Throughout the day people are constantly using technology, whether for work or for pleasure.

As stated by a Neilsen audience report, adults in the United States devote about 10 hours and 39 minutes each day to consuming media.

Advancements in technology have made this easier.

For example, many companies are now using technology as their main communication tool, limiting face to face interaction.

Streaming services such as Netflix allow people to watch television shows and movies from anywhere.

The rise of social media has also increased screen time. Social media allows people to be connected to their friends and families all the time. However, this constant screen time can have both mental and physical effects.

According to RallyHealth, the effects of too much screen time can include vision problems, sleep deprivation, addiction, weight gain and overall health issues.

When a person looks at a screen for too long their eyes become strained. This can then lead to blurry vision, dry eyes and headaches.

While viewing the screen people often slouch over or have bad posture which can cause back issues.

Also, when looking down at a screen, a person’s neck is craned. If a person stays in that position for too long, it can lead to neck and shoulder issues.

People tend to spend too much time staring at the screen, which can lead to sleep deprivation. The light from the device may stimulate them and keep them awake.

The reason people spend so much time on their devices is that due to advancements in technology we can do almost anything with it.

Our whole world is in our phone. This includes our work, entertainment and social life. While this easy access can be a good thing, too much of it can be a problem.

The pleasure we get from our devices releases dopamine, a chemical which makes us feel good, into our brains. We may begin to crave this feeling of satisfaction, creating an addiction.

The addiction to technology is widely seen today. Many people can’t go anywhere without their phone and become stressed if they are away from it. The need to use technology has also led to weight gain. Since many people use technology sitting down, they get less physical activity involved.
Despite these negative effects, there are a few positive ones. We are now more connected to those around us and have access to a wider range of resources, although the downside to this connection, is that it can cause more stress.

For example, people may feel like they’re missing something if they are not online. This stress can cause mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.

Elizabethtown College students also experience these effects. At Etown, some classes encourage the use of technology.

An example of this would be the communications department, in which technology is an integral part of the career field.

The use of technology can cause students to become distracted from their school work and stay up later. This can lead to a decrease in students’ academic performance and lower grades. Social media plays a large role in students’ use of technology.

It allows students to be connected to their friends 24 hours a day. They receive constant updates about what is happening throughout their friends days.

This can be helpful for students with busy schedules who don’t have time to catch up with their friends face to face.

However, this connection can also cause students to feel pressured to constantly check their devices. That pressure can ultimately lead to an addiction.

The addiction in turn can cause the negative physical effects of sleep deprivation and weight gain. It can also cause the negative mental effects of anxiety and depression.

Although, as junior Pleasant Sprinkle-Willaims pointed out, it is also about how the technology is being used. Williams, who spends an average of six hours a day on technology, says that she mostly uses technology to destress though video games or workout music.

“If a student had to work on homework all day on their computer, they would start to hate it. If, however, they use it for Netflix, they might find happiness,” Williams said.

So, as technology continues to invade all aspects of our lives the effects of excessive screen time are continuing to be seen today.