To What Extent Is Technology Beneficial For The Mental Health Of Teenagers

To what extent is technology beneficial for the mental health of teenagers?

Introduction:

The term ‘technology’ is vast, and we use it to improve our daily lives. As defined by Collins DIctionary, a mobile phone is a phone that can be carried with a person and can be used to make calls wherever that person is. A smartphone is a mobile phone that has many functions to that of a computer and has a touchscreen interface. By 2019, the expected number of smartphone users will be 2.5 billion. Technology can have a major impact on the physical and mental health of their users. (why it may be a problem).

What is Technology/Social Media?:

As defined by Oxford Dictionary, social media is “websites and applications that enable users to create and share

Technology can allow students to hand in their work online, from anywhere without restriction. However, technology can lead to behavioural and mental health problems. Not only that, but teenagers and kids are not fully gaining social skills as online communication removes nonverbal context. As stated by Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair, a clinical psychologist, “As a species we are very highly attuned to reading social cues. … But [technology] puts everybody in a nonverbal disabled context, where body language, facial expression and even the smallest kinds of vocal reactions are rendered invisible.” Despite this, social media websites have become integral to the life of young Australians, and play a vital role in their lives; it delivers new opportunities, new skills to learn and develop, forming identities and entertainment. This communication can be both a positive or a negative, depending on the communication taking place. Cyberbullying is a prime example of negative online communication. With instant access to information without leaving the couch, there has been an increase in the general laziness of people. The laziness, both physically and mentally, can affect the health of an individual. Not only can it cause laziness, but also poor behaviour as many people believe that on the internet, there are less repercussions than in

Children could be exposed to inappropriate content, such as violent or sexual comments or images, provocative images, sending personal information and cyberbullying. When 14 - 25 year olds used social media networking sites, they experienced an increase in depression, anxiety and loneliness. There can be many reasons as to why this may occur, such as not receiving the expected results over an event like number of likes on a photo, which can impact an individual's mental health. Misreading or taking something out of context can also impact upon one’s emotional wellbeing. Cyberbullying is another element that can seriously impact on an individuals health. Cyberbullying is the act of using online technology to bully or harass an individual or group, with the intent of causing social, physiological, or physical harm. The effects and types of cyberbullying are vast. It can lead to an increase in stress and anxiety, decrease concentration, lowered self-esteem and, in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts or suicide. Stress can hurt a teenager’s mental health, as they often feel overwhelmed and hopeless if stress overload occurs. School is a stressful part of a teenager’s life, and although using technology and social media might relieve that stress, it might actually make that stress worse for that