Are we too dependent on technology?

Source: smarterware.org

BY EMMA GLEASON
​SR. STAFF MEMBER

Do you think you’re addicted to technology? Your phone? Computer? Video games? According to therecoveryvillage.com, “Worldwide, the prevalence of internet addiction has been estimated at 6%.” Now that doesn’t sound like a lot but, considering only 39% of the world has access to the internet, it’s huge. That’s almost 1 in every 6 people. So if you’re not addicted, there’s a good chance you know several people that are. 
    The definition of addiction according to google is, “a compulsive physiological need for and use of a habit-forming substance.” To deal with addictions, many people are sent to rehab centers. Because the addictions to technology are just barely developing, statistics are sparse. “Addiction to technology is a relatively new phenomenon, but it is one of the fastest growing addictions that we have ever seen.” says caron.org. Within the next few years we’ll be the ones surveyed about the addictions we’re seeing develop. 
    Technology addictions can actually be just as physically harmful as alcohol or other drug abuse. Hazeldenbettyford.org mentions the damage technology addictions have on emotions, mental processes, and decision making. Those are the same effects that hard drugs have on the brain such as heroin, meth, and ecstasy. 
    With the constant dependence we have on technology, we’re practically set up for failure. There’s such a high risk of developing an addiction to it. Schools have moved a lot of their work onto online so everyone can access it. However, with the change of our schoolwork being online, we’re slowly becoming accustomed to everything in our lives being on a screen. It’s extremely difficult to separate our lives from the online world. 
    Not everyone is addicted to technology but there’s too many people that are. With more self control and separation from technology we’ll be able to progress more and more in our everyday lives.

I asked students of Corner Canyon what their average screen time on their phone was. These answers are anonymous. 

​​“13 hours and 20 minutes. Ouch, I really didn’t think I spent that much time on it.”
“7 hours and 45 minutes. Honestly, I thought it’d be way worse considering all I do is watch Netflix after school.”
“5 hours. I’d consider that time to be pretty good, I only use my phone to talk to people.”
“9 hours and 13 minutes. And it says it went down 14% from last week…”
“3 hours and 15 minutes. My day is too busy, I can’t really fit in time for my phone anyways.”

Source: theatlantic.com