‘Technology dependence’ in psychology parlance is more apt than ‘technology addiction’. Use of technology is so immense that doctors have started recommending to go for ‘technology detox’. Have you heard about this? As per Oxford Dictionary definition of Technology Detox is:
‘A period of time during which a person refrains from using electronic devices such as smartphones or computers, regarded as an opportunity to reduce stress or focus on social interaction in the physical world.’
To understand the intensity of technology dependency, ask yourself (if you use Internet, computer or smartphone) or your friend to spend a day without his or her gadget. Response will be yes I can, just like any other addicted person would give if confronted with the same question. But in reality, one cannot spend even an hour if mobile phone is switched off, or Internet is down, or computer is hanged. Hence today’s world is dependent upon computer, technology and Internet.
There is no denial, cell phones, laptops and other personal electronic gadgets help us to connect with our family and friends instantly. Working parents in today’s busy lives manage everything so easily with the use of information and communication technology (ICT). But certainly these devices are negatively influencing our relationships. A family sitting together has often been seen using individual cell phones or laptops etc.
Technology is changing at the speed of light. After every few months or so old product is replaced by its new version which is claimed to be faster and smarter. Think of a day at office without Internet connection. Though you will be happy for sure and wander here and there without work but ask your boss. Imagine a day without cell phone in your hand or television at your home. Actually these have become an indispensable part of our lives that we cannot imagine such things.
There is a drastic difference in your and your kids’ life, which is just one generation apart. Those evening games after school, watching cartoons or movies just on Sundays, and socializing with friends are no longer a part of life. More than 75% kids either watch TV or play indoor games on computers or smartphones or other such personal electronic devices. Technology has given us a choice. A child is free to play games outside but they also have a choice to play games on electronic gadgets. Build an atmosphere of motivation and see a change in your kid. Force him or her to play outdoor games. But as far as office work is concerned, or a training that needs the use of technology then of course we are totally dependent upon computers and technology.
We live in modern tech age of information which is dependent upon technology. It has made our life easier. But young generation can be called addicted or completely dependent upon technology. They use all their free life surfing net for entertainment or information.
An article was published in 2010 in the New York Times stating that technology is shaping our personalities. According to some experts, excessive use of technology makes us impatient, impulsive and selfish.
Definitely technology and computer has made work easier which can be done from anywhere at any time but this is also a negative aspect of work. You do not know when your working hours start and when these end. A 2010 study made it clear that the use of ICT including computer, email, Internet and cell phones has made work a lot more easier, but at the same time our lives have become more stressful as workload and pace of work have increased.
A survey was conducted on 12,000 adults from Brazil, India, China, France, Indonesia, the US, Japan and Italy. Almost 61% millennials (whose age is between 18-24 years) think that technology is converting people to less human. Around 59% feel that society is now dependent upon technology and 36% want technology to become more intuitive.
Experts believe that technology has entered into every realm of life. Even many operations and other such crucial tasks are carried out with the help of computers or just by robots. There are computer driven planes, security apps and devices for women, and at the same time technology fulfill the social needs of human by providing social sites and hundreds of connections.
But certainly we are addicted to the computers, Internet and technology. Gadgets have become an integral part of our lives. But excess of everything is bad and this is applicable to this situation as well. We must give ourselves a break from all the gadgets at least once in a week or so. Can you do this? If not then you are completely dependent upon technology.
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