For more personal reasons, this topic originally caught my attention because I recently helped a close family member fight through substance abuse. The second reason being, I’ve been trying to detach myself from spending a copious amount of time on social media and staring at my computer and phone screens. (Using my computer to complete my homework assignments doesn’t count as I tackle this goal.) I believe shedding light on this matter is significant to the class, because nearly everyone has a relationship with technology. Some have an unhealthier relationship than others.
Less staring at my phone screen, more of this:
During my research, I stumbled upon an article that discussed how ITA is related to other behavioral addictions as well as substance addictions. The study tested four kinds of common information technology addictions: Internet addiction, Internet gaming disorder, smartphone addiction, and Facebook addiction. What was fascinatingly discovered was the correlation of symptoms between the Information Technology Addictions previously listed and more traditional addictions such as alcoholism and gambling. For example, each included symptoms such as withdrawal, dysfunctional preoccupation, tolerance, loneliness, and depression. Although, the severity of consequences for ITA is a much lower level than most traditional addictions, I still think it’s something that we should all be aware of. We’re going to miss out on the simple pleasures of life if we ignore it.
I discovered an additional study that was quite similar to that of Sigerson’s. However, this next study revolves around the obsession of Instagram. Instagram was originally created to help spread “happy pictures” between friends and family whom lived in separate states. Inevitably, the application evolved. According to a Stanford student, Mike Krieger, “What Instagram had, was the ability to entice and addict its users, some of whom spent hours a day scrolling through the images posted by others, and further hours planning the images they wanted to capture and post.” I am guilty of once revolving my thoughts around this logic. Too many people spend too much time planning their pictures around a certain aesthetic they want their Instagram page to have in order to make a good impression on others. Which I think is meaningful for business purposes, but when it comes to having a personal page I think one should just share their photos without the thought of “will others like this?” This study is an expert example of how interactive technologies are occupying a greater part of our lives.
Information technology has become an integral part of our lives, and although most of us have an unhealthy relationship with it, using technology is no longer a matter of choice. It’s utilized everywhere. Whether it be using a computer for school work, applying for a job through LinkedIn, driving down a toll road in California, utilizing social media for a startup business, or shopping at a grocery store. It’s clear that technology is invented for the better sometimes. Sigerson says it best: “Despite the extensive benefits of information technology, excessive use of it can be detrimental.” I really enjoyed reading about some of the experiences noted in the second study. For example, Mark Suster, a venture capitalist, found that his days became a lot more enjoyable and productive after deleting his social media applications. Personal experiences such as this provide me with inspiration and will help me as I accustom to the removal of technology in my own life. I think it’s in everybody’s best interest to begin using the strategy of altering their social media and technology use. “Designing one’s environment to maximize specific behaviors and outcomes is a well-known strategy in addiction therapy.” (Wadhwa)
“I found that my days became a lot more enjoyable and productive after deleting my social media applications.” -Mark Suster; Venture Capitalist
On an ending note (and this was not planned): This morning I said to my sister, “I’m going to slowly begin removing my social media apps. I think Snapchat is next to go.” Sister: “No! How will I talk to you?” May I just add, I live with my sister and we don’t have drastically opposite schedules…
Ash's Senior Year Blog 