Digital technology in recent years has caused internet activity as well as screen time addiction to rise. Along with this, in the particular demographic of teenagers, self-esteem and happiness is declining. According to Anderson and Rainie in “The Future of Well-Being in a Tech-Saturated World.”, the “era” of information overload is causing the inability of teens to monitor their happiness.
When it comes to recalling harm that technology has done, it doesn’t pose to be difficult. I can attest to technology and social media certainly affecting my overall mood. When it comes to unrealistic expectations and an unreal amount of pressure to look the best, act the best, and be the best, it’s easy to feel suppressed. The focal point of attack from social media and pressure is mental health. As humans we are vulnerable, and producers acknowledge it and attempt to prey on it.
In my opinion, I do wish there was a way to rid of technology altogether, even though it can have positive effects on society. I still believe it creates more harm than good. Although we cannot get rid of technology altogether, it is important to “think like a producer” and use it as an advantage. We know that teens are (for the most part) addicted to this online lifestyle and that this group particularly is most affected by social media when it comes to anxiety/depression. I think when a new form of technology is introduced (such as a new iPhone generation etc..) an app should be pre-generated on their phones that tap into the mental health of a teenager or any user for that matter. This app would detect what each individual user felt and tell them exactly what they need to hear when they woke up in the morning. Each morning pep talk would be unique for every user and would solely focus on mental health. It could also focus on mental health based on social media usage and data. By knowing our era will be using technology one way or another, I think it’s important to make a concept like this almost mandatory.
Having the pre-made solution of a personal therapist (almost like a Siri) can help produce positive reminders which everyone needs from time to time.
Works Cited
Anderson, Janna, and Lee Rainie. “The Future of Well-Being in a Tech-Saturated World.” Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech, Pew Research Center, 17 Aug. 2020, www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/04/17/the-future-of-well-being-in-a-tech-saturated-world/.
You must be logged in to post a comment.