For many years, digital technology has had an influence on human behavior, and it continues to transform our world and how we act. Recently, as a result of the pandemic’s forced social separation, many areas of our lives have moved online, resulting in virtual encounters with friends and family as well as restricted engagement at work.
24/7 internet access
Digital technology has provided rapid access to large pools of data, and it is now easy to stay connected and communicate with others on social media 24 hours a day, seven days a week via PC and mobile devices.
Researchers discovered that about one-third of the world’s population utilizes the internet in some form or another, with rates ranging from 40% in Africa to 95% in North America.
Human behavior change is not monitored by screen time
Researchers discovered that people spend an average of seven hours a day online, half of which is spent on mobile devices. Those aged 16 to 24 spend the most time online, checking their phones every 12 minutes on average.
The request for screen time restriction persisted for years until coming to a halt with social distancing restrictions issued during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, which forced many people’s personal, professional, educational, and cultural activities to be conducted online.
Social media answers human demands
Excessive use of social media has a contradictory effect on social interactions, resulting in a contradictory sensation of social isolation at any age, disrupted sleep, and, especially for young people, emotional and social immaturity. Many people argue that digital connections are unnatural and hence unhealthy because humans have evolved to engage face-to-face, utilizing all five senses rather than simply sight and sound.
This progression, however, also includes a need for teens to feel connected as human beings, as well as a need for adventure and information, both of which are met by social media.
All is well
Many studies have failed to find a meaningful association between spending a substantial amount of time on digital devices and mental health issues.
Screen time, on the other hand, has a variety of consequences. The impacts on behavior are more unfavorable for people who use time passively than for those who use technology for more active, social purposes, albeit this influence is not always long-lasting.
Summing up
Human behavior is influenced by the usage of digital technology, which may be both beneficial and detrimental. The influence is greatest in early childhood and adolescents when brain alterations have been documented using brain imaging techniques.
While there is no specific proof that spending too much time online is harmful, it is widely accepted that the use of digital technology should be understood such that time spent online is purposeful, motivating, goal-oriented, and surrounded by a strong social support network. When used appropriately, digital technology promotes a positive sense of well-being that helps family ties.
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