The Psychology of Technology: How Our Gadgets Are Making Us Less Human
Technology has become ubiquitous in our lives. We use it to work, play, and communicate with others. It has become an integral part of our lives, and we often can’t imagine living without it.
But as technology becomes more and more prevalent, there is a growing concern about its impact on our humanity. We are increasingly reliant on gadgets and gizmos to do our work, and many of us feel lost without them.
From the moment we wake up, we are bombarded with technology. We check our phones, our email, our social media, and our work tasks. We are constantly connected and always available. And while this constant connection may have some benefits, it also comes with some serious consequences.
We are becoming more distracted, more overwhelmed, and less able to concentrate. Our gadgets are making us less human, taking away our connection to the real world and to each other.
If we want to regain our humanity, we need to being more mindful to the way we use technology.
In this article, we’ll explore the ways in which technology is impacting our human connection. We’ll look at how it can lead to a loss of discipline and focus, how it can be a constant source of distraction, and how it can make us lose track of time. We’ll also discuss the ways in which we can fight back against the negative effects of technology.
The Impact:
Technology is changing the way our brains work. The constant stimulation of the digital world is rewiring our brains and making us less able to concentrate and focus on tasks.
A study from the University of London found that people who regularly use digital devices are less able to maintain attention or remember information.
We are quickly becoming reliant on technology to think for us. We are less likely to remember phone numbers or birthdays, because we can just store that information in our phones. We are less likely to maps or directions, because we can use GPS. We are losing our ability to think for ourselves and to remember things.
How we become addicted to technology
One of the reasons we become addicted to technology is because it releases dopamine in our brains. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain’s pleasure and reward centers. When we get a notification on our phone, or a like on our social media, it releases dopamine and we feel happy.
This dopamine release is similar to what happens when we eat food or have sex. It’s a natural reward that keeps us coming back for more. And like other addictive substances, the more we use technology, the more we need it to get the same dopamine hit. We become addicted to the instant gratification and constant stimulation of the digital world.
Negative impact of technology on our relationships
One of the most harmful effects of technology is its impact on our relationships. The constant stream of notifications and interruptions from our gadgets keeps us from being fully present with the people we are with. We are distracted, unable to have deep conversations, and always looking for something else to do.
A study from the University Of Chicago found that people who were asked to put their phones away during a conversation were more likely to report feeling closer and more connected to their conversation partners. Technology is preventing us from truly connecting with each other. And as our addiction to technology grows, so does the distance between us and the people we love.
Why we can’t put down our phones
There are a number of psychological reasons why we can’t seem to put down our phones, even when we know we should. One reason is what’s known as “intermittent reinforcement”. This is when we receive rewards at random intervals, which keeps us coming back for more even though we don’t always get a reward. This is why slot machines are so addictive, and it’s also why social media is so addictive. We keep checking back, hoping for that rush of dopamine when we get a notification or a like.
Another reason we can’t put down our phones is because of FOMO, or “fear of missing out”. With social media, we are constantly bombarded with images of other people’s perfect lives. This creates feelings of insecurity and inadequacy, which leads us to spend more time online comparing ourselves to others. We check our phones compulsively, in hopes of finding something that will make us feel better about ourselves.
Break the cycle of technology addiction
If you’re struggling with a tech addiction, there are some steps you can take to break the cycle and regain control over your life. One key step is to become more aware of your tech use and how it makes you feel. Pay attention to when you’re using your gadgets out of habit or boredom, and try to be more mindful about why you’re using them. Another step is to set limits for yourself, such as no screens after 9pm or no screens on weekends. It’s also important to take breaks from your gadgets and spend time in nature or with people in person. By taking these steps, you can begin to break free from your addiction and reclaim your life.
