Blog Post 11: Final Post

Final Post: Is Technology Healthy?

Technology is a big part of our lives and has changed the way we live. As a college student, I use technology every day, and it’s something we’ve all learned to adapt to. There is a controversial question about whether technology is healthy for us or not. Some people think it’s improving the world, while others believe it’s having negative effects. After researching both sides, I think technology is having a positive and negative impact on our lives. On one hand, it keeps us connected to the world by providing real time updates and news, but it can also be misleading. Now, I will go into the different sides, and how it impacts society as a whole.

 

Screen Time

Before I checked my screen time usage, I thought my relationship with technology was healthy. But after seeing how much time I spend on my devices, I’m rethinking my habits. Technology has always been a part of my life; it’s what my generation grew up with. Unlike my parents, who witnessed the evolution of technology from no devices to the latest technology innovations, I’ve only known a world with constant access to technology. When it comes to defining a healthy relationship with technology, it’s less about the amount of time we spend on it and more about how we use it. As Britt Frank points out, “Implementing screen time boundaries helps us harness the power of technology without mindlessly scrolling.” Setting boundaries and being aware of how we are using technology can help us regain control over our digital lives. Personally, I feel that technology is taking up too much of my time. I spend a lot of it on social media, but often, I do so without thinking. I find myself opening apps out of habit, not purpose. 

Is technology reliable? 

Technology is both informative and misleading. Technology is efficient and helps us get information fast. Without it, we would be dependent on slower forms of information, like newspapers, which are far less convenient. However, technology can also be misleading. The internet is surrounded with fake news, biased reporting, and misinformation. According to University of Derby magazine they state,  “When sharing news, people often don’t stop and think about whether the article could be fake and, in an age of instant internet access and social media platforms, news is shared to millions at the touch of a button.” The content we see online shapes our perspectives, especially when it comes to topics like politics. Online, we see how politics are often shaped. Propaganda and fake news are everywhere, and technology helps spread them. 

Society

Technology is just an accepted part of society that we live in. Sometimes, I find myself wondering, Where would we be if technology had never been invented? How would my life be different if technology took a completely different form? What if AI had never been created? As I think about how AI is developing, I wonder what the future will look like as it continues to evolve. According to Brittanica, Ai is “the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings.” AI is quickly becoming a big part of society, and many worry it could take away jobs and change how we live. But as the years go on, everything is evolving. That’s the nature of technology, it’s constantly changing. As it improves, we adapt to it. As an 18 year old, I’ve grown up with fast paced change in technology, so it feels normal to me. But for those who lived without technology, the adjustment is much more challenging, as they now see the world from a completely different perspective.

Friends and Family

My friends and family are both positively and negatively affected by technology. For example, my mom is very focused on technology and social media, while my dad doesn't use any social media at all. On the other hand, I see how my friends are always utilizing technology. Some can’t go even 20 minutes without checking it. Social media has a significant impact on mental health, and it can have severe consequences. It sets unrealistic expectations, especially for young people, and particularly for young girls. These unrealistic standards can lead to mental health struggles and, in some cases, even suicide. As Elias Balt states, “Research from the US suggests that an increase in suicidal behaviors among adolescents may be partly attributed to an increase in new media screen time.” The effects of technology on young people’s lives have a significant impact. For girls, what they see online can deeply influence their self image, leading them to want to change their appearance. When they can’t meet these expectations, it takes a toll on their mental health. Social media changes how we see reality, setting unrealistic standards for how we look and behave.

Online Footprint

Our online footprints follow us throughout our lives. Once something is posted, it’s out there forever. Online footprints can be collected without us even knowing. According to Kaspersky, they state, "Once you allow an organization to access your information, they could sell or share your data with third parties." We create online footprints with every click we do on the internet. What we put on social media creates an online footprint that will always be in the internet. Personally, I keep all my social media accounts private to maintain control over who sees what I share. I aim to keep a positive online presence. When I Google myself, the only result is my volleyball athletic profile, nothing else comes up, which helps create a positive image. My athletic profile showcases my skills and achievements, which could be useful for potential employers. I don’t think I need to edit anything about my online presence since I keep it professional and positive. I avoid sharing personal views online because they can be judged or misunderstood, especially if others don’t share the same opinions. In today’s world, what we say online can shape how people perceive us, so I prefer to keep my personal views private.