COMM 171 Reflective Writing: Digital Overload and its Impact

This reflective writing assignment, completed for a COMM 171 course, explores the student's personal experiences with and understanding of "digital overload." The student discusses the symptoms of digital overload, such as fatigue and anxiety, and highlights the pervasive use of digital devices among the 21st-century population. The assignment references Statistics Canada data on internet usage and research on the impact of smartphones on teenagers. The student reflects on the preparation for an oral presentation on this topic, acknowledging both the potential benefits and drawbacks of digital technology. The student concludes that technology's efficiency depends on its appropriate use within reasonable parameters and the importance of taking breaks from digital devices. The assignment also includes references to support the ideas and follows APA documentation style.

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REFLECTIVE WRITING ON “TAKING A BREAK FROM DIGITAL
OVERLOAD”
NAME: ________
COLLEGE: ____________
COURSE NAME: ________________
SECTION NUMBER: _________
PROFESSOR’S NAME: ______________
DUE DATE: ________

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My first personal experience with the digital overload was in the form of symptoms like
fatigue, headache, anxiety and itchy eyes. That is how I realized that our generation is largely
dependent upon the digital devices like computer, tablets, smart phones, e-readers and more.
Collectively the phenomena is being called “digital overload.” I believe, humans of 21st century
are desperately in need of taking a break from digital overload.
Lately I also realized that the impact of exposure to digital devices is even more, because
of the fact that we engage in multi tasking and therefore use more than one device at a time. This
increases not only the amount of strain on eyes, but also keeps our mind and body constantly in
the state of engagement to something or another.
As I surfed over the internet for my presentation, I found that almost every Canadian
belonging to the age group of below 45 years old use internet every day. In addition, it is
significant to note that young demographic group belonging to age group of 15 to 24 years old
was almost 100 percent engaged in digital technology usage per day (Statistics Canada, 2017).
Further to add, I found that according to a recent research conducted, teenagers are most exposed
to the medical disorders such as ADHD, because of the excessive smart phone use
(Huffingtonpost Canada, 2018). Thus, the issue is worth the attention.
Accordingly, the preparation for the oral presentation made me aware of the severity of
the problem that the digital devices are posing to the people around the globe, specially the
youth. However, according to my friend as stated in the presentation, digital technology has a
number of potentials in the form of real time conversations, knowledge enhancement, reducing
the distance issues, enhanced mental capabilities through games and use of internet. I believe all

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of the above is true but would be effective only when the technology is used in the right amount
and the right manner.
Thus, to conclude I would state that a technology can be efficient and can add value to
the lives of humans only when used within suitable parameters of time, cost and other
considerations. Hence, humans must also take break from digital devices once in a while.

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Reference
Huffingtonpost Canada. (2018). Digital Overload, Smartphones Could Cause Rise In Teen
ADHD Symptoms. Retrieved from:
https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2018/07/18/smartphones-adhd-study_a_23484720/
Statistics Canada. (2017). The Internet and Digital Technology. Retrieved from:
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-m/11-627-m2017032-eng.htm

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