Technology Addiction

Although technology consists of the three main categories of apparatuses, techniques, and social organizations, most people typically think of technology only as phones, computers, appliances, and machines (Latterell 413-414). In the modern world, people are surrounded by new, advancing technology. Technology is constantly growing and more people are beginning to use technology. For example, according to the website The Daily Universe, “in 2011, 10 percent of kids under age 2 used a mobile device and now in 2017, 38 percent of children under 2 have used a mobile device” (French). People may think technology is completely safe for even children to use, but according to the author of the book Remix, “we make a bargain to enjoy the progress that

For instance, many schools and workplaces require people to use technology in order to do their work. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, “advancements in technology and productivity over the last decade demand new ways of integrating current and future technological innovations into public education” (“Technology”). Although integrating technology into the workplace is meant to benefit students’ and workers’ productivity, overusing technology can lead to technology addiction. Technology addiction “is a type of non-substance addiction: a pathological psychological dependency on using a technology” (Turel, Ofir, et al). Many people simply cannot get enough of the enjoyment technology gives them. According to the website Recode, while interacting with technology, the brain releases the natural chemical dopamine that gives off “some type of emotional excitement or relevance” causing people to want more (Johnson). The use of illegal drugs also gives a feeling similar to the natural chemicals released by the brain. The release of the natural chemicals in

Whether at a family holiday or a sporting event, people often go on their phones or other devices to avoid interaction with others. According to Medical Daily, “for people between the ages of 18 and 29, nearly 93 percent reported using their phone to avoid boredom or the people around them” (Smith). Although using their phone or other devices may seem like a simple way for people to avoid awkward conversations or any interaction with others all together, turning to their devices to avoiding conversation with others can lead to people having troubles socializing. In fact, according to the website Digital Responsibility, “too much time interacting with technology and too little time interacting with humans in the same room can lead to some serious social difficulties” (“Health”). Some social difficulties may include lacking empathy, missing social cues, and intionating face to face conversations (Campbell). When people have a lack empathy or difficulties reading social cues, they are not able to depict whether or not a person is happy, mad, sad, or irritated making conversation difficult to carry on. In fact, “communication is now slowly decreasing to a point where children and adolescents have trouble even initiating a face to face conversation or holding a conversation” (Campbell). To avoid these communication problems, people should focus on others around them in social