How can we manage or balance the positive and negative effects of technology? First, we must accept that our society is changing and that returning to our old ways, without technology, is no longer a possibility. Because technology is so prevalent within society and in our lives, it can be difficult to manage how often we use it. It can cause distraction, mindlessness, poor mental health and self-confidence issues. However, with awareness and management, we can harness the positive aspects of technology and use its benefits to our advantage.
As many psychologist suggest, limiting screen time can be helpful in reducing negative stimulants that many people see when they on their devices. For example, many teenage girls spend excessive amounts of time trying to improve their social media aesthetic and create what many deem as a “perfect” profile of themselves. This often results in the comparison of themselves to other teens, which can lower self confidence and create poor self-image. In addition, reducing screen time during critical learning opportunities, such as in class or while doing homework, can limit the amount of distractions teens face while working and can improve their learning.
If reducing nonsense screen time and mindless scrolling is successful, many people, not just teens, can use technology in beneficial ways. Because the internet works at high speeds, learning information and research can happen instantly. The internet can also be used to contact relatives or other people from all over the world. People also utilize the internet as a way for support groups to contact each other or to reach out to religious blogs and sites. Technology can be used in many beneficial ways, as long as the nonsensical scrolling and wasteful distractions are limited. Technology can create knowledge and power. It can open up a world of possibilities to those who are ready to use it responsibly and reasonably.
