Digitalization has brought many benefits to society, including increased access to information, improved communication, and greater convenience. However, there are also many negative impacts of digitalization on human health. With the increasing use of digital devices and the internet, people are spending more time in front of screens, which can lead to physical and mental health problems. Digitalization has also led to the rise of sedentary lifestyles and lack of physical activity which can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The constant use of digital devices can lead to sleep disorders, headaches, and eye strain. Furthermore, social media and the internet can lead to addiction, depression, and anxiety. It can also exacerbate existing mental health conditions such as loneliness, and anxiety.
5 negative impacts of digitalization on health
Physical Health
Prolonged use of digital devices can lead to physical health issues such as eye strain, headaches, and back pain. The blue light emitted by digital screens can cause eye strain, which can lead to headaches, dry eyes, and blurry vision. This is because blue light can affect the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, making it harder for individuals to fall asleep, which can lead to sleep disturbances, fatigue, and insomnia.
Prolonged use of digital devices can lead to poor posture, which can cause back and neck pain. Sitting in front of a computer or staring at a mobile screen for long periods of time can lead to poor posture, which can put a strain on the neck, shoulders, and back. This can lead to chronic pain and discomfort.
Furthermore, a sedentary lifestyle caused by prolonged use of digital devices can also lead to a range of health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Studies have found that a sedentary lifestyle, which is common among individuals who spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer or mobile screen, can lead to a higher risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Mental Health – Cognitive Decline
The constant bombardment of information and distractions from digital devices can lead to a decrease in productivity and creativity. With the constant notifications and the availability of endless entertainment and information, it becomes harder to focus on a single task for long periods of time. For example, a study by the University of California, Irvine found that the average attention span of a person has dropped from 12 seconds in 2000 to 8 seconds in 2015. This decline in attention span can make it harder for people to engage in activities that require sustained focus, such as reading a book, learning a new skill, or participating in a hobby.
The constant use of digital devices can lead to a decline in cognitive function, as it can lead to over-stimulation of the brain and a decrease in time for reflection and contemplation. For instance, a study by the University of California, San Francisco found that people who spend more than two hours per day on digital devices are more likely to have attention and memory problems.
Moreover, constant use of digital devices and social media can lead to a decline in critical thinking, as people may rely on digital devices to provide them with information and fail to develop the ability to think critically and evaluate information.
Mental Health – Addiction
Spending excessive amounts of time on social media, gaming, and other digital activities can lead to a loss of control over one’s own behavior. People can become addicted to the constant stimulation and validation provided by these activities and can find it difficult to stop using them even when it negatively impacts their daily life. For example, individuals who spend excessive amounts of time on gaming can experience a decline in their academic or professional performance. Studies have shown that excessive gaming can lead to a decrease in school or work performance, as it can cause problems with time management, procrastination, and reduced motivation. It can also lead to neglect of personal responsibilities such as household chores, personal hygiene, and social and family obligations.
Overuse of digital devices can lead to a decline in mental health. Studies have found that excessive use of social media and other digital devices can lead to a range of mental health issues such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. For example, a study by the University of Pittsburgh found that people who spent more than two hours per day on social media were three times as likely to report symptoms of depression compared to those who spent less than 30 minutes per day on social media.
The constant validation and stimulation provided by digital devices can create unrealistic expectations and make it difficult for individuals to find pleasure and satisfaction in real-life activities.
Social Health – Disconnection Between People
The rise of social media and other digital communication platforms has led to an increase in online interactions and a decrease in face-to-face interactions. People are spending more time scrolling through their feeds and less time engaging in real-life conversations. For example, instead of meeting up with friends and family, many people now prefer to keep in touch through social media and messaging apps. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as well as a lack of empathy and emotional intelligence.
One of the negative impacts of the rise of digital communication platforms is a decrease in face-to-face interactions. Research has found that people who spend more time on social media and digital communication platforms are more likely to report feeling lonely and isolated. For example, a study by the University of Pittsburgh found that people who spent more than two hours per day on social media were twice as likely to report feeling socially isolated compared to those who spent less than 30 minutes per day on social media.
The lack of face-to-face interactions can lead to a decline in empathy and emotional intelligence. Research has found that face-to-face interactions are crucial for the development of empathy, as they allow individuals to read facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. Without these cues, it can be harder to understand and relate to others’ emotions and experiences. The ease of online communication can lead to less effort in maintaining relationships, people tend to prioritize online communication over face-to-face interactions, which can lead to the deterioration of relationships.
Social Health – Cyberbullying
The anonymity and distance provided by digital communication platforms can lead to an increase in cyberbullying and online harassment. The anonymity and distance provided by online communication platforms such as social media and messaging apps can embolden individuals to engage in negative behavior, such as bullying, name-calling, and spreading rumors. This can be particularly harmful to children and adolescents who are still developing their social and emotional skills. For example, cyberbullying can take the form of posting hurtful comments or spreading rumors on social media or sending threatening messages through messaging apps. A study by the Cyberbullying Research Center found that 34% of students in the US have experienced cyberbullying.
The anonymity and distance provided by these platforms can also make it harder for victims to escape the bullying, as they may feel like they have no way of avoiding their bully. Cyberbullying can be hard to escape since it can happen anywhere and at any time, it can be hard to avoid and can create a feeling of constant stress and anxiety for the victim.
Furthermore, cyberbullying can be more severe than traditional bullying, as the victim is exposed to a wider audience and the bullying can persist indefinitely. It can also cause long-term harm, such as depression, anxiety, and even suicide.
In summary, while digitalization has brought many benefits to society, we also see many negative impacts of digitalization on health. The increasing use of digital devices and the internet has led to people spending more time in front of screens, which can lead to physical and mental health problems such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, sleep disorders, headaches, and eye strain. The constant use of digital devices can lead to addiction, depression, and anxiety, and exacerbate existing mental health conditions such as loneliness and anxiety. It is important to note that these negative effects are not necessarily caused by digitalization itself, but rather by the way in which it is used. Therefore, it’s crucial to develop a healthy balance between the use of digital devices and other activities such as exercise, social interaction, and relaxation. Setting limits on the amount of time spent on digital devices, taking regular breaks, and engaging in physical activities can help reduce the negative effects of digitalization on human health. Additionally, being aware of the potential negative effects and taking steps to prevent them can help ensure that the benefits of digitalization can be enjoyed without compromising health.
