Technology is destroying our minds, bodies, and communities

1. Technology is Destroying our
Minds, Bodies, and
Communities
By: Victoria Gray

2. Positive factors of technology
• Even though there is many negative factors connected to
how much we use technology there is also some positive
factors that are there as well such as, some one finding a
long last friend and being able to reconnect with them,
being able to talk with family who live far away, and use it
for school and work etc.

3. Negative factors of technology
• Everywhere you go you see someone on their phone, laptop
etc. most of the time individuals need to use technology for
work and school but it has gotten to the point where people
seem so obsessed with being on social media sites like
Facebook, twitter etc. they tend to think it is more
important then spending time with family or can’t even go
without being on there phone while driving. In 2011 23% of
auto collisions involved cell phones. 1 in 5 drivers of all ages
confess to surfing the web while driving (texting and driving
safety)

4. Technology and kids
• Being a parent is like having a full time job but now a days if
parents are busy with their work, cooking, cleaning etc. They
tend to sit their kids in front of the TV or the computer which
can be the reason for the increase in obesity because kids
aren’t getting out and being active anymore or are not going
outside to play games but playing video games. If parents
really kept an eye on what their children were doing on the
internet as well it could help with online bullying which is
something that is happening everyday. Parents could easily be
setting times through out the day where there kids get to
spend on social media sites, or play video games so they don’t
become addicted and spend to much time on it.

5. Healthcare and Technology
• The advantage of technology on healthcare has been very
evident in today, a big part of it is now medical providers have
new tools to work with and fresh ways to practice medicine.
There is many things like electronic medical records, to
advances in bio-medical engineering and technology, and also
things like minimal invasive surgeries for things like
cardiovascular and thoracic surgery.
• The dark side to technology and healthcare is how people like
to use the internet to look up symptoms and diagnose
themselves and decide to put off going to see their actual
physician etc.

7. Health problems associated
with technology
• Can cause psychological issues such as:
• Distraction
• Narcissism
• Expectation of instant gratification
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Technology also has negative repercussions on physical health
causing:
• Vision problems
• Hearing loss
• And Neck strain

9. Negative effects of technology
• Technology can disturb are sleeping habits, we stay up too late
just staring at screens
• Isolation, everyone is always isolated and never really
communicates with those around them
• Causes individuals to fall into a sedentary lifestyle
• It’s a huge distraction to what is really important
• Can cause bad neck and back pain
• Bullying and other negative social consequences
• Decline in normal social behaviours

10. Symbolic Interactionism
Theory
• Definition- A sociological perspective that emphasizes that
human behaviour is influenced by definitions and meanings
that are created and maintained through symbolic interaction
with others
• This theory relates to technology and how It is destroying us
because it is something that we use all the time even if it is
not okay, such as texting and driving, walking with your phone
open and not paying attention to those around you, and
simply using technology as the way to communicate.

11. Conflict theory
• Definition- the theoretical framework that understands
material inequalities to be a driving force behind many social
problems. Also known as Marxist theory.
• This theory is about those who have power and those who are
less in power have to suffer because of this, the problem of
technology relates to this theory because since technology is
becoming such a big part of our lives it is also taking away jobs
which leaves a lot of people out of work.

13. Solutions to this problem
I don’t believe there will ever be a real solution to the problem
of technology because people are going to do what they want
even if it is causing major problems in their lives. We all rely on
technology whether it is for school, work, or just for pleasure.
People need to get back to when technology wasn’t the first
resource for everything we don’t always have to use the internet
for information or text each other. If people were made aware
of all the issues related to technology, how it can effect you
psychologically and physically maybe they will do something to
better the issue technology has made for them.

14. Solutions of the technology
problem for kids
Technology has had a major negative impact on kids and really
needs to change. Parents could be doing so much more for
there kids when it comes to technology by simply giving time
limits on how long they are able to use a computer or watch TV.
Pay more attention to them because sometimes it’s the parents
who are paying way too much attention on their phones,
laptops etc. which will rub off on their kids. Better making aware
of the technology problem associated with kids might get
parents aware they are doing more harm then good when
letting their kids play video games all the time or be on the
internet too often. Also schools can get on top of this problem
by getting kids more active not only having gym class but
possibly taking them outside and doing classes out doors.

15. References
• Technology can have positive or negative impact on social interactions.
(n.d.). Retrieved November 27, 2015, from
http://www.humankinetics.com/excerpts/excerpts/technology-can-have-
positive-and-negative-impact-on-social-interactions
• Texting and Driving Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved November 27, 2015, from
http://www.textinganddrivingsafety.com/texting-and-driving-stats
• 10 Negative Effects of Technology - Page 8 of 10. (2013, October 26). Retrieved
November 27, 2015, from http://www.thehealthy.com/10-negative-effects-
technology/8/
• Technology and Kids. (n.d.). Retrieved November 27, 2015, from
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/news/technology-and-kids/
• Holmes, M., Mooney, L., Knox, D., & Schacht, C. (2016). Understanding social
problems (5th Canadian ed.). Toronto: Nelson Education Ltd.