Does technology cause more problems than it solves?

Technology has quickly grown to become a part of everyone’s lives. Just think about the shift from a clunky Walkman of the 80s to the modern-day smartphone. Perhaps the smartphone is the most obvious piece of technology to reflect on, as it has much more visibility than other pieces of technology. Nearly everyone is glued to their phone, yet many of us are aware of the negative effects. But what are they?

A good practical example is the lack of focus. With smartphones that can do everything and contain masses of information, many of us suffer from information overload, feeling easily distracted and stressed. This distraction harms practical things, too. For example, smartphones often cause distracted driving, which is a leading cause of accidents and fatalities worldwide.

Smartphones can also harm mental health. Social media can lead to a cycle of comparing yourself to others, causing low confidence and alienation. A report in 2012 found that the feelings that come from using smartphones are addictive, which can explain why it can be so difficult to put down. Despite this, smartphones have improved the ease of many of our lives, it can now be possible to run a business at your fingertips, and keep up communication with people all over the world.

But mental health isn’t the only form of health that technology has impacted. Technology has likely contributed to higher rates of obesity. Increased technology does make our lives easier, and forms of entertainment are now mostly digital, so it can be easy to fall into a pattern of under-exercising. Over-eating when watching TV is a common example of this, as we are often under-stimulated by TV and will eat from boredom. However, technology has drastically improved healthcare, and technological advancements continue to revolutionise the industry and change lives. Lighter forms of technology can also be used to improve our health, such as health tracker watches and mental health support apps. Utilising these positive forms of technology is a good way to use technology to improve your quality of life.

One of the most common problems to face with technology use is sleeplessness. This is because of the type of blue light that is used in imaging on smartphones and laptops. This light releases cortisol, a stress hormone that makes it more difficult to get to sleep. To avoid this: switch off your phone at night or keep it in another room. This will help you to wind down and get a better quality night’s sleep.

Like everything, technology can be positive if used in moderation. However, as technology becomes more entwined in our lives, it can be more difficult to step back. What are your thoughts? Do you think technology creates more issues that it solves? Let us know!