Academic Communication: Analysis of Screen Technology Impacts

This essay examines the multifaceted impacts of screen technology on human brain and behavior. It delves into the positive and negative effects of internet and social media usage, discussing how screen time can influence cognitive development, neuroplasticity, and the potential for addiction. The essay references studies that explore the relationship between screen technology and mental health, including issues such as anxiety, depression, and the development of an ego-centric culture. It also highlights the brain's ability to adapt to experiences, emphasizing the importance of balanced screen technology usage to avoid negative consequences. The essay concludes by underscoring that while technology continues to advance, a mindful approach is necessary to mitigate the potential harms and optimize cognitive development.

Running Head: Academic Communication
Academic Communication
Impacts of Screen Technology

Academic Communication
Impacts of Screen Technology
Technology has grown so much these days that absolutely anything can be done with in the
span of minutes. Screen technology is one of the technologies which is widely used in the
world. On the other hand, internet and computer usage has its adverse effects on the brain and
behaviour of human beings and especially children (Jain et al., 2013).
There were studies done where it was mentioned that there was exactly no evidence as to how
technology ruins the brain. But it was also mentioned that the use was not typical use or
reflected the time spent on internet. More time spent on the screen is linked with the feelings
that are low in social acceptance and high in loneliness and aggression. A few activities such
as social networking, games etc. are harmful for the human being’s wellbeing. Moreover,
people who spent more time on screen tend to experience problems in their social and
emotional life(Alghamdi, 2017). The structure of the brain changes in response to the
experiences a person has and it is a very well-known process. It can be shocking if no
changes are done to brain structuring if the time spent on screen is more than usual. When
high level of the internet and screen is used, it affects the cortex and other parts of the brain.
A person can become addicted to the safe of the interest if he continuously keeps on using it
for a few years. This phenomenon is known as addictive disorder(M, 2018). There have been
evidences that refers to the time spent on the internet hampers the human brain negatively as
it relates with grey matter volume at different cortical sites. However, there are still studies
needed for all these types of aspects of usage of screen.
Some of the researchers claimed that social sites and internet usage develops and grows the
friendships. Those researchers believed that people usually tell the truth on internet and they
portray their identity in the very truthful manner(BMJ, 2015). There is no denial in the fact
that more than usual usage of the screen is harmful to the human beings, but there are some
positive impacts too if the technology is sued carefully and efficiently. While first person
shooting in shooting games, games are usually taken as the danger to the children, there have
been studies which claims that it is not like that. Such type of games can motivate a person to
take his own decisions and improve an individual’s decision making skills and confidence.
Moreover, games that are based on strategy making can enhance the cognitive flexibility of
the player because of the switches in the game activities. Such activities can improve the
multi-tasking of a person in real world. This is true that when the smartphones are used for
more time, they can cause anxiety and depression but studies have found that they can
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Academic Communication
enhance happiness of the individual. Taking pictures and selfies makes people happy as they
can keep them as memories with themselves. There were experiments done where people
were asked to take pictures with other people and take selfies of themselves(Haughton et al.,
2015). Taking selfies made people happy and feel confident. Revisiting those pictures
enhanced happiness and increased their self-worth. Human beings are the type of people who
love being social all the time. They like new gossips and news. Screen technology helps
people in staying connected with the world and do multitasking at a single moment of time.
In this busy world, people can stay connected with their loved one’s with the help of screen
technology only. If people will stay connected, they will feel emotionally strong and
confident.
Brain plasticity is the kind of capability that brain has to keep on changing according to the
passing time and technology and new learnings. As it is discussed above that screen
technology has both positive and negative impacts on the development of the emotions, brain
and behaviour of human beings, it can be said that brain changes according to the usage of
the technology(Leigh, 2016). In case if there will be more usage of the social media and
networking, brain will develop accordingly. On the other hand, brain will be taught to stay
confident and strong if the usage of the screen is done in the right way. It is demonstrated that
the experiences that the person has been having shapes the brain circuits and make them
function like it is taught and keep it young. Experience is one of the factors which influences
the brain to become more of a plastic. In other words, experiences increase
neuroplasticity(Delahunt, 2010).
It is said that internet usage is psychological addiction but the scanning of brain of people
while using social media displays the impairment in the similar regions as affected by
substance addiction. Addiction to screen technology may be psychological but is also
displays indicators that are psychological in brain with the concern to mental health
professionals. Multitasking can also lower the capability to concentrate on a singular task as
there is a lot of interference when multi-tasking is done(Mandolesi et al., 2017). It also
obstructs the function of the memory. One more impact of the screen technology is phantom
vibration syndrome. This syndrome shows the rapid assimilation of the trigger in bodies
which actually does not exist. More usage of the screen demonstrates the release of dopamine
by the brains as the response to social media stimulation. Social media develops ego centric
culture which is not good for health of brain of human beings.
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Academic Communication
In the conclusion of this essay, it can be easily said that there are certainly positive effects of
the usage of screen technology but on the whole, there are so many negative impacts of the
same. Technology is speeding and growing day after day and it is unstoppable. People are
spending much more time on screen and digital media which has its own effects on cognitive
development. Brain will do as taught. If negative impacts will be done to the brain, the brain
would also act that way. It is because of the brain plasticity ability. Hence, usage of screen
technology should be done in balance and should not convert into addictive disorder.
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Academic Communication
References
Alghamdi, Y., 2017. Negative Effects of Technology on Children of Today. Researchgate.
BMJ, 2015. The debate over digital technology and young people. [Online] Available at:
https://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h3064/rr-2 [Accessed 12 May 2018].
Delahunt, P., 2010. Brain Plasticity Cuts Both Ways: How Does Technology Affect The
Brains of Children? [Online] Available at: https://blog.brainhq.com/2010/02/09/brain-
plasticity-cuts-both-ways-how-does-technology-affect-the-brains-of-children/ [Accessed 12
May 2018].
Haughton, , Aiken, & Cheevers , , 2015. Cyber Babies: The Impact of Emerging Technology
on the Developing Infant. Psychology Research, 5(9), pp.504-18.
Jain, A., Bhargava, D. & Rajput, A., 2013. TOUCH-SCREEN TECHNOLOGY.
International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science and Electronics
Engineering, 2(1).
Leigh, D., 2016. Can The Internet Affect Neuroplasticity? Five Ways Social Media Changes
Your Brain. [Online] Available at: http://iheartintelligence.com/2016/01/07/internet-
neuroplasticity-social/ [Accessed 12 May 2018].
M, S., 2018. The Impact of using Gadgets on Children. Journal of Depression and Anxiety,
7(1).
Mandolesi, L., Gelfo, F., Serra, L. & Sorrentino, G., 2017. Environmental Factors Promoting
Neural Plasticity: Insights from Animal and Human Studies. Neural Plasticity.
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