Impact of Technology on Our Health |
Introduction
It is hard to imagine going through the day
and not using at least, a few pieces of technologies ranging from the
cellphones in our pockets to the highly developed gadgets in a hospital. It has
brought changes on how people live, more so how they work and even take care of
themselves. But with all these changes, we’re left wondering: is the use of
technology good for our health, or are they most of the times a health hazard?
Now, it is high time to review the relationship between technology and health
and look at both how it helps and hinders.
The Positives of
Technology on Our Health
1. Better Medical
Care
In this way, it is suggested that thanks to
the progressing technology in the field of health and healthcare services, the
sickness and disease treatments are improved and are more efficient. So,
telemedicine makes a doctor’s visit at your home comfortable, AI speeds up the
preliminary diagnostics of diseases, and robotic surgeries are more accurate.
Such advancements imply improved care and the existence of many other people.
2. Instant Health
Information
We have world of health information means we
have now different options sources of Health Information. Regardless of whether
one is searching for symptoms or information on a specific disease, the
internet assists us in making the correct decisions to look after our
well-being.
3. Staying Fit with
Gadgets
Fit tracking devices and related apps are
wonderful for motivation. They monitor your movements, your pulse, and even
your sleep; guiding you to live a better life. The studies reveal that the
users of such tools are more adherent and productive in keeping fit and
healthy.
4. Befriending Mental
Healthcare
For example, people can use meditation
applications, find psychotherapists by using the Internet, or get advice on the
World Wide Web. This implies that one can always find assistance whenever and
wherever they want, which is of great benefit to several people.
In as much as Technologies has brought so
many benefits in our lives, it also brings the following harms to our health:
Advantages of Technology on Human Health
1. More Sitting, Less
Moving
It is common for tech to support us to stay
fit and at the same time make us spend hours in front of screens. This also
affects the health whereby people become obese and develop other illnesses such
as heart related diseases. That is, the longer we stay seated, the more we
endanger our somatic wellbeing.
2. Mental Health Struggles
While it is a great tool in enhancing our
lives, technology also has capacity to stress us up. Reminders, communication
through social networks as well as receiving a great amount of information can
result in anxiety, depression, and burnout. Excessive use of technologies is
also connected with adversely affects on the mental health, in particular with
youngsters.
3. Sleep Problems
One might spend hours before bedtime scrolling
through devices, and this affects the quality of the sleep. The ubiquitous
display of blue light emitted by devices disturbs the body’s natural sleep-wake
cycles, thereby taking its toll on the quality and length of sleep. Sleep that
is not sound is detrimental to our mood as well as the immune system in the
subsequent morning or day.
4. Too Much
Dependence
We live in a world where people delegate many
simple tasks to devices, be it using GPS system to get to a particular place,
instead of asking for directions or sending a text message instead of making a
phone call. Such dependence can hamper our problem solving abilities and
diminish the capacity for face to face communication which is crucial for
well-being.
Finding a Balance
It’s important to admit that technology is
only going to increase in its usage and therefore finding a middle ground is
important. Here’s how:
• Set Limits: Cut-back on the amount of
time spent in front of the screens prior to going to the bedroom.
• Move More: Use the 5-4-3-2-1 method:
The number denotes the specific amount of time you are allowed to sit down
without moving though it is best used in traffic situations.
• Mind Your Mind: promoting the work of
apps, but do not forget about the existence of the offline mode and engage in
it periodically.
• Stay Informed: It is important to
know how this technology can impact your life for the better and then make
those choices.
Conclusion
Modern technology is helpful in the delivery
of health care and has made life easier but for some disadvantageous effects.
Thus, it is vital for us to be able to distinguish between the positive impact
of technology on health and avoid consequence on the same. The idea is to
leverage technology in the ways that are beneficial to health rather than
detrimental to it. So with a bit of awareness and incorporation of techniques
to avoid overwhelm we can make technology a friend not a foe.