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Addicted to Your Devices? Here’s How to Combat the Negative Effects of Technology

How many times each day do you check your phone? Honestly, I don’t think it’s possible to keep track.

Let’s face it: Most of us are glued to our smartphones. One study even says we touch our phones 2,617 times a day!

In today’s digital culture, it’s hard not to be glued to our devices.

But, how much is too much? And what are the negative effects of technology and connecting with our digital world too much?

 
 

Here Are 3 Negative Effects of Technology and How to Combat Them:

While technology makes our lives easier in many ways, it does have a dark side. The good news is you can combat the negative effects of technology by making a few simple lifestyle changes.
 

 
 

1. Isolation

Imagine you’re on the subway scrolling through your Instagram feed, but you’re oblivious to the handsome stranger checking you out a few feet away. He’s waiting for you to look up from your phone, even if just for a moment so he can send a flirty smile your way.

But sadly, you are in your own world – totally immersed in that cute puppy video. He gets off at the next stop and you both go your separate ways. Another missed opportunity.

There’s no denying our phones isolate us. It may seem unnatural to not be glued to your phone on public transit, but give it a try one day as an experiment. You never know who you could strike up a conversation with.
 

2. Sedentary Lifestyle

It’s a fact: Technology has made us lazy. With everything available online, we literally don’t have to go anywhere anymore.

Why go to the supermarket or clothing store when you can save time and shop online? Why meet to catch up with friends when you can just text? In today’s day and age, you can even find love sitting on your couch by just swiping right.
 

The good news is you can combat the negative effects of technology by making a few simple lifestyle changes.

 
Also, let’s not forget the obesity epidemic, which is largely caused by sedentary lifestyles. Since 1975, worldwide obesity has nearly tripled, and this is in part due to physical inactivity. When staring at our screens, we are sedentary. Studies also show more screen time increases the risk of obesity in children.

Make an effort to get moving whenever possible. Even if you have a 9-to-5 desk job, take a quick midday yoga break. There are plenty of yoga poses you can do at the office.

Or in the morning, get off the subway one stop early and walk an extra 10 minutes to the office. There are many simple ways you can incorporate physical activity into your routine to combat the negative effects of technology.
 

3. Poor Sleeping Habits

Did you know the blue light emitted by your cell phone, computer, and TV screens suppresses the production of melatonin? Melatonin is the hormone that controls your sleep cycles.

So, when you’re lying in bed at night answering emails or browsing through social media, you are unconsciously messing with your body’s internal clock.

According to Harvard researchers, here’s how to protect yourself from blue light at night:

  • Don’t look at bright screens two to three hours before bed
  • If you work at night and use electronic devices, wear specially designed glasses to block out the blue light or download an app that filters the wavelength of the blue light
  • Take in as much bright light as you can during the day. This will improve your sleep at night, not to mention your mood and focus during the day

 

 
 

Negative Effects of Technology: The Takeaway

So, why is it important to unplug? The more time we spend staring at our screens, the less time we spend engaging with the real world.

Why would you want to spend all of your time sitting still when you can go out and enjoy the experience of real life? Life is happening all around you, and you’ll miss out if you don’t look up!

Do you have a device addiction? Follow These 6 Steps For a (Much-Needed) Technology Detox

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Kaitlin Vogel

Kaitlin has worked as a professional writer and editor in New York City for over seven years. Beyond her professional experience in journalism and psychology, it is her keen interest in personal development that has driven every one of her career decisions thus far. She's committed to creating content that matters.

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