As you probably already realize, technology affects our daily life in many ways – both good and bad. It’s important you look out for these negative impacts to improve your mental health. Read on to learn more.
Nowadays, we have the luxury of having technology at our fingertips with a wide array of smart devices.
While technology has the power to make our lives easier, it can also hinder us in many ways.
As you might know, I’m the author of the bestselling book Happy Habits. Inside my book I share a range of habits which boost happiness.
In my research, I learned that spending time in nature, doing your passions and hanging out with loved ones are 3 big predictors of happiness. With this in mind, let’s look at how technology affects our daily lives and what we can do to stop its negative effects.
It may be hard to believe that the cell phone that often brings so much joy after chatting with your friends can also worsen feelings of anxiety and depression. Technology has the power to alter our brain’s ability to process emotions, attention, and decisions.
To fight these feelings, try to reduce the amount of time you spend scrolling and fill your new free time with more fulfilling activities, like reading or exercising.
FOMO, or the “fear of missing out,” can create feelings of anxiety, inadequacy, and anger. After seeing your friends enjoying a night out or watching someone else’s cross-country exploration, you may start to feel like you’re doing something wrong.
Making a conscious effort to keep from comparing yourself to others online is vital to reducing negative feelings. Remind yourself that online personas typically portray the best versions of people, not the struggles. When you’re having a hard time with FOMO, step away from the online world for a few days to reset.
The constant use of computers, smartphones, and instant streaming services drastically reduces our attention spans. Low attention spans can lead to difficulties at work, trouble socializing, and even more dangerous scenarios like distracted driving due to checking one’s phone.
To strengthen your shortened attention span, think of your mind as a muscle and try a few of these mind workouts:
While there are many other ways technology affects our daily lives, these are a few examples to keep in mind if you want to live a healthier and happier life. Remember to take time away from the constant cycle of information and enjoy the real world.
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