Addiction to Technology

People spend too much time on these devices without really knowing that they are becoming addicted. Countries like Japan, India, Italy, Australia, and Korea among others have found technology to be of negative consequence when abused and are working towards providing clinical services to their citizens with this addictive disorder. Symptoms of Addiction to Technology People with substance abuse addiction display certain behaviors and symptoms that give us a sign or indicate addiction. This addiction may be drug addiction, food, and alcohol abuse. Addicted persons usually isolate themselves from the rest of the world. This reference found use of video games in excess to be a condition that is worth keeping under investigation and doing more research (Samaha and Nazir, 328). Internet Addiction causes the user to develop sleep disorders and there is a link to stress and depression just like for substance abuse.

Those who spend a lot of time on social platforms like Twitter and Facebook among others or engage in chronic online gaming activities lose interest in social activities and outdoor activities. They get restless whenever they cannot access the technological devices such as the computer or smartphone. This is similar to withdrawal effects on drug users. These technological devices have become an integral part of our lives and have improved communication and lifestyle by making it easier to shop online and carry out our daily activities both at home, school, and work (Felt and Robb). However, the smartphones can cause addiction to the user and have effects on the user’s physical and mental health. We all need to be aware of the fact that addiction is real and people can get addicted to their smartphones.

We need to change how we use this device, we have moderate usage and chronic or excessive usage. Addiction to the smartphone is called Nomophobia, this is the feeling of fear a person experiences when he/ she is not in contact with the phone. Studies in Australia discovered that excessive usage of smartphones can cause sterility in men and interfere with the quality of sperm (Felt and Robb). A research conducted by Chang-Ho Yang found out that exposure to white Light Emitting Diodes which has a feature of blue-chip light can interfere with the production of human melatonin and direct effects of LED exposure to the eye may lead to retinal cell damage. Rats exposed to blue or white LED light exhibited retinal damage followed by the death of these after 9 days exposure.

Sang Mei supports evidence from animal studies that indoor lighting with less blue light may be detrimental for Myopia. This light may appear white though it is blue and has a wave length of 460mm-500mm and can have physical effects like damaging melatonin production (Samaha and Nazir, 330). When social media is limited there will be a lot more time created to engage in critical and creative thinking and one can create a to-do list to engage in chores or activities aside from just sitting staring at the computer (Felt and Robb). People can challenge, themselves to read more books and this helps build how we relate and our views on society. Conclusion Technology without a doubt has greatly improved the various sectors and the world as a whole but if control is not exercised, this can lead to negative consequences to our health and the human social interaction patterns.

Technology has done as good but there is more harm to us depending on how we use this technology. Therefore, there need to practice disciple on how we use technology.  Computers in Human Behavior 29. Samaha, Maya, and Nazir S. Hawi. Relationships among smartphone addiction, stress, academic performance, and satisfaction with life.  Computers in Human Behavior 57 (2016): 321-325.