Consequences of Technology

Running head: NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES OF TECHNOLOGY

Consequences of Technology

Alyssa P. Saraceno

Macomb Community College

Psychology 2210

April 21st, 2015

NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES OF TECHNOLOGY

        Technology seems to be taking over the world. Everywhere you turn, there is somebody on a cell phone, computer, or even a tablet. Not only is technology affecting adults, but now, parents seem to be letting their children use technology as well (typically children who are anywhere from 3-8 or 9). Some parents are responsible about it by monitoring how long their child is on it, or letting them use it for learning purposes and only that. Most parents these days however, put their children on a smart phone or a tablet to simply keep them entertained so the parents themselves don’t have to come up with ways to do that on their own. Unfortunately for the children, this could be the cause of many consequences down the road, and it won’t be that child’s fault because they don’t know any better at that young of an age. On the older end of things, teenagers are constantly on their cell phones whether it be to text friends, be on social media, or play games. Part of the reason this could be happening is because they were one of the children growing up who were entertained by technology. Another reason for this could be that they were given a cell phone at way too young of an age. And once someone, whether it be a young child, teenager, or even an adult, is on one of their electronic devices twenty-four/seven, it is very difficult to become their own independent person again. What kind of consequences will children or young teenagers face growing up if they continue to rely on technology for everything? Whether it be mentally physically, emotionally, or socially affects, there will be

NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES OF TECHNOLOGY 

consequences.  When we are purchasing these electronic devices, we don’t really think about that aspect of it though; we tend to think about all of the ways it could help and benefit us.

Negative Consequences of Technology Information

        There are many mental consequences that someone who is addicted to technology may encounter if they are on their cell phones or any kind of electronic for long periods of time. According to University of California researchers, most of us absorb three times more information everyday compared with 50 years ago. “We spend 12 hours in front of TV and computers – and that’s just at home.” (Wedner, 2015, paragraph 4). Researchers also are trying to figure out whether or not the effects of media are a good thing or a bad thing for our brains. The one thing that they do know is that it is changing how we think. One thing that researchers have tied together with too much use of technology is a failing memory. “It gets worse as you age: Younger adults can retrieve the temporarily lost memory more quickly than older adults,” Gazzaley says (Wedner, 2015, paragraph 14).

        Some other things that could possibly happen because of using too much technology are physical consequences. We know that sometimes different types of technology can be very beneficial to our kids when it comes to learning, however,

NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES OF TECHNOLOGY 

all that time spent inside the house watching an iPad or a smart phone, is taking away from their physical activity. Children from ages 6-17 should be getting at least 60 minutes of physical activity in for one day (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014, paragraph 1 on appropriate link). Walking to the refrigerator or going to the restroom only to come back and plop yourself back into the same spot does not count as physical activity either. Some great examples of physical activities are going outside to shoot some hoops, going for a run around the block a few times, or even meeting up with some old friends and playing a long, enjoyable game of baseball. There are many other physical activities you can choose from, just as long as it’s getting you off the couch. One of the most common consequences to children not getting the amount of physical activity they need per day, is child obesity. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 10.4 percent of preschool children and 19.6 percent of children ages 6 through 11 are obese, (Reynolds, 2013, paragraph 2). There are many other physical consequences that could be minimal or greater than minimal depending on how much time you are on spending on technology. One of these consequences could be strained vision. “About 40% of optometrists’ patients experienced eye strain due to computer vision syndrome (conditions related to “near work”),” (Wedner, 2015, paragraph 30). Another physical consequence to

NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES OF TECHNOLOGY 

using too much technology is neck pain, back pain and other issues with our eyes. “…45% complained of neck and back pain associated with computer or handheld device use, according to a 2008 survey by the American Optometric Association (AOA). Many computer users assume awkward postures to position their eyes for better performance, according to the association. Close computer work can cause light sensitivity, dry eye, blurred vision, double vision, fatigue and headache,” (Wedner, 2015, paragraph 30-32). These examples are just very few compared to some other physical consequences of too much technology use.