~Upasana Khare (@upss_07)
Technology is one of the greatest triumphs of science. It has made our lives so secure and easy. But, there are always two sides of a coin. Along with the benefits, we should also know why technology is bad for us and what harms it can cause.
Technology has made us dependent on it. Now it’s hard to live in the world without it. Can you do your job or studies without the help of technology? What about communicating? Or travelling? Or entertaining yourself?
Technology has made every task easy and has proved to be a boon. But everything comes with a negative effect.
So, these are reasons which state why technology is bad for us.
Table of Contents
By using mobile phones and computers, body posture is affected
To begin with the list of ‘why technology is bad for us’, the overuse of mobiles and other electronic devices are sure to top the list. For most of us, when we use devices like phones and computers, our postures become unnatural. Poor posture leads to back and neck issues and also affects psychologically which includes lower self-esteem and mood.
It can cause insomnia
Digital devices emit artificial blue light of short wavelength. This delays the body’s internal clock and circadian rhythm. This, in turn, reduces the release of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin and leads to insomnia.
By too much device usage, eyesight is also affected
Intense device usage can cause strain to the eyes. It can lead to headache, difficulty to concentrate, itchy, blurred or double vision and sensitivity to light.
Privacy and security
This can be considered as one of the major reasons as to why technology is bad for us. If misused, technology can expose us to a number of risks. Teenagers become victims of cyberbullying. Via text messages and social media, offenders reach out to the target.
On the internet, online sex crimes take place every now and then. Sexting is one of the risky behaviours, teens can be exposed to. Today it has become easier than ever before to obtain someone’s personal information.
This proves how the borders of privacy are blurred. With a few clicks, you can discover a Facebook page with all the contact information, pictures, whereabouts and many other details. Information obtained can be used by cheaters, frauds and hackers.
Social media affects mental health
It affects mental health. A study suggests that young adults who use 7–11 social media platforms have more than three times the risk of depression and anxiety than those who use 2 or fewer platforms.
Social Skills
Technology creates a global network bringing people together. But, it replaces real-life communication and ends in social isolation. Online communication has lead to a loss in the ability to read the tone of voice, facial expressions, body language, and direct wordings. Violent games and videos kill empathy and cause destruction to an individual’s life.
Destruction
World-wide destruction is yet another instance of why technology is bad for the world. It has led to the creation of the atomic bomb and other weapons of mass destruction. Due to this, humanity has been and still continues to be destructed. The fear of destruction grows continuously, as more nations develop nuclear technology and the proliferation of nuclear warheads continue.
Education
The Internet has become a great tool for learning. We can search for any required information through google. Instead of spending time in the library, we can complete the required or desired course online without going outside.
Now, the question is, if technology and the internet are so helpful, why is technology bad for us? How does it affect education? Simply speaking, not every information on the internet is accurate.
Sometimes, children overuse technology in the classroom which affects the learning process in a negative way. Moreover, analysis and critical thinking have decreased due to its overuse. The reason for it is the distraction caused by games, messages, and videos.
Affects the environment
Power consumption has become very high. Not only that but also we contribute large amounts of toxic waste due to the up-gradation of technology. Radiation exposures lead to fatal, silent health problems. In wifi-enabled areas, some birds have gone extinct. Furthermore, widespread deforestation occurs due to the larger capabilities of machinery technologies.
Affects relationships
Relationships have a tremendous negative effect as the technology affects how we communicate. When a person communicates via text or email, then misunderstandings can and are bound to occur sometimes. The reason is that the context on which the other person is speaking is often misunderstood.
Made us lazy
Online sites like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, etc have eliminated the need for us to going out and even experience the beauty of sunshine. Now, the comforting glow of our backlit monitor is all the artificial light we’ll need!
Secondly, even restaurants are making it easier for you to get their food without ever visiting. Swiggy, Zomato, Dominos, etc. have neat services that allow you to sort through all of the restaurants near your location that allow for home delivery or pickup.
Furthermore, there is no need to go out for mobile, electricity or dish recharge or train, flight or bus reservations as it can be done online. It has made everything easy but has made people lazy.
Thus, to sum up as to why technology is bad for us, we can say that it has made us lazy and unfit.
Affects children
Children’s brains are still developing and become more sensitive to the negative effects of technology in comparison to an adult’s brain. Children who overuse digital gadgets can experience several issues. The following points summarize as to why technology is bad, especially for children and how it affects them.
- Low academic performance
- Lack of attention
- Low creativity
- Delays in language development
- Delays in social and emotional development
- Physical inactivity and obesity
- Poor sleep quality
- Social issues, like social incompatibility and anxiety
- Aggressive behaviours
- Addiction to technologies
- Higher BMI
Cybercrime
Last but not least, cybercrime is perhaps one of the most heinous crimes that prove why technology is bad. Various cyber crimes are being committed every day around the world such as cyberbullying, fraud marriages, stealing money by fraud, and so on.
Conclusion
So, these were the 15 reasons as to why technology is bad, not only for you but for everyone else. Everything comes with positive and negative affects. So, it all depends on us if we are using it for a good or a bad purpose. Misuse of technology should be prevented at any cost.
