Psychological Health Problems From Electronics Use
Electronics and technology use has become an omnipresent force in today's modern world. This is especially true for young people who have grown up with daily access to the Internet, smartphones, and all manner of gadgets and online activity. Using electrical equipment on its own does not cause psychological health problems. However, the habits associated with this type of technology can affect many mental and emotional states.
In the past five years, and even more so during the Covid-19 pandemic, screen time and electronics use have skyrocketed. This increase has led to overall lower psychological well-being parameters across the board. Problems include reduced self-control, emotional stability, social acumen, and increased distractibility, volatility, and anxiety.
Potential psychological issues exacerbated by overusing electronics include:
Depression without constant stimulation
Anxiety, especially related to socialization
Irritability and mood swings
Reduced tolerance for frustration and delays
Defiance and aggression with others
Short-term memory problems
Disorganization and difficulty focusing
Isolation Is a Leading Cause of Tech-based Issues
Despite the Internet promoting increased connectivity to people and places all around the world, isolation is a very real problem that affects the psychological well-being of frequent Internet users. People end up feeling more alone when they are constantly bombarded by other people doing things without them like on social media without any real connections.
The Quick Reward Cycle
A large reason why so many people spend so much time with electronics and technology involves the built-in quick reward cycle intended to keep them connected. Attention spans dwindle and expectations of immediate responses to texts or social media posts create an inability to have patience or remain content without a continuous flow of serotonin.
The same holds true for video games, which obviously use the reward cycle to their advantage. You always need to play just a little bit more to reach the next goal or win the next battle. When the real world fails to live up to these expectations, an individual may feel let down or disinterested in usual activities.
Depression and Anxiety Increase
Isolation and the reward cycle of most online interactions affect the emotional and psychological reality of people who use electronics and technology most frequently. While positive online interactions can boost mood, the Internet and online gaming platforms offer far too many negative experiences to have an overall upswing in psychological well-being. There is no question that the rates of depression and anxiety among adults and youth have increased in the past several years. This correlates with many more hours of the day dedicated to electronics and technology.
Addiction to Electronics Fuels More Problems
Technology and screen-time addiction also contribute to an overall loss of mental and emotional health. As people get more wrapped up in tech, they avoid real world interactions and decision-making. A compulsion to constantly check social media, play hours of video games as the only form of entertainment, or engage with other Internet-only stimuli makes an overall negative difference in quality of life.
