Entry#6: Does Technology Worry You?

  When it comes to analyzing technology and the extrapolation rate of advancement within our society, many worries start to surface. The biggest worry I have is the fact that technology is leading humanity further away from the way we have lived for generations. This change can be seen in newer generations, and more predominately in the ones that follow. Think about what consumes people today: Facebook, Twitter, “reality” television shows, cell phones, laptops, and iPads. 

Important news you must read from BuzzFeed

These technological innovations and media platforms are corrupting us in ways we cannot yet comprehend. Each day the depths of our conscious and unconscious psyche are being attacked by advertising, pop ups, and information deemed “important” for consumption; I’m talking to you BuzzFeed.

         

Have you experienced this?

          If you were born in the early 90’s, like I was, you may recall being outside for a majority of your childhood. Technology that exists today was not as prevalent back then, as it was just surfacing into the world. Jumping to current day, how often do you see children with some type of electronic device? That could be a cell phone, iPad, personal computer, etc. The roots of our being were to be in nature, as it is a vital part of natural development. With advancing technology, children spend more time inside and isolated, in front of a screen rapidly placing images within your brain. It’s no secret that over the last 20 years, cases of depression, anxiety, A.D.H.D., and others have exploded and become more rampant. How can one not question the cause of this? It is a fact that children and teenagers who spend too much time watching television or playing on the computer have a higher risk of developing A.D.D. or A.D.H.D. at earlier ages. This may then result in a poorer performance in various aspects of their lives if not treated.

The many distractions of Facebook and anxiety

            Granted, without technology we would not have the advancements in medicine, sciences, and other fields that we do today. Most professions these days require the use of technology in some form or manor. Yet, when these profound innovations start affecting the development of children and teenagers, when and where is the line drawn? Technology has the power to rewire our minds and make us think differently than we would without it. I can attest to these differences. Most nights I venture outside to lie in the grass and graze up at the sky filled with billions of stars. I’m filled with thought and wonder. Contrary, a friend of mine almost obsessively lives her life on Facebook and suffers from extreme anxiety. This could be a coincidence, but the rising numbers of mental disorders don’t lie. Something has to be causing this change. There are many studies investigating Facebook addiction and its effects as well.

Keep your brain healthy!

            I think we as a society must be careful in how we approach these amazing, but potentially detrimental innovations. We must be cognizant of how they’re affecting our brain function and thought process. Advertising is the process of convincing someone to consume their product. It is highly studied and geared to manipulate its audience. When children are seeing hours of commercials in a single day, how can it not be insinuated that that is having a harmful effect? In the end, technology will keep advancing, and if we chose to do nothing, we will eventually be controlled by it. Not necessarily physically, but mentally. What do you think?