When Technology is Too Much
Open the door of any 21st century home and you'll find people staring at screens. Computers, televisions, smartphones and more, today we prefer technological entertainment over bonding with friends or family members. What happened to tradition, sharing in fun, or just talking to each other?
Technology was made to make our lives easier and more enjoyable, but our always-on always-connected devices are over-stimulating us. Saturating our day with information and sensationalized stories only makes it harder to tell what's actually important, and worse, has the same effect on our brains! Too much at once causes Information Overload (IO) - a term used by psychologists as the literal inability to understand content when the mind is overstuffed - and can have a serious impact on your health and well-being. Early memory loss, low information retention, technology reliance, obesity and more are on the rise as more people fall into their comfortable seats.
As aware users, we must recognize how badly Information Overload can affect us. It may seem like a word's on the tip of your tongue, but your brain's thinking somewhere else: reading signs across the street, the notification buzz in your pocket, the TVs above the restaurant tables, music on the bus, or any of life's endless distractions. It's all too much! So what's the word that's really on the tip of your tongue? HELP!
Negative Effects of Information Overload
There's a lot that can happen when your brain isn't happy with your content consumption. Take caution and be aware of these side-effects of Information Overload and consider how you can help yourself on a regular basis, consider our programs for healthier living, or talk to your doctor about reducing stress in your lifestyle.
• Decline in memory / information retention
• Increased radiation & eye strain
• Stress & burn out from speed & volume of information received
• Lessened uptake of new, valuable information
• Reliance on devices and internet connections
• Phone numbers, addresses & other essential information hidden on devices
• Less handwriting skills over time
• Depression & anxiety from sheltered living
• Shortened attention spans
• Significantly decreased physical activity
• Less exposure to sunlight
• Few real world connections and conversations
• More cyber-bullying every day
• High absent-mindedness & social distractions
• More distracted drivers on the road
• "Tech Neck" from looking down and bad posture
• Obesity, malnutrition, and addictions all on the rise
• Increased aches and pains from sedentary lifestyle
These problems can be tackled, and it starts with the slightest effort. Put down the phone, step away from the screens, and smile to someone you love. Share your feelings, maybe go for a walk, and experience life for what it's been since the beginning of time: Beautiful. And if there's no one around, get that phone and use it for what it's meant for: connecting you to other PEOPLE.
All it takes is mindfulness of your tech habits and a little initiative to live better. How will you stop Information Overload today?
- Play outdoors / go for a walk
- Get together with family for board games
- Work on a hobby
- Exercise, go for a bike ride, have fun!
- Organize to-dos into bite-sized tasks
- Appreciate art & nature
- Visit a garden, try gardening
- Try stargazing with others
- Relax and just listen to music
- Read a book or two!