Technology Creates Social Isolation and NeurosisBy: Kaitlyn Magri

Advancements in technology has come very far over the years and for the most part, technology has been a good thing. But there are problems that have arose because of technology. One of the many problems of technology is the social implications.

Neurosis psychological or behavioral disorder Characteristics of Neurosis:

Anxiety Sadness or depression Anger Irritability Mental confusion Low sense of self-worth

Social Isolation “Social isolation is characterized by a

lack of contact with other people in normal daily living—in the workplace, with friends, and in social activities.” (The Conference Board of Canada, 2012)

Social Interaction Technology has a large impact on social

interaction. Because of technology such as, cell

phones, internet, and gaming systems, people are less likely to interact with people face to face.

Social Interaction Cont’d The younger generation who spend

every spare minute on a game system or online, are losing the ability to socially interact with others outside in the real world

“Data shows that those who use the Internet frequently spend over 100 minutes less time with friends and family than non-Internet users” (Mads 2011)

Social Interaction cont’d. “Technology is a negative influence on

us because it separates individuals from reality. The iPod is one example; by putting in your earbuds and immersing yourself in music while in public, you are disconnecting yourself from the real world.” (Mads 2011)

Dependency Issues Teaching kids how to use technology at

such a young age can lead to dependency issues.

It would be considered big challenge for people to try to get by one day without technology such as a cell phone.

Dependency Issues Cont’d An example of how we are very dependent on

technology is if you were to ask teens now a simple math question a majority of them would have to refer to a calculator to answer the question simply because they have always relied on technology.

Many kids depend on spell check to correct their mistake . This doesn’t have the same learning affect that getting a dictionary and looking up the word would have on the person.

Dependency Issues Cont’d We depend on a lot of technology for

instant gratification.

People feel happiness when they are on Facebook, or playing video games. When in reality they would feel more satisfaction and gratification if they went out and socialized with friends.

Technology Addiction Many young adults feel a sense of distress when

they try to unplug from technology, even for just a day.

“1,000 university students in 10 countries, including China, Chile, the U.K. and Uganda, were unable to voluntarily stay away from computers, televisions, cellphones and MP3 players for 24 hours”

The students had expected to feel frustrated without being able to use technology but “they didn't expect to have the psychological effects, to be lonely, to be panicked, the anxiety, literally heart palpitations.“ (Dakin & Chung, 2011)

Aggression If children are exposed to violence on Tv and in video games, they

pick up on those actions, and are likely to act more aggressively towards others.

Watching violence on TV makes people think that it is okay and normal to be violent towards others

“Younger children are still developing their cognitive capacity to differentiate between fantasy and reality. Therefore, preschool and school-age children are more sensitive to the effects of media violence than adolescents, according to the Media Awareness Network.”(Donner, 2011)

This is why children are more likely to have violent behaviour because they are unaware that the behaviour is not acceptable in our society.

Teenagers are “are more likely to view media violence as fictional action meant to entertain.” (Donner, 2011)

Lack of Exercise Children are also becoming more obese because they aren’t

getting the daily exercise they need. Studies have also shown that “Daily overuse of media and

technology has a negative effect on the health of all children, preteens and teenagers by making them more prone to anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders, as well as by making them more susceptible to future health problems.” (DR. Rosen, August 6, 2011)

When it comes to children who play video games, these children “are likely to increase their snacking and food intake, and are also more prone to make unhealthy food choices.” (Live Strong, 2012)

With unhealthy food choices and the lack of exercise children are gaining more weight.

Harming Communication Skills Internet users spend an average of 17 hours a week online Technology can also harm our communication skills at work

and in school. “It may be degrading our ability to speak publicly and write

formally.” Technology can also harm our ability to deal with conflict.

These days, when you have a problem with someone, you can just send them an email or Facebook message, rather than confront them face-to-face and tell them what's wrong. Many people in society are beginning to take the easy way out when it comes to conflict.

Finally, technology can damage our personal relationships. When we spend so much time on our computers and phones, we lose real connection with others (northern-iowan, 2010)

Video: Does social media cause a more isolated society? http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature

=player_embedded&v=t7Xr3AsBEK4

Reference Donner, E. (31 March 2011) The Influence of Violence Media on Children &

Adolecence. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/221675-the-influence-of-violent-media-on-children-adolescents/

Moyer, A. (2011, February 8) Live Strong: Obesity in Children & Video Games. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/376383-obesity-in-children-video-games/

Rosen, L. (2011, August 6). Social Networking’s Good and Bad Impacts on Kids. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2011/08/social-kids.aspx

Mads (2012) How Technology Affects Us. Retrieved from: http://www.teenink.com/opinion/social_issues_civics/article/166619/How-Technology-Affects-Us/

Dakin, P. & Chung, E. (6 April 2011) Tech Addiction Symptoms Rife Among Students. Retrieved from: http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/06/technology-addiction-students.html

Northern-Iowan (8 April 2010) Is technology harming our communication skills. Retrieved from: http://www.northern-iowan.org/is-technology-harming-our-communication-skills-1.2216499

The Conference Board (2012) Social Isolation. Retrieved from: http://www.conferenceboard.ca/hcp/details/society/social-isolation.aspx