Technology has revolutionized human interaction, communication, work, play, and many other aspects of life in the digital age. Although technology has greatly improved our daily lives by increasing efficiency and convenience, there are worries about how technology may affect our mental health. This article will explore the benefits and limitations of one of the most significant tools in our modern, digital age.
Benefits
1. Increased Access to Information and Resources
Due to technology's convenience, it has become extremely easy to quickly access a wealth of information and resources. Therefore, people are more easily able to learn about what they want to know about their mental health. Online platforms, apps, and websites can offer educated perspectives, materials, self-help tools, and supportive communities to empower individuals to better understand themselves and manage their well-being.
2. Improved Access to Mental Health Services
The rise of telemedicine and online therapy platforms like BetterHelp has made mental health services and resources more accessible for everyone, especially people living in remote areas or facing physical health/mobility challenges. These digital solutions have helped millions of people bridge the gap in mental health care and improve themselves from the comfort of their homes, making it a convenient, helpful, and cost-effective resource for those seeking professional support.
3. Social Connectivity and Support Networks
Social media and online communities on platforms like X, Instagram, and more have created many international support networks where individuals can communicate and share similar life experiences and struggles. Virtual spaces like these provide a sense of belonging and give people opportunities to share advice, encouragement, and ways to improve their quality of life.
Limitations
1. Cyberbullying and Online Harassment
Due to the accessibility of the internet, it is easy for people to become anonymous and hide behind a screen while spreading hateful works and harassment. The rise of cyberbullying has led to severe psychological consequences for its victims, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Twenty percent of minors who are cyberbullied consider suicide, while ten percent attempt to take their own lives, resulting in approximately 4,500 deaths per year.
2. Information Overload and Misinformation
The abundance of available information online can be overwhelming, leading to information overload and increased stress levels. Algorithms within social media platforms tend to promote negative content more, leading to a vicious cycle of negativity in the content you see. This negativity transfers to your mental load and consequentially affects your happiness and well-being. Additionally, the spread of misinformation and unreliable sources can contribute to anxiety and confusion.
3. Addiction and Overuse
Excessive use of technology, such as social media, gaming, or streaming platforms, can lead to addictive behaviors and negatively impact mental well-being. Prolonged screen time and sedentary lifestyles have been linked to increased risks of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Relationship to Psychology
Technology usage has notable cognitive impacts, particularly on the prefrontal cortex of the brain. The prefrontal cortex plays a crucial role in executive functions such as attention, working memory, problem-solving, and decision-making. Technology, with its constant stream of information and distractions, can significantly impact these cognitive processes. Continuous exposure to digital stimuli and multitasking can lead to reduced attention span, decreased ability to concentrate, and difficulties in filtering relevant information from irrelevant ones. Moreover, the reliance on technology for information retrieval can potentially impede the development of critical thinking skills and hinder the capacity to retain information in long-term memory. The rapid and easily accessible nature of technology can also contribute to impulsive decision-making and a preference for quick, shallow processing over deep, reflective thinking. It is important to recognize and understand these cognitive impacts to promote mindful and intentional technology use and to develop strategies for maintaining cognitive well-being in the digital age.
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Reference List
Mesko, B. (2021). How Can You Improve Your Mental Health With Technology - The Medical Futurist. [online] The Medical Futurist. Available at: https://medicalfuturist.com/improve-mental-health-with-technology/ [Accessed 26 Jun. 2024].
Odu.edu. (2015). Cyberbullying. [online] Available at: https://www.cs.odu.edu/~tkennedy/cs300/development/Public/M04-Cyberbullying/#:~:text=Twenty%20percent%20of%20minors%20who,deaths%20per%20year%20(Murray). [Accessed 26 Jun. 2024].
oliSUNvia (2023). drowning in entertainment: the age of distraction. [online] www.youtube.com. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJZ5YNrXMpE.
Small, G.W., Lee, J., Kaufman, A., Jalil, J., Prabha Siddarth, Himaja Gaddipati, Moody, T.D. and Bookheimer, S.Y. (2020). Brain health consequences of digital technology use. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, [online] 22(2), pp.179–187. doi:https://doi.org/10.31887/dcns.2020.22.2/gsmall.
Studvick, S. (2014). First Class: A Journal of First-Year Composition A Warped Teenage Brain: The Impact of Technology in the Classroom. [online] Available at: https://dsc.duq.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1034&context=first-class#:~:text=A%20study%20by%20Gary%20Small.
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