Buzz! Ring! Alarm! That is the constant and recognizable sound of our phones and technology notifying us about the news, a text or a call. We seek out the never-ending stream of information, desperate to stay connected with friends, family and the world. With this constant stream of social media, it is important to remember that only in recent generations has information been so readily available. From libraries to word of mouth to textbooks, all of the solutions to curiosity have been in-person. So, what this generation takes as normal – walking down the sidewalk with phones in our hands – is just a perception that has never been seen before. Generations before the era of technological devices, the world looked very different, from smiling and talking to people outside to reading books. Many people were participating in activities that required movement and social interaction more than they typically do today.
For example, walking with our phones in hand has developed an increased pressure on our neck muscles to support a head constantly facing downwards. In addition, frequent use of phones and devices leads to repetitive motions, forcing the body into a downward posture. Over time, this strain can cause muscle spasms and pain in the hands, wrists and neck. While technology is essential in daily life, it is important to recognize its physical impact. If possible, keeping devices eye-level instead of down, and standing to give the body breaks are positive practices that can be enabled to lessen the physical effects.
Furthermore, the use of technology is so normalized in today’s culture that our generation thinks that mental health problems are too. There is a positive correlation between those that use social media more regularly and mental health issues. With the increase in technology access, younger children have been more exposed than ever to world events and news, and frequent consumption of negative news leads to anxious thoughts. People between the ages of mid-teens to mid-twenties are also typically the demographic to not receive treatment. The time gap means that there are more people sitting with the symptoms of mental health disorders without the help that they need, which usually leads to an increase in symptoms.
The use of AI in social media is also an important factor to consider, as many try to distinguish the reality amongst all of the TikToks and Reels that they are consuming. There are easy ways for people to add a background or filter on their stories to make it seem like their lives are better than reality. Comparisons, combined with the impressionable minds of young adults and teens, heighten dissatisfaction in their own lives—even more than social media initially did. Now, someone can fake being on a tropical vacation, when in reality, they are in their backyard. AI makes it easier for content creators and other social media users to display the life they want, rather than the one they have.
Lastly, while these negative impacts should be monitored, it is up to the user to decide how to take the information and limit the use of social media and technology. Limiting screen time, deleting some social media accounts and refraining from following celebrities/influencers could be seen as a positive step in reducing the amount of fake content and improving mental health. Despite its negative impact, social media and technology provide an important outlet for people to connect with their generation and like-minded individuals, which keeps them coming back. It is also important to recognize that the use of technology in society is here to stay and advance, and it is equally important to practice safety tips to help stay healthy while on social media and devices.