Making the most of our technology tools Technology is a critical component of our world today. From communication and time management to manufacturing and healthcare, tech tools have an enormous impact on our lives. In addition, it is what enables students at UA Grantham to achieve academic success regardless of location. Naturally, there is always a tradeoff, and at times it seems as though technology is taking over our lives. Let’s take a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of technology today, as well as how we can avoid common pitfalls and make the most of these tools. The Great Let’s begin with the advantages that technology provides. The majority of our family, friends, coworkers, and loved ones are just a text, call, email, or video chat away because we are unquestionably more connected than ever before. Take a moment to appreciate this! As difficult as being apart, for any reason, can be, we can still talk in real time with those who matter most.
This also means that, regardless of what else is going on in the world, we don’t have to give up many of our routines. We can continue working, communicating, attending school, shopping, attending therapy or doctor’s appointments, playing games, and keeping up with current events thanks to technology. And it makes it even easier for us to do so: Google’s product suite, for example, lets you write, format, present, calculate, collaborate, remind, and share all from a single platform. Today’s resources have made it simple to learn, collaborate, and create in a truly global setting. Students can now earn their degrees from the comfort of their own homes by watching lectures, participating in discussion groups, completing assignments, and earning degrees. Online learning platforms enable students to save time and money by eliminating the need to mail exams and commuting to campus.
The Bad
The benefits of technology are genuinely incredible, but there can be too much of a good thing. Our hyperconnectivity means we may have difficulty disconnecting or creating space to unwind. That can lead to feelings of stress or exhaustion and make it harder to truly relax when we need that rest. How do you know when to stop if you are always working, studying, or catching up? Creating boundaries and promoting mindfulness are critical for giving ourselves the space and time our mental health deserves.
It’s also important to be aware of the potential physical consequences from 24/7 connectivity. When we spend so much time using our devices or in front of screens, we frequently experience symptoms such as eye strain, pain in the hands or wrists, and lack of sleep. Text neck, Blackberry thumb, and other overuse injuries are becoming increasingly more prevalent, which means it is critical to give your body a break and invest in your long-term health—particularly if you’re spending time on screens for work, entertainment, and school.
Even when it appears to be a sedentary activity, going to school in a digital environment can exacerbate these trends, increasing students’ risk of physical injuries. You can ensure that you are getting the most out of your screen time by looking for ways to maximize your study time. You can cut down on the amount of time you spend in virtual spaces by taking advantage of the many student support services that UA Grantham provides, such as tutoring, advice, and assistance with technology. The Badness Unfortunately, there are even more severe risks out there when so much of our time is spent in virtual spaces. The sense of anonymity we have online, or of feeling slightly removed from the situation when behind a keyboard, can lead to saying things we wouldn’t ordinarily say in a face-to-face situation. Coupled with the ability to share information in record time, this can quickly create uncomfortable and even dangerous situations. It’s important to give yourself mindful space away from virtual environments (and time to process painful feelings when they arise).
The spread of misinformation or outright lies, the prevalence of bullying and cyber attacks, and other unpleasantries are all common side effects of our cyberspace—and they can lead to anxiety, depression, addiction, and other mental health disorders. Feelings of self-worth, success, inclusion, and belonging have all been significantly impacted by social media alone, and these effects persist in our actual lives. Be cautious about what you consume and avoid taking every piece of information you see at face value.
The Middle Way Everything in moderation, as the saying goes. There are some truly wonderful tools out there, and you don’t have to delete your accounts or throw your computer out the window in order to have a positive relationship with technology.
The only thing really needed is to establish appropriate limits! Try charging your phone outside the bedroom so it’s not the first thing you look at in the morning. Try turning off your electronics when you eat or exercise. Set time limits for your computer, tablet, or TV. If you don’t want to pick up your mobile device as often, turn off its notifications. Set clear boundaries for when you intend to study and when you should stop. Consider whether using handwritten notes rather than typing them to take notes is a better learning method than using online tools. Try different things to see what feels and works best for you. The most important thing is to regularly check in with yourself to see how you’re feeling. Take a moment to ask yourself: Am I really benefiting from using this piece of technology? Am I using this tool mindfully and how it was intended, or has it taken on a life of its own? Am I getting more out of it than I’m spending—in time, money, or energy? If you’re getting your online degree at UA Grantham, take advantage of your dedicated student advisor’s one-on-one support. They will assist you in managing your time and focusing on your personal objectives.
