Problems of Well-beingTechnology

By: Amber-Lynn Irwin

Technology Around The GlobeHow relevant is technology in our society?

- Cell Phones- Computers- iPads- iPods- Tablets- Televisions- Vehicles- Video games, etc.

“Technology must be like oxygen: ubiquitous, necessary, and visible.”

– Chris Lehmann, Principal, Science Leadership Academy

“It has become appallingly obvious that

our technology has exceeded our humanity.”

– Albert Einstein

How Does Technology Affect Our Mind and Bodies? Higher rates of mental illness due to bullying, body image, etc.

Shorter attention span

Personal communication skills are reduced

Weaker impulse control

Loss of sleep

“FOMO” An actual mental fear of missing out

Possible effects of long-term exposure to the radiofrequency electromagnetic fields

Here is a quick video on how the internet affects our mind:http://academicearth.org/electives/internet-changing-your-brain/

“There are about five billion wireless subscriptions

worldwide, by the WHO's estimate.” – (CBCNews, 2009)

Technology Affecting Our Mental HealthStudies have found that internet, social media, and

video games have a huge impact on a persons mental health and in some cases can cause individuals to become mentally instable

Here is a quick video about a 17 year old boy, named Daniel Petric of Ohio. In 2009 he shot his parents after

they took away his video gameshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYWeETqgTZk

Do you believe obsession with video games was the reason this teen committed murder?

How has technology influenced your mind? Do you believe it has the ability to make you anxious or depressed?

How Is Technology Affecting Our Community In A Negative Way?Creates isolation from each other

Separates individuals from reality

Makes us lazy

Loss in face-to-face communication

Perpetuates the mindset of immediate satisfaction

Makes us impatient

Higher rates of depression, anxiety, and overall harm from online threats (especially for teens)

How Is Technology Beneficial?Connects us

Saves lives (advances our healthcare)

Network opportunities

Engages student experiential learning

Makes research easier

Improves management and business opportunities

Safety (seniors can use at home, as well as advantage to contact health services or 911)

StatisticsNomophobia: 66% of people are afraid to lose or

be separated from their cell phones. Women more so than men - 70% vs. 61% (SecurEnvoy)

The average Canadian spends 39 hours a month browsing the internet on a laptop or desktop

Average user checks their phone every 6 ½ minutes, equalling about 150 times a day

On average about two and a half hours are spent each day watching videos either on a laptop or hand held device

Questions To Consider How many devices (phones, computers, TVs, etc)

do you have at home?

How many hours a day do you spend on the internet or on your phone?

How often do you find that you stay on-line longer than you intended?

How significant is technology in your life?

Do you think technology could be considered as a social problem?

Abusing TechnologyIn June 2013 Edward Joseph "Ed" Snowden

(born June 21, 1983) leaked classified information from the National Security Agency (NSA) to the mainstream media

He was an American computer professional

Fled from the USA when he was discovered

He is currently hiding in Russia from the US Government

Structural Functionalism TheoryAssesses social structures and their functions or dysfunctions.

Also considers society as a “system of interconnected parts that work together in harmony to maintain a state of balance”

(Understand Social Problems, 2013).

Social Pathology

Some members of society are not adequately socialized to adopt it’s norms and values. An example would be someone using technology for the wrong purposes (someone who is addicted or obsessed).

Social Disorganization

Hackers of technology create rapid social change and disrupt norms (Edward Snowden for example).

Structural Functionalism Theory Cont’dHuman nature is the problem

- People are relying too much on technology that it is taking over their lives

Conflict is caused by human nature- People are using technology to cause conflict (e.g. bullying over social media)

Personal PerspectiveDo you think technology is positive or negative?

How do you believe technology will advance for the years to come?

Does technology rule your life?

You make the decision..

References

Benefits To The Community. (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2015 from http://www.bothell.washington.edu/bbti/affiliates/community-benefits

Edward Snowden. (2015). The Biography.com website. Retrieved

Mar 26, 2015, from http://www.biography.com/people/ edward-snowden-21262897

Greenfield, S. (n.d.). Modern technology is changing the way our brains work, says neuroscientist.

Retrieved March 24, 2015, from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/

sciencetech/article-565207/Modern-technology-changing-way-brains-work-says-neuroscientist.html

References Cont’dHow the Internet is Changing Your Brain - Academic Earth. (2013, May 10). Retrieved March 24, 2015, from http:// academicearth.org/electives/internet-changing-your- brain/

Mooney, L., Knox, D., Holmes, M., & Schacht, C. (2013). Thinking about Social Problems. In Understanding Social Problems (Custom ed.). Nelson Education.

News, C. (2011, July 27). How wireless technology can affect the body - Technology & Science. Retrieved March 24, 2015, from http://www.cbc.ca/news technology/how-wireless-technology-can-affect-the-body-1.794521

References Cont’d

66% of the population suffer from Nomophobia thefear of being without their phone – SecureEnvoy

Blog. (2012, February 16). Retrieved March 26, 2015 from https://www.securenvoy.com/blog/2012/02/16/66-of- the-population-suffer-from-nomophobia-the-fear-of- being-without-their-phone/