Adverse effects of technology on millennials
Smartphones have become one of the most loved and preferred for technological advancements ever. This is because they have become readily available and very affordable. It has led to people preferring it over any other form of interaction and communication. With that, millennials have embraced the technology more than anyone else. The use of technology by millennials has been at 93%. Millennials are also the highest social media users, which also makes them the most susceptible to the adverse effects associated with the preference to continually use their Smartphones for extended periods (Indahingwati et al., 2019).
Research Problem
Adverse effects of technology on millennials
Depression and anxiety exposure to too much negativity and criticism on social networks have led to increased anxiety and depression levels amongst millennials (Indahingwati et al., 2019). Preference to spend long hours on technical devices creates a form of dependence by the users. For instance, many millennials experience anxiety with the long hours spent on gadgets when accessing these devices. Moreover, with the heavy use of Smartphones, it has increased the probability of being cyberbullied. More millennials are willing to share their private life online, and the perpetrators get the opportunity to use the available information.
Isolation and loneliness Although social networks are for interactions and socializing, studies have shown that most frequent users tend to be lonely and tend to isolate themselves. The majority of millennials addicted to technology gadgets are at high risk of developing depressions if they are abused, given they do not have much social life (Rodideal, 2018).
Poor communication skills: abuse of technology can negatively affect millennials’ communication skills and make it difficult for the millennials to communicate effectively. For instance, young people prefer communication via social media sites compared to meeting and having a face-to-face meeting. Therefore, the prolonged use of technical devices will make the millennials lack common social-cues (Indahingwati et al., 2019).
Sleeplessness The late-night use of technology before sleeping tends to disturb the body’s natural rhythm and affects the sleeping pattern, leading to fewer body functions during the day. Once the sleep pattern of an individual has been changed, the productivity during the day is affected. Moreover, teenagers who are addicted to gaming are identified to go for long hours with no sleep while playing for hours, which has adverse effects on their health. Unfortunately, many teenagers are not aware of the adverse effects of addictive gaming on their lifestyle.
Poor body posture, there has been numerous complains of back and neck aches amongst millennial due to their body posture when using mobile phones and other technological devices. Although short-term, there are at times; these effects tend to take root and become long-term effects.
Reduced physical activities due to spending too much time, millennials have less time for activities. They are always glued to their TV screens and mobile phones, playing video games and chatting on their mobile phones. The preference to play online games has significantly hampered the millennials from engaging in different social events (Indahingwati et al., 2019).
Research Question
- What are the possible factors that motivate millennials to use their Smartphones continually?
- What is the observed millennials’ digital behavior?
- What are the potential security risks identified by millennials by using a smartphone?
Gap in Literature
The identified gap for the current literature is a need to research the linkage between millennials’ preference use of Smartphones continually and their quality of life. It is integral for the millennials to be conversant with the adverse effects on their continual usage of Smartphones continually as it can jeopardize the quality of life. Based on research conducted, most millennials are not aware of how continually being active on different social media sites can quickly develop addictive behavior.
Purpose of the Research
The purpose of the study is to showcase the heavy dependence among the millennials on their smart gadgets. Also, the research will evaluate if the teenagers are aware of the adverse effects the preference to use their Smartphones have on their general quality of life. Numerous studies explain the preference of the millennials to use their Smartphones continually. Hardly will a youngster do an activity without holding a smartphone on the other phone.
The population to address with the project is Millennials, who are also identified as Generation Y members. The preference to examine the millennials is they are continually connected to their different social media online platforms. Moreover, they comprise the largest segment of smartphone owners in most regions across the globe.
Conclusion
The use of smartphones among millennials has been on the rise, especially with the millennials’ high dependence on different social media sites. Unfortunately, there are identified adverse effects that are registered among the millennials with the continual use of Smartphones among the millennials, such as loneliness, sleeplessness, poor body posture, and reduction in physical activities. It is integral for additional research to explain how the millennials are likely to suffer if they continue to have a heavy dependence on the social media sites they are continually active.