Humans vs. Tech
By: Shariah Aldridge
Tags: Belonging, Social Media

In this world that has become so infused with technology, it is hard to think back to a time where technology was nonexistent. A time where communication was limited to face to face interactions and bottled messages who had to find themselves across the sea. As the people living in the twenty-first century grow more and more addicted to technology, I strongly believe that humans are losing their ability to think and do for themselves. Not only have I experienced this in others, but I often find myself relying on technology to do things my brain is fully capable of. This brings about the concern that technology is changing what it means to be a human. Destruction of the most precious thing humans hold, connection.

Technology addiction is defined as “frequent and obsessive technology-related behavior increasingly practiced despite negative consequences to the user of the technology” (FDC prevention works). In schools, the workplace, and in everyday life I walk outside and see most people using a piece of technology. Most of these people probably don’t realize how significantly their lives are impacted by their technology use. Human relations have been terribly compromised.

What makes technology so addictive? “Technology impacts the pleasure systems of the brain in ways similar to substances. It provides some of the same rewards that alcohol and other drugs might” (FDC). College students are a huge percentage of the population that has fallen victim to technology overdose. When students are stressed out, technology provides a sense of pleasure and in some cases accomplishment. The satisfying feeling that comes from technology use is what makes humans much more likely to engage in tech instead of something more productive. This is where addiction begins.

Though technology may not be a direct distraction in the classroom, the addictive habits that are embedded in students can be a distraction in the classroom. “The speed with which technology moves makes everything a teen might be looking for available within seconds, which encourages an unhealthy desire for instant gratification” (FDC). The greed for instant gratification can make it harder for students to learn and pay attention in the classroom. Technology addictive behaviors also make it hard for students to stay on top of their schoolwork leading to procrastination.

Some may argue that in the 21st century we need to be reliant on technology. More specifically students because of the way schools and universities utilize technology. However, “while we need technology to survive in a modern social world, a severe over reliance on technology — or an addiction to certain facets of its use — can also be socially devastating” (FDC). Technology has done great works in shaping the way the world operates. But tech has also dug a hole so deep into social devastation that it seems almost impossible to save those who are stuck. Social media is a great factor in social devastation. As humans we feel a need to connect to others. We can thank social media for making that so simple. The emotional and psychological satisfaction that social media provides becomes overwhelmingly addictive to social animals.

Alan Moore once said, “Technology is always a two-edges sword. It will bring you many benefits and but also many disasters.”