Whether we agree or not, technology plays a vital role in our daily lives. Living without technology today is almost impossible as it helps in human activities. We use technology for things as simple as communicating with our friends, family, and colleagues. However, it’s imperative to know the effects technology has on us.
Technology impacts us negatively and positively, especially regarding our mental health. It can help us handle business easily, learn important things, and take off stress. On the flip side, technology could also contribute to stress and depression.
This article will discuss technology’s impact on mental health, primarily gaming, and social media.
Gaming and Its Effects
Technology has made it easy to access video games. With our smartphones and tablets, we can play thousands of titles online. There’s almost no genre you won’t find online – arcades, fighting games, sports, multiplayer, casinos, etc. With attractive lists of fair gaming reviews, promos, and guides, platforms like CasinoBonusCA make it easier than ever to become attracted to online games. Playing is now more exciting and rewarding, with these comparison sites offering the best bonuses.
It’s also a great way to care for your mental health when done moderately.
Benefits
Reducing Stress
Playing games can help you take time off your busy daily life and relax. It recharges you after a hectic day at school or work. After a bad day, you can also get a sense of achievement from playing your favorite title.
Developing New Skills
Some titles require applying strategies and critical thinking. Such can help you develop new skills, such as quick decision-making or becoming a good team player. It can also help you create different approaches to solving problems.
Connecting with people
Online play is another good way of socializing without leaving your location. You can meet new people online, compete against them, or play with friends and families in different locations.
Nevertheless, it can have adverse effects when it becomes too much.
Negative effects
Isolation and Decreased Social Interaction
When you spend too much time playing, you may withdraw from your friends and family. As a result, you could start feeling depressed or lonely.
Addiction
Getting addicted is one of the worst problems players could face. It could lead to neglecting your personal life, school, work, and health. Moreover, it could result in substantial financial problems and create debts as you’ll spend too much time playing.
Social Media and its Effects
So much has been said about social media and its impacts on our society. It affects every person and almost every area of our lives. In addition to adults and teenagers, Voddler covers how even children are impacted by social media.
Positive effects on mental health
Keeps us connected
Social media lets you stay updated with friends and family, no matter where you are. It makes communication more accessible and cheaper.
Making new friends
Another great benefit is meeting new people and joining great communities. You may be lucky to find groups with similar ambitions and interests.
Negative effects
Increased depression and loneliness
According to W.H.O., approximately 280 million people in the world are depressed. Unfortunately, studies have linked excessive use of social media to increased depression and anxiety. It can also lead to loneliness as you do not feel a connection to the strangers you may connect with online.
Sleep Deprivation
People spend a lot of time scrolling through their social media at night, affecting their sleep. Our devices also emit blue light, which interferes with sleep by suppressing melatonin production. This could further affect our mental health.
Conclusion
Keeping a balance is the key to enjoying technology – social media and gaming. Learn to control your activities at all times and limit your time on gaming and social media.