As you shut off your computer, you reach for your phone. Your friend then texts you telling you to check out this cool new show on TV at 8 o’clock. To you, it may seem like a daily routine, when in reality, it’s a constant cycle of technology burning your brain cells.
Over the past 30 years, technology has increased dramatically, in both how much we use it and what there is to use. From pagers to touch screen iPhones, from the first huge computers to super thin laptops, and even from mp3 players to iPods, it seems you can do anything now from the touch of a button. However, these new electronics don’t just have perks.
According to Science 2.0, kids from the ages of 0-6 are using electronics as much as they are going outside every day. With the temptations of a funny Spongebob Squarepants episode or a cool new Mario Bros. video game, it’s easy to understand how kids get so caught up in technology. Unfortunately, this addiction to electronics could end up hurting not just kid’s health, but everyone else’s too. Sophomore Austin Jackson agrees that technology hurts people in the long run by saying “we’re getting fat and we’re getting lazy.”
Not only is there the risk of becoming obese, but all of the new buttons and touch screen apps are becoming extremely confusing. All of these high class technology companies claim that these new things will be easier, but according to PRWeb, 61 percent of people agree that new technology is too confusing. Junior Victoria Tabor also says that “it’s all new and confusing which makes it harder.”
If those reasons aren’t enough to persuade you that technology is in fact bad for people, then here’s another reason. Have you ever tried to talk to someone while their eyes are glued to their phone? Annoying, right? For most people, this is very irritating. Technology can definitely distract you from what’s going on around you.
With all these new websites and phone apps as well, it seems like everyone is having fun with their new electronics and games. As I stated before though, this addiction can have long-lasting impacts. According to USA Today, new gadgets can sometimes make us feel like we have psychological disorders. Sophomore Meghan Blanks agrees by saying “people don’t talk as much anymore, they just text. Plus, they use computers and Facebook too much.”
In the end, technology is damaging our bodies, and our social skills. If that doesn’t want to make you get outside and jog for 15 minutes, I really don’t know what will. Just remember that it’s okay to use technology for a little while, but then after about 30 minutes, hop on outside and enjoy the world.