We live in a world that heavily relies on technology for so many things. Technology is amazing for communicating, finding information, watching movies, playing games, and more! Technology is probably a huge part of your life but did you know that it can be impacting your health too?
The Fisher-Titus Health Living Team stated, “Look around the next time you’re at a restaurant. You’ll see toddlers on iPads, kids posting on Instagram, and adults whose phones are placed right next to their plates, ready be picked up at the first ding, buzz or ring.” Most people truly are glued to their phones or other devices all day! I know if I forget my phone when I go somewhere, I don’t feel complete.
Extensive use of technology is not good for your brain and can cause several issues when it comes to your mental health. Part of this is because the internet and our devices can truly become addicting. Here are several ways that technology can ruin your mental health.
Anxiety
In an article on Piedmont Healthcare, about what the internet can do to your mental health, it says, “Whether it’s from reading too much negative news or researching your symptoms online - something Dr. Mathew says he sees frequently among his patients - too much computer time can increase your anxiety.” The things you see online truly can cause more worry and unnecessary stress in your life. This time spent online can lead to a spike in your anxiety.
Loneliness
A study mentioned in Medical News Today, “... found that people with higher social media use were more than three times as likely to feel socially isolated than those who did not use social media as often.” Using social media can be good as it helps you stay connected with friends and family, but too much use can actually be bad for you. Spending vast amounts of time on social media can cause you to not feel like you have time to spend with other people. It can also cause you to compare yourself to others and not feel good enough to be around the people you love. This time spent on social media can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression.
Focus
The use of technology can actually harm our memory and focus. An article on Vox, about your brain and technology, states, “...when people are using it all the time it interferes with their memory because they are not paying attention to what’s going on. They are distracted.” Think about the last time you had a conversation with someone who was texting or browsing social media while you were trying to talk to them. Did they seem fully engaged and interested in the conversation? Chances are that person wasn’t necessarily listening to you or understood what you were telling them because they were distracted by their technology.
While technology is a great tool for many reasons, it also can be decreasing your mental health. Try putting down your phone every once in a while and even go a whole day without it if you can! It’s a great resource but your mind needs a break from technology.