LO DISCURSIVE ESSAY
Technology has become increasingly more prominent in modern day society, especially during the
pandemic this year. This is a concerning matter, as these major technological advancements have
negatively effected our society as a whole, by causing more problems than they are solving.
Technological advancements have created issues concerning the health of our community,
communication and relationship building, as well as the degradation of the human mind and morals.
In recent years, the health of society as a whole has declined due to technological advancements.
Major effects have been seen in both physical and mental health due to increased time spent on a
screen, radiation and other factors. With children and teenagers spending an average of upwards of 7
hours staring at a screen, it is no wonder that sedentary lifestyles and all the health issues that come
with them, are becoming more common. Insomnia, obesity, cardiovascular disease and vision
deterioration are only a few of the health issues arising from this increased time spent online. (Welch,
2018) Social media also contributes to mental health issues such as narcissism, depression and low
self esteem. It has created standards more unrealistic than any other form of media, which is a main
cause of many body image issues in society today. Furthermore, since technology has evolved so
quickly over the past few years, that the long term effects of these advancements are not yet known.
Radiation from cell phone towers and WiFi routers are thought to be the causes of the increased
cancer cases and learning disabilities in recent times, and may cause long term problems that we are
unaware of at present.(David, 2020) Therefore technological advances have caused great harm to
society through contributing to creating mental and physical health issues on a scale as never seen
before.
Technology has inhibited people’s ability to communicate effectively. It was found that over 65% of
communication is done non- verbally, through tone, eye contact and body language. (Pease, 2006)
The most common form of online communication is through instant messaging, which cannot convey
these essential non-verbal cues. This often leads to misunderstandings and therefore is ineffective
communication. Furthermore, bullying has become a bigger issue due to social media, with cyber
bullying officially becoming the most common form of harassment. (Gordon, 2020) Behind a screen
people feel more powerful than anywhere else, and are thus capable of hurting others far more than in
real life. Perpetrators are not forced to see the reaction of their victim, resulting in a lack of empathy,
and worsening the online harassment. Anonymity online has also aided in making cyber bullying so
easy for the perpetrators, as they know they won’t be easily caught and can act under alternate names.
Additionally, the communication in relationships has deteriorated through online platforms. Firstly,
the constant comparison of relationships on social media often leaves people feeling that their
relationship isn’t good enough, compared to all the other perfect couples online. There is a lot of
Technology has become increasingly more prominent in modern day society, especially during the
pandemic this year. This is a concerning matter, as these major technological advancements have
negatively effected our society as a whole, by causing more problems than they are solving.
Technological advancements have created issues concerning the health of our community,
communication and relationship building, as well as the degradation of the human mind and morals.
In recent years, the health of society as a whole has declined due to technological advancements.
Major effects have been seen in both physical and mental health due to increased time spent on a
screen, radiation and other factors. With children and teenagers spending an average of upwards of 7
hours staring at a screen, it is no wonder that sedentary lifestyles and all the health issues that come
with them, are becoming more common. Insomnia, obesity, cardiovascular disease and vision
deterioration are only a few of the health issues arising from this increased time spent online. (Welch,
2018) Social media also contributes to mental health issues such as narcissism, depression and low
self esteem. It has created standards more unrealistic than any other form of media, which is a main
cause of many body image issues in society today. Furthermore, since technology has evolved so
quickly over the past few years, that the long term effects of these advancements are not yet known.
Radiation from cell phone towers and WiFi routers are thought to be the causes of the increased
cancer cases and learning disabilities in recent times, and may cause long term problems that we are
unaware of at present.(David, 2020) Therefore technological advances have caused great harm to
society through contributing to creating mental and physical health issues on a scale as never seen
before.
Technology has inhibited people’s ability to communicate effectively. It was found that over 65% of
communication is done non- verbally, through tone, eye contact and body language. (Pease, 2006)
The most common form of online communication is through instant messaging, which cannot convey
these essential non-verbal cues. This often leads to misunderstandings and therefore is ineffective
communication. Furthermore, bullying has become a bigger issue due to social media, with cyber
bullying officially becoming the most common form of harassment. (Gordon, 2020) Behind a screen
people feel more powerful than anywhere else, and are thus capable of hurting others far more than in
real life. Perpetrators are not forced to see the reaction of their victim, resulting in a lack of empathy,
and worsening the online harassment. Anonymity online has also aided in making cyber bullying so
easy for the perpetrators, as they know they won’t be easily caught and can act under alternate names.
Additionally, the communication in relationships has deteriorated through online platforms. Firstly,
the constant comparison of relationships on social media often leaves people feeling that their
relationship isn’t good enough, compared to all the other perfect couples online. There is a lot of
