Technology Addiction: A Stigma for the World

 What would happen if someone snuck in during the night and took away all your technological products from your life forever? Just to be clear, it's not very likely to happen, hypothetically speaking. But if it did somehow happen, how would you react to it? Well, some of you might get anxious and there would be some panic and chaos. Others might feel like it's the end of their lives to some extent. From communication to entertainment, business to travelling, everything will come to a halt.

Humans are now considering technology as a part and parcel of their lives. Many among them have started using it excessively. The growing use of technology has given rise to a new type of addiction known as "technology addiction". With people turning more and more to technology, the chances of them getting addicted to it are also increasing. Technology is like a drug to your body. Just as drugs affect your physical and mental health, so does technology. But what exactly is technology addiction? Is it possible to prevent it? Is it even real? Let's dig deeper to find answers.

What is technology addiction?

Technology addiction refers to the overdependence on technology equipment which leads to the obsessive tech-related behaviour in the users. It is the inability to control the use of technology, especially the Internet, social networking sites, mobile phones, televisions, and video games. 

Technology is an addiction because in some cases it causes more harm than good to its users. Even if one would want to stop, it causes some withdrawal symptoms, and can lead to several dire consequences.

What are the signs and symptoms of technology addiction?

How do you recognize whether a person is a technology addict? Here is a list of some signs to watch for.

A technology addict:

• Feels restless or irritable if someone attempts to cut down the internet connection.

• Feels drawn towards the internet, mobile phones, or other technology-driven things.

• Stays online longer than usual.

• Becomes socially isolated and experiences depression and anxiety.

• Has poor hygiene and doesn't pay much heed towards her/his health.

• Ignores what is happening in real time, instead remain immersed in the virtual world.

• Loses sense of time while using technology.

• Withdraws from offline activities that were once pleasurable.

• Lies to family members regarding the extent of involvement with technology.

• Has constant neck pain, headaches, and red eyes.

Is technology addiction a real addiction?

Medical experts around the world have raised concerns about more people drawing towards their digital devices. Now addiction experts believe it's easier to treat a drug addict than a technology addict. Drug addicts can be treated by giving a proper medical treatment. While on the contrary, it is a difficult task to help tech addicts reduce their screen time. Just as drug addicts are unable to live without drugs or tobacco, similarly tech addicts also struggle to survive without checking their smartphones or computers. They are unable to distinguish between the virtual world and the real world. Aggression, depression, and anxiety can be easily seen in such addicts.

Tech addicts are not much different from other kinds of addicts. So it can be rightly said that addiction to technology is as serious as any other addiction. It indeed is a real addiction.

Which age group is more vulnerable to technology addiction?

Adolescents or teenagers are more susceptible to technology addiction. For them, technology is like a key to escape from real world challenges. They are turning more towards technology because the relaxation they get from the virtual world is nowhere in reality. Peer pressure, emotions, socialization are some of the other reasons why teenagers stay glued to their digital devices. 

The amount of time teenagers spend on the screens is increasing at a fast pace. It's not unusual for a teenager to turn on the TV and computer and start watching a TV show with one eye, while playing a game on the computer with another, somehow managing to text on a mobile phone as well. Needless to say, nowadays teenagers' lives revolve around technology. And video games like PUBG add fuel to the fire. Such video games are highly addictive since they provide real time gaming experiences. Now, teenagers think about bridge camping rather than their assignments. 

Teenagers are more vulnerable among other individuals. While playing such games, their expectations for gaining rewards increase. It leads to the release of dopamine and some other feel-good hormones. In turn, this craving for rewards grows and they try to get the same effect. In this age group, their brains are highly manipulative and anything they do becomes their habit sometimes. Unknowingly, they fall prey to technology addiction.

For most parents, technology addiction among their teens has become a growing concern. But finding a balance for them can do wonders.

How is technology addiction prevented?

When excessive use of technology begins to affect a user's mental and physical health, daily life, job or academic performance, and relationships, it may be time to seek help or guidance.

Here is a list of some options to prevent technology addiction:

• Engage in some recreational activities like sports, yoga, or even just getting good sleep.

• Avoid use of some applications and social networking sites.

• Educate teens and young adults about the negative impacts of technology.

• Seek family counselling.

• Socialize-in-person with friends or relatives.

• Get enrolled in a support group.

• Maintain a good standard of hygiene.

• If the problem still persists consider some treatment options, such as Reality Therapy (RT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Equine Therapy (ET)

Wrap-up

Excessive use of technology has the potential to become addictive and sometimes with dreadful consequences. People must keep a check on the amount of time they spend on using any digital device. Technology has been developed for reaping benefits and not something to grow addicted to.

Are you also a technology addict?

Know the Unreal World of Virtual Reality

Is it possible to create an illusory environment that can make your mind believe it is real? Can you think of experiencing something that appears to be real but is not exactly real? Believe it or not, you can experience something like this. But how? Well, this can be achieved with the help of technology known as "Virtual Reality". But what exactly is virtual reality? To find answers, let's dive into the world of this wonderful technology.

What is Virtual Reality?

Virtual Reality or VR refers to the three dimensional (3D) or computer-generated environment where the users can walk through and perform a series of actions. VR enables its users to handle and manipulate virtual objects or scenes that seem real. 

In other words, VR is a technology by which an immersive illusion can be created. It allows users to feel like they are physically present in the virtual world-- a world that doesn't exist in reality. With this technology, one can explore & experience the virtual world being generated by the computer. 

Now let us give you a brief history of virtual reality.

What is the history of VR?

Although it seems like the concept of VR is something new, this technology has roots in development several hundred years ago. The history of VR dates back to the 1800s when the first stereoscope was invented. Viewing images or photos through a stereoscope gave a sense of depth and immersion. This device was the first of its kind in the history of VR. But, later it developed into the View-Master in 1939. And it is still being produced today.

In the 1960s, a few scientists such as Heilig, Sutherland, etc. attempted to develop a head-mounting gear by which wearers could have a look at the 3d generated computer graphics. Of those scientists, Ivan Sutherland suggested it would serve as a window to the virtual world.

However, the term 'Virtual Reality' made its debut in the mid 1980s when the founder of VPL Research, Jaron Lanier, began working on 'gear' which also consisted of gloves and goggles. He believed the wearer could experience what is now known as virtual reality.

A few years later, in the early 1990s, Sega VR headset was designed for gaming, but it never made it into the market. Later, Virtuality produced the first VR game that gave its users a real-time gaming experience. Over the years, this technology saw many advancements, from VR headset Oculus Rift to Project Morpheus, Gear VR to Vive, and many more. Now, people have the ability to use and try VR practically. Today, various high-quality devices are easily accessible. Thanks to the pioneering inventors.

What equipment are used for Virtual Reality?

While the experiences gained by using this technology can be unbelievable to consumers, non installment of proper equipment might ruin their impression and experience. Hence, proper equipment is essential to have a good experience of virtual reality. Various kinds of equipment are used such as hardware, software, VR devices, etc. 

To start with setting up a virtual reality, one needs to monitor the movements of the person. Hardware tracks motions of users by using sensors. Such motions include body part movements, button presses, and controller movements. Besides hardware or software, the physical surrounding world is equally important to constitute a complete VR system. Some hardware equipment include data gloves, head-mounted displays (HMDs), wands, hand held virtual reality controllers and immersive rooms. 

VR devices come with body perception, monitors, and a sound system. These devices are the hardware products that include computers, smartphones, output devices, input devices and consoles. Input devices are crucial to help users interact within a VR environment. On the other hand, output devices bring naturalism to generate an immersive feeling. They include visual, auditory, or haptic displays. 

Software manages output and input devices, analyzes data, and also provides feedback. It plays a critical role in handling data, and sending response to the output displays. Software prevents the destruction of an immersive feeling by doing prompt tasks.

What are the applications of virtual reality?

Following are some applications of virtual reality in different fields:

• Entertainment

There are many applications of VR in the entertainment industry which range from virtual museums to galleries, virtual parks to music concerts. With people spending time on social media, video games, and cinema, the VR entertainment market is reaching a whole new level. 

Now, users can view 3d pictures that seem realistic and enjoyable. People can also have supernatural and paranormal experiences, that sometimes they are unable to do physically. Furthermore, virtual reality in the entertainment industry promises more engagement of consumers and boosting of commercial success.

• Business

VR allows businesses to have a 360° view of a product. It is useful for them to produce quality products which reduces the burden of their evaluation. VR helps take virtual tours of a business. 

Companies use this technology to hold meetings and train their employees as well. Some businesses are using VR for data analysis that gives them a better understanding of their data. Undoubtedly, virtual reality has reduced a lot of hardships faced by businesses.

• Sports

Nowadays, sports teams are investing millions in VR technology. Sportspeople around the world are turning to VR to bolster their training methods. It is useful to diversify and improve the training methods of athletes. Virtual reality also measures athletic performance and analyzes proper techniques. 3d systems help players practice without stepping on an actual field. They simulate real game conditions that make their sessions even more effective.

• Military

People have been using VR in military training for some time now. It is useful for training soldiers for dangerous situations as virtual reality's environment increases immersion that enables them to learn how and when to react. VR simulation reduces the risk of a serious injury posed by real world training. It allows soldiers to experience a particular situation within a confined area. Data gloves, VR glasses, HMDs are used to display 3d images for military training.

What is the future of Virtual Reality?

Virtual reality will become one of the most incredible concepts in the years to come. This technology is going to create such an experience for humans where it will be difficult for us to distinguish between the virtual and real world. 

In the future, VR will be used in all industries across the world. There will hardly be any industry that doesn't use it in some capacity. It will give people a chance to shop, travel, play, work, and even socialize without having to leave their houses. VR will serve a myriad of roles and become a standard practice across every field.

Wrap-up

Virtual reality is becoming a game-changer in various fields. Today, people are experiencing its benefits owing to the possibilities of this technology. Although virtual reality has already proved its worth, it still has a long way to go.

Do you think VR has changed your life yet? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!