Negative Impact Of Technology: How Can The Modern World Be Prepared?

While technology and innovation have enabled human life with some of the most iconic inventions and discoveries like telemedicine, sensors for monitoring environment quality, cybersecurity, and prosthetics and speech recognition, it is important to recognise the negative effects of technology, including critical matters like rising anxiety especially amongst teenagers, job displacement, privacy invasions, decline in human connection. How can modern society prepare itself for the negative effects of technology?

Table of Contents:

• Introduction 
• 7 Negative impact of technology
• Conclusion

Technology, often seen as a force for progress, innovation, and convenience, has changed how people live, work, and connect. From the Industrial Revolution to the rise of digital platforms, technology has played a major role in advancing human society.

However, despite its power to improve lives, technology has also created significant challenges and unintended negative consequences. These adverse effects touch on many areas of life, affecting health, social connections, security, and the environment.

In this article, the focus will be on the various negative impacts of technology on individuals and society as a whole.

Importance and benefits of technology

Technology is always evolving and improving, offering many benefits that have a significant impact on our daily lives and many industries, such as healthcare, automobiles, communication, manufacturing, and business. Here are some ways technology is important and beneficial:

1. Increased efficiency
   Organisations always aim to get the most output while using fewer resources. Technology, especially automation, plays a crucial role in achieving this. With automated processes, repetitive tasks take much less time and effort, while still delivering the expected results.
2. Faster decision making
   Thanks to technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, it is easier to manage large amounts of data and make important business decisions based on the insights gained from that data. Moreover, technology adds accuracy to the decision-making process by reducing the chance of errors that come from manual work.
3. Cost and time savings
   Machines work much faster than humans, allowing tasks that usually require a lot of manual effort and attention to detail to be done quickly with the help of technology. This leads to better accuracy as well. Additionally, moving from paper-based communication to digital communication and using machines for tasks that would take longer to complete can save a lot of money.
4. Competitive edge
   Technology can give a company an advantage over its competitors. Often, technology acts as a unique selling point (USP), making a company stand out to potential clients and customers. With access to advanced technology, companies can create better products, which can ultimately help them boost their sales.
5. Increased innovation
   Technology is a vital resource for almost any industry that wants to grow and improve. Upgrades not only help organisations advance but also make work easier for employees and individuals in general. This highlights the importance of technology in driving innovation, which benefits society on a larger scale.

7 Negative impact of technology

1. Physical health consequences

1.1. Sedentary lifestyle

The fundamental idea of technology was to automate monotonous tasks and spare valuable human living time for tasks that needed creativity. For example, household appliances like Bosch and LG washing machines help people automate the hard work of washing clothes. This task used to take hours of scrubbing and rinsing by hand. 

Likewise, iRobot's Roomba makes vacuuming automatic, which saves the time and effort that was once spent on cleaning floors.

However, with the rise in trends like home automation, transportation, and entertainment platforms, we saw an overall decline in human effort. According to the study, It has been evaluated that participants under the age group 15–30 years are highly affected (45.9%) due to excessive dependence on technology.

To top that, with the rising digital trends, much of our human activities, including human-to-human interaction is online. This clearly results in a situation where individuals now spend long hours sitting in front of computers, televisions, or mobile devices. 

According to WHO, long sedentary periods can lead to various health problems, including obesity, heart diseases, and musculoskeletal issues. This eventually leads to a higher risk of early death.

1.2. Eye strain and sleep disruption

Another common issue linked to excessive technology use is eye strain and sleep disruption. Spending too much time looking at screens can cause digital eye strain, which includes symptoms like discomfort, blurred vision, and dry eyes. 

Furthermore, the blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the body's natural sleep cycle, often resulting in sleep problems. Research has indicated that using screens, particularly before going to bed, can lower sleep quality and lead to insomnia. This, in turn, can harm cognitive function, mood, and overall well-being. A 2018 study showed that 90% of teenagers in the UK use their phones before sleep, contributing to rising rates of insomnia and poor sleep quality.

2. Mental health issues

2.1. Increased anxiety and depression

While technology has made communication easier, it has also led to increased levels of anxiety and depression, especially among young people. Social media platforms, which are designed to keep users engaged, often encourage unhealthy comparisons. This can create feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and a fear of missing out (FOMO). The constant need for validation through likes and comments worsens feelings of insecurity and anxiety, leading to a harmful cycle of relying on digital interactions for self-worth.

A study by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) found that social media use was linked to increased feelings of loneliness and depression among young people.

2.2. Digital addiction

The convenience of smartphones and social media has also led to digital addiction, which is becoming a serious issue. Many people, particularly younger individuals, find themselves checking their devices compulsively, even when there are no notifications. This over-dependence on technology can disrupt real-life relationships, reduce productivity, and contribute to mental health problems. 

Psychologists have even developed terms like "nomophobia," which describes the fear of being without a mobile phone, highlighting the widespread anxiety linked to technology use. According to a recent report by Common Sense Media, teenagers spend an average of seven hours and 22 minutes on their phones each day. Meanwhile, tweens, aged 8 to 12, are not far behind, spending about four hours and 44 minutes daily on their devices.

3. Social isolation and fragmentation

3.1. Decline in face-to-face interactions

Technology, especially social media, has changed how people communicate. While it allows connections over long distances, it has also reduced the number of meaningful face-to-face interactions. Many people now prefer texting, messaging, or making video calls instead of having in-person conversations. 

This shift can lead to weaker communication skills and a decline in social bonds. Even when individuals are surrounded by virtual connections, they may still feel isolated, as the quality of online interactions often lacks the depth and authenticity found in real-life encounters. 

A survey conducted by the UK’s Office for National Statistics discovered that 40% of young people reported feeling lonely, even though they had frequent online interactions.

3.2. Polarisation and echo chambers

Another negative effect of technology is the creation of online echo chambers, which can increase political and social divisions. Algorithms on social media platforms are designed to show users content that matches their existing beliefs and preferences. Because of this, people are often exposed only to information that supports their views, while opposing opinions are filtered out. 

This situation deepens divisions in society and leads to more extreme and fixed opinions, making it harder to have constructive discussions and find common ground on important issues.

4. Privacy concerns and data security

4.1. Erosion of privacy

With the digitalisation of almost every part of life, privacy has become harder to protect. Personal data, such as browsing habits, location tracking, financial information, and health records, is collected by governments, companies, and other organisations. 

This widespread collection and storage of personal information makes individuals vulnerable to identity theft, surveillance, and unauthorised access to sensitive data. High-profile data breaches have shown that even the most secure systems can be hacked, putting personal privacy at constant risk. According to Deloitte, 67% of smartphone users worry about data security and privacy on their phones.

4.2. Cybersecurity threats

As technology improves, so do the methods used by cybercriminals. The digital world has become a hotspot for various types of cyberattacks, such as phishing, ransomware, and hacking. These harmful activities not only threaten individual security but also pose serious risks to businesses and governments. 

The financial and reputational damage caused by data breaches and cyberattacks is huge, and the cost of protecting digital systems keeps increasing. Cyberattacks such as the 2017 WannaCry ransomware incident, which affected businesses and hospitals worldwide, demonstrate the growing risk of cybersecurity threats.

5. Environmental impact

5.1. E-waste and resource depletion

The fast pace of technological innovation has led to the frequent production and disposal of electronic devices, contributing to a growing problem with e-waste. Discarded devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets contain harmful materials, including heavy metals and toxic chemicals, which can leak into the environment if not thrown away properly. E-waste management is often insufficient, causing pollution of soil, water, and air, especially in developing countries where much of this waste is sent for disposal.

In addition to the waste created, making technology uses a huge amount of natural resources, including rare earth metals, minerals, and energy. The mining and extraction of these materials cause serious environmental damage, leading to deforestation, habitat destruction, and loss of biodiversity. In 2019, the world generated 53.6 million metric tonnes of e-waste, with only 17.4% properly recycled. 

5.2. Carbon footprint

Data centres, which power the internet and store vast amounts of information, use massive amounts of energy. The demand for cloud storage, video streaming, and digital services has increased dramatically, putting a huge strain on global energy resources. The carbon footprint of data centres is similar to that of major industries, and unless alternative renewable energy sources are used, the environmental cost of maintaining the digital infrastructure will keep rising. Estimated global data centre electricity consumption in 2022 was 240-340 TWh1, or around 1-1.3% of global final electricity demand.

6. Ethical concerns

6.1. AI and automation: job displacement

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are seen as revolutionary technologies that aim to improve efficiency and productivity. However, these advancements bring up ethical issues, especially concerning job loss. As more industries start using AI and robots to carry out tasks, many low-skilled and even some high-skilled jobs are at risk of being taken over by machines. 

This change could worsen income inequality, as individuals who do not have the necessary skills to adapt to new jobs might end up unemployed and economically sidelined. A 2020 report from the World Economic Forum predicted that by 2025, 85 million jobs could be displaced by automation.

6.2. Deepfakes and misinformation

The rise of AI has also led to the development of deepfake technology, which creates realistic but fake audio, video, and images. Deepfakes can be used in harmful ways to spread false information, damage reputations, and even sway public opinion or elections. 

The spread of misinformation, driven by social media algorithms that favour sensational content, poses a serious threat to democracy and the trustworthiness of information. For instance, during the 2020 US presidential election, deepfakes were used to spread misinformation.

7. Educational challenges

7.1. Reduced attention span

The constant flow of information and the habit of multitasking due to technology have been linked to shorter attention spans, especially among students. Research suggests that the human brain is becoming less capable of focusing on tasks for long periods because it is used to processing small, bite-sized pieces of information, like those found on social media and online platforms. 

This change has significant effects on education, making it harder for students to engage in deep learning and critical thinking. According to research by Alis Behavioral Health, the average human attention span has dropped from 12 seconds in 2000 to a mere 8 seconds in 2020. 

7.2. Diminished critical thinking

In an era when information is plentiful and easily accessible, there is increasing worry that students might depend too much on technology for answers instead of developing their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The convenience of doing quick online searches can lead to shallow learning, where people only skim the surface of a topic without really engaging with the material. This trend affects both academic success and professional growth, as employers are placing more importance on critical thinking skills in the workplace.

For example, instead of solving mathematical problems, students might search for shortcuts online. This reliance on technology can result in superficial learning, where they grasp the answer but fail to understand the underlying concepts.

Final thoughts

While the advantages of technology are clear, it is important to recognise and tackle its negative effects. Issues such as physical and mental health problems, environmental harm, job losses, and privacy risks highlight the darker side of technology that cannot be ignored. As technology becomes part of everyday life, finding a balance between welcoming new advancements and reducing their harmful impacts is crucial. 

Policymakers, businesses, educators, and individuals all have a part to play in making sure that technology acts as a tool for good progress rather than a cause of harm. By using technology responsibly, considering ethical issues, and following sustainable practices, society can deal with the challenges that technology brings and use its power for the benefit of everyone.

Key takeaways 

• Technology leads to more sedentary lifestyles, eye strain, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, and addiction to digital devices.
• While technology helps people stay in touch, it also reduces face-to-face communication and creates echo chambers, causing social division.
• The digital world weakens privacy and increases the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches.
• The growing problem of electronic waste, depletion of natural resources, and high energy use by data centres harm the environment.
• AI and automation cause job losses, while deepfakes and misinformation damage trust. Additionally, technology is linked to shorter attention spans and less critical thinking.