the digital picture frame may be a good influence. That controversial study Facebook did without people’s permission showed that when followers saw more positive content, they posted more positive content, and the opposite holds as well.

2. Communication Technology

It is controversial, but technology is bringing people together. People from two different places can stay in touch with technology. Mobile, internet, and messaging apps are doing a great job. You can install messaging apps like – WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, etc., to send and receive multimedia messages. Even you can make audio and video calls to stay connected with friends and family.

3. Online Education

Nowadays, we can take online education at home. We can pursue an online course to learn new skills to get a dream job. Learn the benefits of online education.

Researching different subjects become more accessible with the availability of information online.

4. Healthcare Technology

Healthcare technology is helping us live healthy lives. It makes it possible to have online medical consultations with experienced doctors, get an online prescription, and buy medicines online.

Health apps can help you track diet, exercise, and mental health information. They can also help you track chronic illnesses and seek doctor consultations worldwide.

You can read the risks and benefits of technology in healthcare.

Takeaway

Sure, technology can be a great thing, enabling you to keep in touch with friends and family online or remember good times, which can improve your physical and mental health, but taking a tech break can improve your mental health as well, making for a double dose of social improvement!

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