We are addicted to technology

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It's 6 a.m. as I'm writing this, and I've probably slept for 3 hours tonight. Not only have I gone to bed late at night, but I also slept poorly. Why? Because I've been watching Youtube videos. Would there be no such thing as Youtube, internet or personal computer, I probably would not have had this issue.

But I'm not blaming technology for my problems of self-discipline, which I have been struggling with for as long as I can remember. Quite on the contrary, technology has made our lives much easier. Instead of hand washing clothes, we have washing machines, dishwashers take care of our dishes, television, computer and smartphone entertain us and the internet provides us with useful information. It gives us a chance to earn money, connect with people like never before and pay our bills without lifting a finger.

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So what is the problem then?

We have become addicted to all the technology around us. We like to convince ourselves that we are not addicted, that we always have something important to do on our computers and smartphones, but imagine if you had to get rid of all of the technology. There would be chaos. And you would probably be bored to death too.

The problem isn't only in using all this technology that we have available and relying on it completely, but also in the creationg of new ideas and technologies that will make our lives even easier. When will it be enough? Will it ever be enough? What would it take for people to say that we went too far and technology is no longer beneficial to us?

_{Source: Pixar Animation Studios}

Who is at fault?

I think we, human beings, are at fault of this, for rather than spending quality time with our friends and family, reading, exercising and developing useful hobbies, we spend our time online watching cat videos, which are a complete waste of time.

I can already hear you say »but cat videos make me happy and they relax me after a long, hard day«. While taking a break is definitely a good thing, instant gratification is another problem we have. Rather than giving up temporary happiness which doesn't last and work on something that will benefit us long term, we give ourselves over to easy tasks that make us happy temporarily. We don't think about what consequesnces that might have.

This reminds me of the animation film called Wall-E, I believe we might really turn out like the people in the film. In fact, we might be raising that generation at this moment.

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Don't believe me?

If technology is so amazing, innocent and without any drawbacks, then why do some of the most influental people avoid it, especially when it comes to their kids?

Prince William and Kate Middleton are known to have banned iPads in their home and prefer to raise their kids the »old-fashioned« way. Letting them play outside, read, exercise and develop their imagination. Which I adrmire greatly.

Of course it is easy to just give your child an iPad and let them watch cartoons or play games and be left to do your work in peace, but I think it would be important for every parent to consider, whether technology is a good or bad thing in their opinion and whether or not they are going to allow their kids such devices. Think about back in the days when we didn't have all this technology, how were we raised? Did we have a bad childhood only because we didn't have smartphones? I shall leave you with this thought.