The world of technology finds itself in a yin yang pool of those that love or criticize it. The rapid advancement of technology over the years has allowed the world to evolve but some may argue that it has put a halt on the advancement and true potential of humanity.
We depend so much on technology that it has become our go to short cut at work, school and our daily lives. We rely on our phone to compute simple calculations that we are capable of doing ourselves, and who spells on their own nowadays? Yes, there are definite benefits of technology such as the life saving instruments in the medical field, the GPS system that saves us when we miss an exit, or the ability to video chat with friends and families in different countries. It’s the role technology plays where it hinders the mental health of an individual that should be addressed. Society is a big pressure machine that pumps out the stressful factors which drive people’s emotions and decisions. The pressure of having the latest technology has far passed the reason to satisfy oneself or impress friends, but now the workplace and education require it. One must have the full packaged smart phone and a fully equipped laptop to keep up with colleagues and classmates.
The high demand for technology and all its latest products has become a mental health issue as people are so addicted to it and going to extremes just to obtain them. This past April, the case of the 17 year old Chinese boy who sold his kidney on the black market so he can buy an Iphone and Ipad was a big wakeup call showing how technology mentally, affects us negatively. This teenage boy used one form of technology to get another by finding the people who performed his operation via an online chat room dedicated to black market organ donning and was paid $3500 for his kidney. He now suffers from kidney failure and his health is in serious condition.
China, like America and most other countries, has a high demand for apple products and the newest technology in general, so the addiction to these products and the pressure to have them unfortunately has its affect on some people. It may be drastic to label wanting an Iphone a disease of the mind, but when teenagers are giving up body parts to obtain these products, there definitely is a link between technology and an individual’s state of mind. These are serious emotional and behavioral problems that must be considered.
Although not everyone may go to the extremes of this teenager, something must be done about the craze associated with these products and the mental stress of technology before the negatives outweigh the positives of advancement. Phones, TV’s, laptops, even apps change and upgrade on a constant basis, if you can’t afford it this time around, save up for the next edition. None of these things are going anywhere and are definitely not worth body parts or the cost of your health. Also, don’t be embarrassed to count on your fingers or wipe the dust off of your dictionary once in awhile.