We live in a digital era, and technology is
advancing every day. The impossible has become possible. It was hard to think of AI two decades ago, but now, most things can be done through AI. AI has opened new gates for us, but it has closed a lot more doors.
1.
Physical health: The rise in obesity and cardiovascular disorders is a product of technology. With the increased use of technology, there is an increase in sedentary lifestyles. Eye strain and poor posture also result from using technology through mobile phones or laptops.
2.
Mental health: A deterioration in mental health has been seen with the increase in the use of technology. A poor mental state is signified by not being able to feel healthy emotions regularly, along with not being able to relax.
3.
Social health: Though most of us are connected virtually, we are missing out on real and meaningful connections. Loneliness was considered a pandemic in 2024. People prefer to be on their phones rather than having real conversations.
4.
Addiction: It has become impossible for so many people to live without a phone, leading to the fear of losing a phone (nomophobia). Internet behaviour comes under behavioural addiction, which has serious consequences.
5.
Scams and paranoia: There are so many online financial scams that people are genuinely scared of and are confused about what to believe.
1.
Decreased Attention Span and reduced focus: Shorts and reels have reduced our attention span to seconds. All age groups consume this data, but students are affected the most.
2.
No age-restricted data: Different sorts of data are available. Access to information and knowledge online is easy. Students have easy access to A-rated movies, and watching certain movies has a long-lasting impact on young students.
3.
Reduced Academic Performance: Apps like ChatGPT have impacted the academic and learning capabilities of students.
4.
Decline in Critical Thinking & Creativity: Critical thinking and creativity have declined because students are mostly depending on apps for solutions.
5.
Sleep Disruptions: There is a ton of academic pressure, and social media gives an escape. So, students spend hours on their phones, affecting their sleep cycle. There is a significant use of mobile phones at night time, which interferes with the sleep cycle.
6.
Reduced Social Skills: Scrolling and online gaming are students’ favourite activities, which were earlier sports and outdoor activities. This has impacted the social skills of students as well.
7.
Exposure to Misinformation: There is an enormous source of misinformation, and many times, students are not able to verify information. Easy access to unverified sources spreads fake news, misleading information, and biased content, affecting students’ knowledge and beliefs.
8.
Privacy & Security Risks: Spending hours online makes them susceptible to predators, which increases security risks. Students often share personal data online without understanding the risks, leading to identity theft, hacking, and data breaches.
9.
Cyberbullying & Online
Harassment: Students are easily targeted when it comes to cyberbullying and harassment. There are chances that they might be involved in those activities as well.
Behavioural addiction: Use of social media, gaming, and online shopping comes under the umbrella of behavioural addictions. Social media apps are designed to be addictive, leading to anxiety and depression.
1.
Physical health issues: There has been a significant increase in physical health concerns in our communities. When people have physical health concerns, their contribution to society also declines.
2.
Mental health issues: Depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns have been prevalent in our communities. The constant comparison to people online, feeling of being left out, and FOMO have led to low self-esteem, and these things act as a precursor to stress and many mental health issues.
3.
Job Loss Due to Automation: Now, AI can do things more efficiently at a lower cost, so people have lost jobs. Recently, many people have lost jobs in the tech sector.
4.
Social isolation: Social isolation and loneliness are major concerns for our societies. These factors again play a role in the development of mental health disorders.
5.
Privacy & Security Concerns: Hackers steal sensitive data (personal details, credit card info, passwords) from companies and individuals, putting lives in danger.
6.
Cybercrime: Cybercriminals use malware, phishing, and ransomware to hack into personal or business accounts.
7.
Environmental Damage: E-waste, energy consumption, and pollution from tech production harm the environment.
8.
Moral & Ethical Issues: AI systems can have racial, gender, or economic bias because they are trained on biased data.
9.
Fake News & Misinformation: AI-generated deep fakes can create fake videos and voice recordings to spread misinformation or commit fraud. This is responsible for spreading hatred among different groups in society.
1. Group polarization: People feel less accountable for their words online, leading to more aggressive, olarized discussions. Users actively seek content that supports their views while ignoring opposing
erspectives. Online communities can quickly shame, attack, or “cancel” individuals or groups, reducing the space for debate. People become more rigid in their views to defend themselves or their communities.
Technology can contribute to social isolation by encouraging individuals to prioritize virtual interactions over face-to-face relationships. Excessive use of social media and digital communication channels may lead to neglecting real-life social connections, resulting in feelings of loneliness and alienation.
Technology addiction can strain relationships and hinder meaningful social interactions by prioritizing virtual connections over real-life interactions. Excessive use of smartphones and social media can lead to decreased face-to-face communication, emotional detachment, and feelings of loneliness within interpersonal relationships.
Excessive screen time and multitasking can contribute to reduced attention span and cognitive overload. Constant distractions from notifications, emails, and social media can impair concentration and productivity, making it difficult to focus on tasks and retain information.
Technology can exacerbate mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression through constant exposure to digital stimuli, social comparison on social media, and cyberbullying. The pressure to maintain an online presence and the fear of missing out (FOMO) can contribute to stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
The blue light emitted by screens disrupts our circadian rhythms, making it harder to fall asleep and negatively impacting the quality of our rest. Excessive screen time before bedtime can lead to sleep disturbances and contribute to insomnia.
Excessive use of social media has been linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Constant exposure to curated online personas and unrealistic beauty standards can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and jealousy.
