By Apoorva Khandelwal
We use technology on a daily basis. We usually use the internet, game apps, and social media platforms. There is very little doubt that social media platforms and the internet makes a huge impact on the way students and kids communicate. Dr. Igor Pantic, a psychiatrist said that there numerous studies that have observed the link between social media and some mental health problems. What are the mental health problems caused by social media and are there any benefits of technology?
At risk adolescents experience higher ADHD symptoms but less depression and anxiety days they use a lot of technology according to a study done at Duke University. A study done at the University of Michigan found out that decrease in happiness and overall life satisfaction is the result of using Facebook. Another study done by Australian researchers lead two studies which show poorer mental health is led by compulsive use of the internet by adolescence. These studies raise some questions even though they have some points. One question is whether technology has the same effect on children as parents? Another question is how much screen should be the tops (maximum) each day?
These questions will take a long time to answer due to technology evolving very quickly. More studies are still being conducted on how technology affects mental health. However, in the meantime, experts recommend a few common sense steps to avoid using your electronics all the time. Here are some from The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Tim Ferriss, a best-selling author:
Once a week, leave your phone at home.
Moderation is everything. Too much of something is harmful.
Short periods of inaccessibility should be taken.
There are benefits of having technology, especially during a time like this. Right now people are away from their family members and friends. Technology helps us stay closer to them. Video calling and texting are two ways to stay closer to them. Technology also helps us find the answers we look for. Searching up on Google is the easiest way to get the answers instead of reading a lengthy book that might only have bits and pieces of information.
It is definitely okay to use technology, but moderate it. Even if you use technology a lot, make sure to have short breaks in between to avoid eye strain. Technology can cause higher ADHD symptoms, decrease happiness, and overall life satisfaction goes down too.
Works Cited:
“How Does Technology Affect Mental Health?” Bradley University Online, 20 Feb. 2020, onlinedegrees.bradley.edu/blog/how-does-technology-affect-mental-health/.
Team, Fisher-Titus Healthy Living. “The Effects of Technology on Mental Health.” Fisher, www.fishertitus.org/health/effects-technology-mental-health.
“How Does Technology Affect Mental Health?” Bradley University Online, 20 Feb. 2020, onlinedegrees.bradley.edu/blog/how-does-technology-affect-mental-health/.
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