Technology impacts us all 

Technology is an ever-expanding field, and we continuously see advances in many areas such as social media, the internet, and how accessible information is to us via technology. As convenient as technology is, and as great as it can be, it also has a profound impact on our mental health. According to a study at Duke University, at-risk adolescents showed negative results in their conduct on days that they used technology excessively. There's a correlation between the overuse of technology and erratic behavior in children. That's why it's essential to be mindful of how much we use technology as adults. We can be role models to our children and have a balance of being in front of screens and interacting with people in the "real world." Children are natural-born observers. Kids model after their elders, and want to be accepted. It's okay to encourage technology usage in moderation but temper it. It shouldn't be a crutch or a substitute for human interaction.

Too much technology isn't good for your mental health

Overuse of technology can lead to issues such as anxiety or depression. It can make it so that you isolate yourself from your friends and family. Particularly when it comes to social media, people are using it to connect to others, but it prevents them from leaving the house and spending time with people in person at times. Those who engage in excessive gaming could avoid socializing because they're so involved in technology. It's not all bad; there are meaningful relationships that people form online through social media, and we know that it can enhance our lives in many different ways. It's just a matter of monitoring your time and knowing your limits. You may not know when to stop using your computer, tablet, or smartphone. If that's the case, it's okay to set alarms to remind yourself to stop staring at a screen after x amount of time. 

The developing brain and technology

Our brains develop from the time we are babies until we grow old. As children develop, their brains are growing every day. With the knowledge that we have about the effects of technology, it's vital to monitor how much technology our children use daily. A child with ADHD, for example, might hyperfocus on technology and struggle to detach from it. It can impact their ability to learn. If your child is interested in anything to do with technology or gaming, it's essential to set limits so that they don't become so fixated on it that it's all that they do. People of all ages can engage in compulsive behavior when it comes to the internet, so it's essential to have a balance between how much you use technology and how much you're out in the "real world." 

Creating balance in your life with how much technology you use

Technology can be a blessing or a curse depending on how you use it. It's crucial to be mindful of the reasons you are engaging with it. Regardless of how you're using technology, it's important not to overdo it. If you find that you're indoors all of the time on the computer, make sure to take breaks. Call a friend, go for a walk, or meet someone for coffee. There's a lot of value in learning information online and connecting with others through the internet, but there's also value in seeing people in the real world. Remember to strike a balance between the two so that technology doesn't take over your life. If you find that you think that you might have a technology addiction, you can get help. One of the ways to help yourself is to understand the psychology of how technology affects us, and seeing a therapist is one way that you can do that. Whether you see a therapist online, talk to them over the phone, or see someone in your local area, you can get the help you need. 

 

 

Marie Miguel Biography

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health-
related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health
resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with
mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.