Surjit Flora
In today’s technologically advanced society, smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, almost like an extension of our hands. Social media platforms provide us with a virtual window into the lives of not only our acquaintances, but also individuals we may not personally know. In the current era, individuals often find themselves easily immersed in the vast digital landscape. The user begins their online session by engaging in various activities such as checking messages, scrolling through the Instagram feed, and potentially watching multiple videos on YouTube. However, it is not uncommon to lose track of time and find oneself engrossed in the screen for an extended period.
At this point, the complexity of the plot increases. Recent studies have revealed intriguing findings indicating that excessive time spent in the digital realm can have a detrimental impact on our cognitive well-being, particularly among younger individuals. Exposure to a constant stream of curated perfection and the tendency to compare oneself to others can contribute to the manifestation of anxiety and depression. Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge the presence of FOMO (fear of missing out) that arises when individuals perceive others to be leading fulfilling lives through their online presence. As technology has become ubiquitous, affecting almost everyone. Smartphones are a wonderful example of this growing type of laptop technology. Having a smartphone in hand and accessing all the world’s information with just a click has led to a surge in digital knowledge. On the one hand, it offers numerous benefits, but it also presents numerous drawbacks.
You will be surprised to know that 23% of children aged 5 to 7 have started using social media. Also, 50% of children over the age of 11 own a smartphone. Children between the ages of 8 and 17 spend an average of 4 to 6 hours on social media. 50% of these children also use their phones from 12 p.m. to 5 a.m. In light of this, today’s article will discuss the impact of excessive technology use on the mental health of young people.
The impact of smartphones and social media on the younger generation is undeniable. From a very young age, it becomes deeply ingrained in their lives. They effortlessly integrate new technology into their lives, fearlessly exploring and experimenting with various devices, games, and platforms.
This desire comes from nature’s progression.
Parents who are addicted to mobile phones can’t blame their children for excessive smartphone use or the resulting behavioral problems. Children learn by observing our behavior. How can we possibly criticize their habits?
It is evident that our self-centered tendencies are on the rise, causing us to become more absorbed in our own affairs, sometimes at the detriment of others, including our own family members.
As our reliance on electronic devices continues to grow, the amount of face-to-face interaction we have with others decreases. This raises concerns about our ability to effectively communicate with our children. It’s important for us to reflect on our compulsive use of technology and consider the impact it may have on our relationships. Would we truly understand and fulfill our children’s needs and desires if we removed both our own and their smartphones in order to improve communication between us? Perhaps it would be beneficial for us to stay together in a common place, even if only for a brief moment of hesitation, instead of completely separating.
Today’s children have become accustomed to having computers and the Internet as part of their everyday lives. They rely on the online world for various activities such as streaming music, sharing videos, making purchasing decisions, choosing outfits, planning outings, and even socializing (albeit virtually). They view technology as an almost seamless extension of themselves.
Outdoor ventures, whether in urban or natural settings, have lost some of their allure. Online activities have taken their place. When young people go out, they tend to choose places where they can be surrounded by others who are deeply engaged in their own digital world. Achieving a fundamental change can be facilitated through the creation of meaningful content that educates both adults and children about the development of nature and humanity. This content should elucidate how nature is inherently leading the world towards a state of equilibrium, as well as provide guidance on enhancing our communication skills to foster more balanced and harmonious relationships within society.
But wait, there’s more to this story! It’s not just about what we see online; it’s also about how it affects our real-world connections. The act of spending extended periods of time fixated on electronic screens results in a reduction of in-person interactions with friends and family, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Thus, the aforementioned narrative represents a story that dates back to the inception of the internet. The topic of concern is the potential correlation between excessive technology usage and mental health challenges among young adults and teenagers. The given scenario can be likened to a contemporary fable that reflects the characteristics of the digital era. However, it is important to note that despite the presence of cautionary tales, there are also instances of hope that should not be overlooked. In order to successfully navigate the digital landscape without losing ourselves, it is important to find balance, unplug from technology periodically, and prioritize nurturing offline connections.
While according to research, being active on social media for more than 2 hours a day increases the risk of mental illness. All these lead to poor sleep, which affects mental and physical health. This directly encourages obesity, which leads to other diseases.
Today’s youth, surrounded by so much technology, are reducing their brain usage. This heightens the likelihood of digital dementia, a condition that impairs short-term memory; individuals tend to lose track of their belongings, struggle to recall words or events, or struggle to multitask. It is very difficult to multitask.
The rush to retweet, like, share and create content affects the mind like an addiction. This creates an addiction to the rewards received, which motivates continuous content creation and, after a while, begins to create stress and anxiety. The smiling faces on social media negatively impact the youth, leading them to perceive their lives as filled with despair. This leads to social anxiety, which creates an inferiority complex. On the other hand, mental health technicians, also referred to as psychiatric aides or mental health assistants, primarily function in a supportive capacity to provide care for individuals who are mentally ill or emotionally disturbed. Mental health technicians are employed in hospitals or institutions and operate under the guidance of supervising mental health care professionals, such as psychiatrists or medical doctors. The typical responsibilities of a mental health technician encompass the coordination of mental health care services, providing assistance in patient assessment, monitoring and documenting the care provided, escorting patients, and identifying the personal needs of patients.
The topic of discussion is Essential Education.: Working as a mental health technician can be pursued with a high school diploma or relevant training or work experience. However, having a related associate’s degree can enhance your prospects in this field. An associate’s degree in mental health technology typically requires a two-year time commitment and encompasses coursework in areas such as psychiatric nursing, psychology, and group dynamics. Having prior experience in nursing or working as a hospital orderly can be beneficial in meeting the qualifications for a career in mental health care.
Key Skills: In order to excel in the role of a mental health technician, it is crucial to possess qualities such as patience, adaptability, and the ability to effectively handle challenging circumstances. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential for mental health technicians, as they work collaboratively with a team of caregivers.
(The Writer is a veteran journalist and freelance writer based in Brampton)
