How does Technology affect us?

How does technology affect our actions? Does it cause symptoms of ADHD? Should we limit our screen time?

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Using your phone and other technology affects you more than you think. I found this out when I broke my phone about a year ago. I didn't use my phone for over a week. During that time I was more relaxed, I slept soundly and felt better overall. High phone usage is backed by studies to cause depression and anxiety. When I finally got a new phone I went back to feeling more "normal". Smartphones can affect how your brain functions and become addictive. This addiction can lead to phone use in class which can be harmful to your grade, disrespectful to your teacher, and take you away from an opportunity to learn.

Digital technology has changed our lives dramatically during the last three decades. People of all ages are now taking advantage of the massive amounts of internet information and communication platforms available to them. This technology allows us to generate, store, and process massive amounts of data while also allowing us to engage with one another quickly and efficiently. Unfortunately along with the benefits technology provides us, persistent use can have harmful effects on brain function and behavior. A number of studies have found a link between computer use or excessive screen time and symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to a meta-analysis published in 2014, there is a link between media use and attention issues. After 24 months of follow-up, a recent survey of teenagers who did not have symptoms of ADHD at the start of the study found a substantial link between more frequent use of digital media and symptoms of ADHD. Although the majority of studies associating technology use and ADHD symptoms have focused on children and adolescents, this link has been discovered in adults of all ages. 

Another negative effect of cell phone overuse is sleep disruption. Screen use, according to new research, disrupts sleep, potentially affecting cognition and behavior. In infants and toddlers, everyday touch-screen use has been shown to negatively impact sleep length and overnight awakenings. Adolescents who spent more time on cell phones and touch screens had more sleep interruptions, whereas those who spent more time on tablets had poorer sleep quality and more awakenings after falling asleep. Adults who used their smart phones more frequently slept less efficiently and slept for shorter periods of time. Sleep deprivation has been associated with brain alterations such as reduced functional connectivity and gray-matter volume, as well as an increased risk of age-related cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. 

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Another question that has emerged, notably among frustrated parents attempting to break free from the grip of pervasive screens and devices, is how long should their kids be using devices to stop the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Research provides evidence that shows extensive use of technology typically involves greater symptoms of attention deficit disorders. This research has pushed scientists to recommend screen time limits for people over the age of 2 and limiting children younger than that to no screen time. The average screen time usage has skyrocketed in the near past along with the increase in social media popularity. The screen time increase can also be linked to an increased risk of health issues like insomnia, obesity, anxiety, and depression, according to doctors. 7 hours is how long a typical teen uses their devices per day according to multiple reports in the past couple of years. Experts recommend only two hours of screen time per day outside of school or work use. Too much can lead to many of the symptoms discussed in this blog. It is important to control and monitor your own screen time use to limit the risks of certain health hazards.

Along with mental health, using social media may also affect people through body dysmorphia, cyberbullying, and peer pressure. A link has been discovered between social media and having a bad body image, according to research. Teens may find it tempting to compare themselves to the frequently altered and flawless photographs of peers, celebrities, or influencers on social media. After browsing social media, 21 percent of students "felt sad" about themselves, according to Linda Charmaraman. According to a survey conducted by Pew Research in 2018. Cyberbullying has been reported by 59 percent of teenagers in the United States. Teens experience peer pressure on social media to participate in trends and like posts which can lead to anxiety. While there are many downsides there is also an upside to using your phone. Phones, as well as social media, help bring people together through groups and communities. According to the Pew survey, 31% of youth believe social media has a "mainly good" impact on their lives. Although in minority some people truly feel benefits more than harm from technology.