It seems like modern society takes for granted that any of its members should own some sort of a device. Not only do we own gadgets, but we have developed very close relationships with them. They function like our external memory supports. We renounced carrying certain data stored in our brain. Instead, we use smartphones, tablets or laptops. Are we tech addicts?
We treat devices like means of convenience. We learn that they improve our lives, keep us “always on”. Nevertheless, what happens when suddenly we cannot access these externally-stored information? Do we find ourselves helpless all of a sudden or not? Are we in control or are we being controlled?
The (still increasing) attraction of modern devices has prompted the question whether tech companies should mention some kind of warning on their products. Phys.org wondered if consumers would benefit from the warnings that technology could be addictive.
Why worry about the addictive effects of technology?
Whenever ethics duels profit, the battle seems rigged. Why would tech producers bother to acknowledge that the success of their products could affect consumers by causing some sort of addiction? Even more, what would be the motivation in downplaying their products by warning against extreme usage?
There is also a more radical option in discussion – making the products less attractive. This takes into consideration the fact that more and more young people become captivated by technology. At an early age, establishing limits by oneself is highly improbable. Instead of taking creative time off, or dedicating themselves to education, young people everywhere dive into tech-supported entertainment for hours in a row. The affordable prices, as well as the “Internet for everyone” concept both provide the perfect mix for a dangerous overdose of digital.
The real, long run concern would consist in the ambiguous nature of this phenomenon’s outcome. Tech companies count on a permanent demand, on the continuous public eagerness for their devices. Marketing keeps people stimulated, the competition generates innovation and progress, and the world around us slowly changes into something hard to fully anticipate. Yet there are clues that humans need to set limits to their technology usage in order to remain in control of their own development and of their own lives.
How to spot the addiction signs
Life is filled with ups and downs. We each have out comfort zone, our moments of anxiety, and our hardships. The hardest thing in many instances resides in dealing with other people, carrying a similar, yet different baggage.
I marked down as a sign the moment when I declined more than one invitation to go out with friends because I wanted to stay home and binge-watch some series or other. No particular reason, but I considered watching a streaming TV show would provide more comfort and relaxation than being with my friends. And this time it was the case of weighing two attractive offers one against the other. What if I should choose between doing some type of homework, task or chore and watching an attractive movie?
Another moment happened when we one of my colleagues embarked on a trip that implied being in a rural area for more than a few hours. The cell signal was bad, and he was practically cut off from all that meant mobile communications. The other participants were not that affected, but this person started showing signs of withdrawal. We were all a bit shocked to see such serious effects.
We are mesmerized by technology – now what?
Perhaps these examples above are a bit on the extreme side. Nevertheless, there is nothing more extreme than addiction. Especially once the object of dependency lacks and it becomes clear the person cannot stand being without it.
Tech addiction eats up people’s time, and by consequence generates stress and ultimately decreases efficiency. Tired, stressed people cannot make good employees, nor researchers, nor inventors. Balancing things and respecting the role of each and every tool we employ as humans does this. Tech tools are ultimately just another tool. Mastering them is just another stage on the road of becoming more creative, more comfortable, of improving ourselves and our environment.
Besides work-related technology, using these attractive-looking, wonderful devices feels like playing. Only that not all the senses get trained in this modern game-play. Besides this, users become inevitably tired and get a feeling of emptiness when exposing themselves to the digital world for prolonged times.
Learning to respect our needs and limits would be the first step. Never use technology when eating, for example. Respect your meals. Equally, do not eat while working and thus respect your work by giving it your full attention. Also, respect technology and its purpose – it was created to better our lives, to help science and society progress. Only later on it became an entertainment object. Try and limit its playful usage, as you would do with any sports session.
We should stop being in denial about tech addicts
For all those who are not faint of heart, observing your daily habits would be a start. Just write down how many hours you are dedicating to tech-related activities on a normal day. Without readjusting your schedule, that is. Perhaps try this for three or four days. Take a look at the result and consider whether you feel that you are lacking the necessary time to do other activities. Multiply the result by years. Think of the 21st century life expectancy. Just how many years of your life are you prepared to spend on your phone or tablet? Does the logical perspective derived from your daily notes make you feel comfortable?
If the answer is yes, perhaps this is not the moment for life-influencing decisions. Or perhaps it is high time to talk this through with a member of the family, a friend or even a specialist. Especially if you are not satisfied with the way your life goes.
If the answer is no, you are one step ahead, one important step. Perhaps even better than waiting for the tech companies to label their products with “this may cause addiction”, using our power of will in order to take back control of our lives could help us all in shaping a better future.
