Too Much Tech

We’re surrounded here in 2023, by so much technology. In some cases, when we count the smart devices, our connected homes, portables and wearables; quite literally surrounded. While in many ways it makes our day to day simpler, there’s also a strong argument that too much technology has a tangible negative effect on our lives. How much then is too much when it comes to electronic doodads? When do the devices which we rely upon for entertainment, planning, and generally keeping our lives in order start to have a negative effect instead?

Technology has become an essential part of our lives and has undoubtedly brought numerous benefits, from increased efficiency to improved communication. However, the overuse of technology can really quite quickly have a negative impact on our physical, mental, and social well-being. One of the most significant potential negative impacts of excessive technology use is its effect on our physical health. Spending extended periods in front of a screen can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, leading to weight gain, heart disease, and other health issues. This unfortunately is especially true for children who spend a lot of time on their devices. Additionally, the blue light typically emitted from screens can disrupt our sleep patterns (something I’ve written about in the past), making it difficult to get the necessary amount of quality rest. This can subsequently lead to problems such as insomnia, fatigue, and decreased overall productivity.

Excessive technology use can also have a significant impact on our mental health. Social media in particular, when over-consumed can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. It is easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to others online, which can lead to a negative self-image and a decrease in self-esteem. Additionally, the constant barrage of news and information can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of helplessness and despair. Furthermore, too much time spent using technology can lead to social isolation and a breakdown in interpersonal relationships. People who spend a lot of time online may struggle with face-to-face communication and have difficulty building strong relationships with others, leading to feelings of loneliness. Additionally, social media can create a false sense of connection, where people feel like they are part of a community without actually having any meaningful interactions. This can lead to a sense of disconnection from the real world and can further contribute to those feelings of isolation.

Finally, excessive technology use can also impact our cognitive abilities. Studies have shown that spending too much time online can lead to a decrease in focus and attention span, making it harder to complete tasks and be productive. This is once again especially true for children, whose brains are still developing and may be more susceptible to the negative effects of excessive screen time. Additionally, the constant stimulation from technology can lead to a decrease in creativity and imagination, which are essential for personal growth and development. While technology has undoubtedly brought many benefits to our lives, the overuse of technology can have significant negative consequences. It can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, disrupted sleep patterns, and decreased productivity. It can also contribute to feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression, and lead to social isolation and a breakdown in interpersonal relationships. While Spring is a long time coming in our part of the world, let’s all make sure we’re prioritizing our wellbeing and taking breaks from technology. Even if the air outside hurts our face a little.