The Social Effects of Digital Technology

Introduction:

Digital technology was introduced thanks to numerous technological improvements, which have developed and changed society. As expected Postman (1992), “a new technology does not add or subtract something. It changes everything.” Digital technology is basically any software using or based on the binary code, a coding system using the binary digits 0 and 1 to represent a letter, digit, or character in a computer or any other electronic device. Both households and businesses use this technology for various purposes, such as entertainment, productivity, communication, etc. To define the actual benefits and negative impacts of digital technology, it first needs to be understood that this technology is mostly a platform, on which have grown numerous innovations. Digital technology is most known for providing society with personal computers and the Worldwide Web. President Clinton, in 1996 during his announcement of the initiative to take Internet to the Next Generation humorously said, “When I took office, only high energy physicists had ever heard of what is called the Worldwide Web… Now, even my cat has its own page.” On the other hand, what was, until recent days, less advertised were the negative effects that digital technology has had on society and mankind since it’s massive implementation. What is induced by this technology, and most importantly, what are the real benefits and effects of digital technology?

Negative Effect:

A- A study done at the university of Maryland reports the addictive potential of new digitalized technologies (Ipods, cellphones, laptops). College students who gave up all form of technology for 24 hours reported feelings of “withdrawal and anxiety”, according to an editorial in the Seattle Times. Sociability issues as well as a tendency towards isolation were observed in the tested group. In addition, what is considered even more preoccupying is the “potential effect so much technology might have on how children develop” (Seattle Times). A study done by Commonsense Media, found that “52 percent of children ages 5 to 8 years old have had access to a mobile device, while 39 percent of 2 to 4-year-olds and 10 percent of zero to 1-year-olds have had access.” Another research, done by The Kaiser Family Foundation, reports that “children aged 8 to 18 spend in average 7 hours and 38 minutes using media devices”. An excessive use of modern digital medias is claimed to lead to a sedentary mode of life, less time for social interactions, and more and more within children, obesity.