Technology has grown increasingly popular over the last 14 years. Everyone uses technology for some reason or another to look up a recipe or talk to their friends, etc. But are social media and technology really helping? Or are they doing more harm?
Technology is everywhere. Research gathered by Cerritos College revealed, “Technology is virtually in every home in one way or another: About 96% of Americans have a TV and 94% of children ages 3 to 18 have internet access either through a computer or smartphone. According to a national survey done by Common Sense Media in 2019, 53% of children have a smartphone by the time they turn 11.” Technology allows people to communicate with each other in minutes, despite geographic barriers and distance, which was never seen before the 20th century. Technology has brought people, cultures, and families together in ways that never seemed possible before it’s invention. With the rise of technology came the internet, social media, and online games. All of which have both positive and negative aspects.
Technology impacts people and social relationships. Studies show that the way people spend time on technology affects their social skills. In a study published in the National Library of Medicine, it was revealed that the non-verbal social skills of people who were more active on technology were good, but they didn’t perform as well as moderate technology users. A study posted by Cal state concluded that there is a negative correlation between the amount of time kids ages 8-18 spend on technology and the development of social skills such as survival, interpersonal, conflict-resolution, and problem-solving skills.
Technology can be good for us. After viewing these studies, it is a logical conclusion that there are also good social developments because of technology. In an article posted by Penn State, it points out that technology helps kids make and meet new friends, be exposed to other cultures, and stay connected with friends and family they don’t often see in person. Technology has both good and bad effects on social interactions and how social skills develop. In moderation, like most other things, technology’s negative effects can be nullified. But, the truth in the matter is that people struggle with moderation when it comes to many things, including technology. An article posted by Penn State shows that Americans spend more than 10 hours a day on technology and social media.
Technology, for all its good aspects, is hard to put down, which is affecting how we as people empathize and connect with each other. How many times have you said one more video and then scrolled for another hour? How many times have you decided to play one more video game match which ends up being several matches rather than spend time with family or friends?
Sources:
https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/downloads/jm214r95x
https://www.cerritos.edu/hr/_includes/docs/August_2021_The_Impact_of_Technology_on_Children_ua.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7843959/
https://thrive.psu.edu/blog/children-technology-and-socialization/
