Is technology destroying us?

1. By: Rachel Elieff

2. Agenda
 What is technology?
 Why is technology an issue?
 Present vs. Past
 Social Impacts
 Mental Impacts
 Physical Impacts
 Economy Impacts
 Symbolic Interactionism
 Probable solutions
 References

3. What is Technology?
 Definition: It is the way we apply
scientific knowledge for practical
purposes
 Examples: TV, cell phone,
computer, & video games

4. Why is Technology an Issue?
 Technology has affected us physically, mentally, and socially. It started
out as a convenient way to communicate and has turned into an
addiction.
 It has developed laziness and a lack in social relationships and
interactional skills.
 “Technology can become more than a passing problem and more like an
addiction. You become irritable when you can’t use it.” – Said John
O’neill
Do you have this addiction? If so, do you:
- Have the inability to turn off your phone and PDA?
- Rely on technology for answers?
- Have separation anxiety?
- Text more than you talk?
- Ignore others around you?

5. (Cont.)
 http://www.webmd.com/mental-
health/addiction/features/when-technology-addiction-
takes-over-your-life
ARTICLE:

6. NOW THEN
- Texting, Facebook, & Twitter
has replaced face-to-face
communication. It requires a
lack of effort on both ends.
- E-mail and Facebook:
currently used to keep in touch
or send out an invitation that
people RSVP to.
- We rely on the internet to
have the answer, whether it is a
question or a location. For
example: asking Google Maps
where to go.
- Youth today stay indoors and
become brainwashed by video
games
- Communication was face
to face and required effort
- To keep in contact or
send an invitation, a letter
was written and sent
through the mail
- To find an answer, it
involved effort. For
example, a book for
research or a map for
directions.
- The outdoors was a place
full of fun and adventure,
which also involved
imagination

7. Social Impacts
 Isolation: Technology can cause people to isolate themselves
by hiding in a separate little world. The continuous daze of
staring at a screen or lack of contact with friends and family
can cause a strain on their existing relationships.
 Social Skills: With the lack of face-to-face communication
that social media takes away from us, we are losing the
importance of social skills.
Examples:
- Abbreviations are used instead of proper vocabulary
- Unable to read body language/ facial expressions

8.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRl8EIhrQjQ
VIDEO:
(Cont.)

9. Mental Impacts
 Depression: Isolation leads to depression. The more time
spent online leads to less time spent with friends and family.
Technology also creates a lack of ambition and overeating.
Spending hours online may be a form of stress, anxiety or
depression relief, but as a result, depression will be greater.
 Bullying: Technology allows for a greater risk of cyber
bullying. The internet gives a bully the opportunity to
torment his victim not only at school, but everywhere and
anywhere. The occurrence of cyber bullying is more frequent,
since harsher words can be said online compared to face-to-
face. Mentally, it can be challenging for a young mind, which
may result in suicide.

10. Physical Impacts
 Inadequate Sleep: Having our phones close by while we
sleep can be quite unhealthy as it interferes with our
sleeping patterns. Constant messaging throughout the
night not only keeps you up, but so does the screens
glow. As the screen glows it affects the release of
melatonin, which is our sleep chemical.
 Obesity: Youth today spend more time playing video
games or watching TV than being physically active
outside. It may also lead to overeating, which then
leads to Obesity.

11. Economy Impacts
 Technology is replacing more jobs that it is creating
 Machinery works for free, workers do not. Therefore, in
factories workers are being replaced.
 Online shopping – no need for a store and employees when
you can buy online.
 Advanced/growing technology – Makes it hard for elders to
keep up, which may result in losing their jobs.

12. Symbolic Interactionism
 Definition: The affect of interaction between individuals
 Main Focus: The individual level and subjective aspect of
social life
 Example: Youth learn the behaviors and attitudes of society
“SOCIETY MADE ME DO IT”
 Relation: Today’s generation has been subjected to a wide
variety of advanced/growing technology, where the only form
of communication in through a screen. We eat, sleep, breath
our devices, and unfortunately everyone accepts it since
everyone is doing it.

14. Probable Solutions
 Prioritize
 Choose outdoor activities over technology
 Learn by being adventurous
 Limit your time spent on social media
 Spend more time with friends and family FACE-TO-FACE

15. References
25 Negative Effects of Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved November from
http://roogirl.com/25-negative-effects-of-technology/
5 Ways to Avoid Technology Addiction. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.readersdigest.ca/healthy-living/5-ways-avoid-technology-addiction
Moskowitz, C. (2008, January 25). How to Tell If You Are Addicted to Technology.
Retrieved from http://www.livescience.com/9556-addicted-technology.html
Soong, J. (n.d.). When Technology Addiction Takes Over Your Life. Retrieved
fromhttp://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/features/when-
technology-addiction-takes-over-your-life
Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/technology