Modern technology can often affect our happiness, especially if we let it interfere with face-to-face interactions.

However, if we’re thoughtful about how we use technology, it also has the potential to make us happier.

Let’s talk about technology use and its effects on people and modern society.

Does Technology Affect Happiness?

How Does Technology Benefit People?

Technology helps us immensely in automating various tasks, setting up reminders, communicating efficiently, paying bills, and shopping for the simplest things imaginable such as groceries, or as complex as investing in valuable assets. 

We can now do all of this from the comfort of our homes, or wherever we may find ourselves throughout the day.

Is It Important To Keep Up With Technology?

From a career perspective, keeping up to date with technology allows us to find and apply for jobs faster than ever.

Staying current with technology can prevent our skills from becoming out of date.  Keeping our tech skills fresh and updated can help us advance in our careers.

Is Technology Making Us Less Social?

Research has shown that people who spend more time on social media tend to have fewer close relationships in real life and lower levels of social support than those who spend less time on these platforms.

Certain social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram may cause us to make unhealthy comparisons with others, and feelings of jealousy or inadequacy are common themes we see today.

Too much comparison leads to unhappiness and low self-esteem, and we may become frustrated with ourselves for thinking that we’re not good enough in some way.

There are also positive advantages to technology and social media, as it’s now undeniably a lot easier to keep in touch with friends, aquaintances, or family.

Is Technology Messing With Our Brains?

Technology use can actually create structural changes in our brains. 

Alerts, rings, and notifications may shift our focus in a way that can lead to long-lasting difficulties with paying attention.

Difficulties paying attention can lead to worse performance on academic, personal, or professional tasks.

Does Technology Really Make Life Better?

Technology has considerably changed and augmented the quality of life in many ways.

By working itself into every aspect of our life, technology has changed the way we behave and operate. From communication and transportation to healthcare and connectivity, technology has enhanced our lives in many ways for the better.

What Are The Positive Effects of Technology?

• Improved connectivity and communications.
• Society is more efficient overall.
• It has improved many learning processes and education.
• Improved healthcare in many ways.
• Improvements in transportation.
• Improvements in agricultural efficiency.

Is Technology Making Us Depressed?

It has been questioned whether excessive use of technology leads to depression. 

Research suggests spending too much time with our devices can negatively impact our social connections, sleep patterns, and mental health.

Are We More Lonely With Tech?

Technology can distract us with endless activities that occupy our minds and prevent us from recognizing the lack of relationships that may mark our social lives.

It may also prevent us from enjoying the potential benefits or necessities of loneliness and boredom.

How Can We Keep Up With Technology?

• Read tech blogs.
• Listen to podcasts.
• Build a network.
• Sign up for tech newsletters.
• Attend tech conferences or events.
• Follow tech leaders on social media.
• Find a way to engage that will interest you.
• Embrace online learning.

Final Thoughts

Love it or hate it, the reality of the situation is that if we want to participate in modern society, we need some level of technological aptitude.

There really is no longer any choice to “opt out”. 

The magnitude of change seen in my life from being a kid until now has been astonishing. 

Sometimes it feels like it was all a dream, thinking of the simplicity of my youth compared to today.

The only way forward for anyone born last century is to accept reality for what it is and try to adapt as best as we can.  What’s new today will be old in five years, and I assume it has always been like for humans throughout history to some degree. 

Take advantage of online courses or training programs to expand your skill set and stay up to date with the latest technologies.

On the flip side of that, unplugging from technology where possible does have many benefits. It can reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, improve relationships, have physical benefits, and improve productivity in some cases.

Thanks for reading, please comment or follow the links.

Sources and other reading:

How Technology Is Impacting Happiness

How To Cope With Change

Should I Limit My Screen Time?

How Can I Keep My Mind Sharp?

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