Spidey Knows Best

In the wise words of Voltaire (and Peter Parker)…

With great technology comes great responsibility!

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Over the past few months, we’ve all laughed, cried, rolled our eyes, and applauded the fascinating technological advancements of our time. This blog has been an outlet to discuss important topics centered around technology, media, and the cultural impacts that accompany these advancements in both the workplace and within society as a whole. But where do we go now? Many red flags have become apparent that warrant further investigation. So, for one last hoorah, let’s delve deeper into ways we can improve upon our position as technology-wielding individuals of the 21^st century!  

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Issue #1:

Lack of physical interpersonal communication.

This one is easy, right? Drop those phones and go hang out with some people! Well, simply put, that isn’t necessarily the best solution here. While more face-to-face time can certainly be beneficial, it’s worth noting that not all technological exchanges are “bad” or “too much.” After all, technology has given us some of the most entertaining luxuries of our time (Hello, Internet. I see you). What we can do, however, is begin to modify the time we spend consumed by our devices. Dedicated screen-free time has been shown to provide a variety of mental health boosts including reduced stress, lower blood pressure and cholesterol and better sleep patterns. One study even found an improved feeling about self-image for surveyed students.

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Issue #2:

Burnout with constant connectivity.

We all experience some level of burnout throughout our lives simply because we’re busy people! Work, school, families, friend groups, hobbies, community commitments, YOU NAME IT. We rarely stop anymore as a society to just breathe. Throw into the mix the overabundance of digital technologies just begging to be played with each day and it’s no wonder we push ourselves to the limit. Take for example some of the most technologically focused individuals of modern times, the IT department. 42%of IT professionals experience burnout at some point in their careers while 56%claim they cannot relax after their working day. How can we remedy this growing problem in a world where technology isn’t slowing down? First, we can look for the warning signs: lack of motivation, self-doubt, petulance, contempt, and even physical ailments such as headaches and neck and shoulder pain. Once we are aware that we’ve pushed ourselves too far then it becomes time to step back, even for just a moment, to breathe deep and reset.

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Issue #3:

Social media mental health.

This is a big one, folks. Too much of a good thing isn’t always a good thing. I’m looking at you, Social Media. So how does a world that is seemingly infatuated with the rush of being fully connected all the time establish healthy boundaries? Perhaps by educating ourselves on the science of how excessive use of social media can impact the human psyche. Studies have found that using social media platforms can have a detrimental effect on the psychologicalhealth of its users to include anxiety and depression. If science doesn’t quite do it for you, then maybe just consider alternative uses of your time outside of social media. Instead of checking Instagram or scrolling through YouTube videos for thirty minutes during lunch, take a walk, chat with a co-worker or friend, read a book! Yes, those do still exist. 

Whatever activity you choose, just know that your mental health will likely thank you for that momentary pause to reset and refocus on the here-and-now.

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