Stress and Technology

I made the prediction at the start of this project that technology is a major cause of stress. To analyse this I asked the following questions:

How does this apply to me? Where do I see this in my life?
What can I do about this?
What factors are connected to it?
Who are the stakeholders?
Who do we blame?
How can we fix it?
How has this changed over time?

Here is my end conclusion: 
I have discovered that technology is a cause of stress. I see examples everyday: from school to my friends and even within my family. As technology has changed in our society, stress levels have also begun to increase. There are many things and people connected to this problem such as individuals, large and small companies and even society in general. Even as this is a large problem that influences everyone, there really is no body that can be blamed. Even though there are no ways to target a responsible party, there is still a fix. The best solution is simply to promote change, and encourage people to remember not to rely to heavily on technology.

Why is this the biggest problem in the world? 
This problem is become more significant as technology improves. As technology spreads to each part of life, stress from technology will become much more prevalent. This is the biggest problem in the world only because it is taking over every part of human life.

Technologically Stressful Work

My dad, Mark Mannard, works in the IT department of South King Fire and Rescue. His job is to analyse, repair, install and test all the technology that is used by the whole department. Some days he will test small technology like in the picture above, but more than often he is working on larger projects like replacing all the radios, and reprogramming technologies to the rigs.

According to dad, working in technology fields can defiantly cause stress. He says that not only is it a lot of work to learn and teach all the new technology. Also, dad said that there are a lot of deadlines and that people always seem to want the job done 'right now.' According to logic previously communicated in this blog, technology causes people's lives to speed up which is part of the stress my dad encounters at work.

Cyber-bullying

I can't believe that I didn't think about this form of technology stress until now! Cyber-bullying has become a much bigger problem as technology advances. The effects that this form of bullying had are much like the resulting feelings of any other kind of bullying.

Cyber-bullying definition: a form of bullying (a repeated action that causes harm to an individual, may it be intentional or not) that occurs using technology such as social media, instant messaging, email or other digital resources.

According to Dosomething.org here are 11 facts about cyber-bullying:

Here is my analysis of cyber-bullying:

Cyber-bullying is one of the worst outcomes of advancing technology. It has both an emotional and physical impact on the individual. Emotions that are produced include angry, frustration, sadness and depression. All of these feelings fall under the category of stress. Because of the severity of the emotional impacts, it also may wear down the person physically.

As technology has improved, the commonality of this type of bullying has also become more prevalent in our society. Which in turn has majorly increased world wide stress levels.

"11 Facts About Cyber Bullying." Do Something. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May 2013. <http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-cyber-bullying>.

Technology Stress Statistics

Gilbert, Jason. "WiFi, The Cloud Top Survey Of Most Stress-Inducing Concepts In Tech: Virgin Digital." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 24 July 2012. Web. 22 May 2013. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/24/wi-fi-cloud-top-sress-in-tech-survey_n_1697987.html>.

Technology Addiction # 2

Below are anonymous quotes taken from students facing "technology withdrawal" of only 24 hours. Each quote demonstrates a stressful tone as a result of their addiction. 

"I felt so lonely... I could not sleep well without sharing or connecting to others."

"I felt so uncomfortable and insecure."

"The anxiety and loneliness inside me were growing. I could hardy concentrate."

"I panicked." 

"I felt like there was a problem with me." 

Chu, Elbert. "Students and Technology: Addiction or Education? [Infographic] | WiredAcademic." WiredAcademic RSS. WiredAcademics, 15 Apr. 2011. Web. 22 May 2013. <http://www.wiredacademic.com/2011/08/students-and-technology-addiction-or-education-infographic/?wprptest2=2>.

Technology Addictions # 1

Overuse of technology is one of the biggest contributors of stress due to technology. As technology usage increases, the resulting stress will increase as well. 

"School Leaders Use Controversial Brain Surgery to Cure Ed-Tech Reform Addiction."Around the Corner. Blogger, 30 Dec. 2012. Web. 22 May 2013. <http://www.mguhlin.org/2012/12/school-leaders-use-controversial-brain.html?m=1>.

Technology Connects Chemistry of Stress

There is an exception to every rule. This article does not support my idea of technology causing stress, but connects the two in an unexpected way. 

The article "technology can reduce our stress, too" presents new technology that can create a map of the brain to determine how an individual manages stress. The procedure creates stressful situations for the testee and then the device monitors the reaction of the brain. Although stressful in the immediate moment, this gives the person an idea of how they react to stress, and how they can manage that stress. 

Enayati, Amanda. "Technology Can Reduce Our Stress, Too." CNN. Cable News Network, 01 Jan. 1970. Web. 21 May 2013. <http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/05/health/enayati-technology-reduce-stress>.

Pros of Technology?

Every argument has an opposing side. So far, the message about technology has simply been that technology causes stress in our society. So what are the pros to technology use? And are they really as beneficial as they seem?

Here are common beneficial perceptions of technology--and why they are wrong in terms of stress.

• The option to use online or digital calenders to organize schedules and keep it handy at all times. As useful as this can be, it is also one reason why people are beginning to pack so many activities into one day. Because they can use the calender to see what they have planned at any time, they are more likely to cram things into the small spaces of free time that are available. 
• Having communication through messaging, e-mail and social media always available. As mentioned previously  this is useful; however, it takes away from time that should be saved for relaxation and fun. 
• The world seems smaller due to wide spanned communication. However using the technology there is a larger chance for miscommuncation over large distances. In addition, this takes away from the mystery and adventure that the world holds. 
• "Information and news broadcasting has become more personalized as well. Moreover, it can reach more people at a faster speed, and people's response can also be felt immediately." This is great for most people, but what about situations like the atom bombing or Tienanmen Square where the government controlled the technology and media to block the news from citizens. 
• Automated business options. This may help the business become more successful, however it takes a lot of difficult and expensive changes as well as training both employees and costumers to use the more complex system. This process of training alone may be very stressful. 

"Benefits of Technology." Technology Articles. Blogger, n.d. Web. 21 May 2013. <http://minharoupasuaroupa.blogspot.com/2012/03/benefits-of-technology.html>. 

Who Will Take the Blame for Stress?

In my opinion,there are two major stakeholder directions to point fingers: 

1. Big ticket technology companies. According to CNNMoney, the following companies are the "ten most admired tech companies:" Apple, Google, Amazon, IBM, Microsoft, Intel, Accenture, eBay, Facebook and Cisco. One option would be to blame these companies because their success and constant development produces the technology that causes our society to be so stressful. These companies also do a very good job of advertising their products to make people think that they need them in their life to be successful. This causes stress due to the reliability people have on technology.
2. Society and Individuals. It would be an option to blame the people for letting technology become a cause of stress and for becoming so emotionally attached to the technology that has become available. 

I think that neither of these stockholders are a good option to blame for the problem of stress due to technology. Both stress and technology are natural reactions to the needs, solutions, changes and developments in the world today. 

So the answer to the questions 'who will take the blame for stress?' is that no one will. There is really nothing good that can come from pointing fingers anyway, right? The best option is simply to try to fix the problem of  stress and technology that is taking control over our society. 

Akhtar, Omar. "10 Most Admired Tech Companies." CNNMoney. Cable News Network, 28 Feb. 2013. Web. 20 May 2013. <http://money.cnn.com/gallery/technology/2013/02/28/most-admired-technology.fortune/jump.html>.

History of Technology

If the problem is stress due to technology, then the increase in technology is a major player in this modern problem. According to the seven requirements of a civilization, development and improving technology is necessary for keeping a successful society.

In our society, technology changes every day. These advancements cause stress to people because of the attachment that has been created with the technology, the need to update old technology and learn new programs, and constant change. 

Here is a diagram that shows the advancements of technology that have increased stress in our world. 

Denmead, Ken. Key Moments in Consumer Electronics: A Timeline. Digital image. Wired. Condé Nast Web Sites, 9 Jan. 2010. Web. 20 May 2013. <http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2010/01/cool-timeline-of-consumer-tech-is-a-scrapbook-for-geeks/>.

Tip #2: Technology Distractions

Do your best not to let technology become a distraction to your work or your life outside of work. This will decrease dependence on the technology, therefore decreasing stress. 

Adams, Aranda. Cartoon. The Uniter. Mouseland Press, 28 Nov. 2012. Web. 19 May 2013. <http://uniter.ca/view/8494/>.

Reducing Technology Frustration

I believe that technology does create generally a more stressful lifestyle. However it is also true that malfunctioning or complex technology can cause a person extreme frustration or confusion. Here is one way that you can change a frustrating situation to be more manageable and less stressful for you. 

Getting un-frustrated according to Ethan Waldman

1.  Take a break. Work on something different and try again back later. 
2. Define the problem: what are you really trying to do? 
3. Type the problem into your favorite search engine to find the best solution. 
4. Follow the instructions exactly. Do not make changes. 
5. Monitor self-talk: "If you’re always telling yourself that you’re bad with technology, you will always be bad with technology. Be kind to yourself."
6. Use your resources--learn how to ask for help.

Waldman, Ethan. "How To Reduce Technology Frustration and Write Distraction-Free."Write to Done. Write to Done, n.d. Web. 19 May 2013. <http://writetodone.com/2011/07/07/how-to-reduce-technology-frustration-and-write-distraction-free/>.

Tip #1: The Best Solution

How We Can Fix This? #2

The second way that I can think of to reduce stress due to technology is to cut down on the screen time of the individual. Surprisingly enough, the methods used to limit the technology use of kids may be just as efficient for an individual to use.

According to Andrea Roxas, here are the most important steps in reducing technology use for kids:

1. Set some rules: when you can and cannot use technology. 
2. Keep a log: how much do you use your phone or computer everyday? The National Institute of Health recommends limiting screen time to no more than 2 hours per day.
3. Put chores first: technology use--especially for games and internet surfing--should be a privilege. 
4. Set aside specific times for friends: remember that digital connects can never replace physical relationships. 
5. Keep other activities on hand: have brain teasers, games or comics on hand. 
6. Leave technology out of your bedroom when its time to go to sleep. 
7. It may be hard to make this change on your own, so don't be afraid to include your family. It will be healthy for everyone. 

Roxas, Andrea. "7 Ways to Reduce Kids Tech Use." Babble RSS. The Walt Disney Company, 13 Apr. 2011. Web. 18 May 2013. <http://www.babble.com/summer-guide-2011/texting-kids-technology-overload-screen-time/texting-kids-technology-overload-screen-time-2/>.

Cell Phones and Video Games

Yesterday, I heard someone say that cell phone games are the best way that they relieve stress. At first I believed her. As she sat down and opened her favorite IPhone game,  her shoulders relaxed and her face became less tense. Because she is my best friend, I knew that there was still things bothering her; however, at that moment she seemed totally immersed in the game.

This continued for awhile. But soon, she began to get frustrated with the game. Every time she made a small mistake she got continually more angry. And then all of the other things on her mind seemed to become more frustrating as well. And she was back in a state of intense stress. 

So then I thought 'what if cell phone games are negatively influencing the amount of stress that people are experiencing?' 

My conclusion is that the amount of time people spend on video games, especially on their phones or IPods which are constantly available, causes people to be more stressed. Games turn into one more things to become attached to and worry about succeeding in, instead of being a silly, fun past time. 

This is just a small piece of how technology increases stress in our society. However, I believe it is an important piece of the puzzle that is constantly growing as technology improves. 

How Can We Fix This? #1

I think that there are two ways to avoid stress from technology. The first is to reduce general stress. By reducing overall stress, things in life will be less tense, and the individual will cope with stress from technology better.

Here are 10 ways I know to deflect or cope with stress:

1. Take a shower.  
2. Running and exercising. 
3. Watch a favorite movie. 
4. Take a nature walk or photography adventure. 
5. Read a fun book. 
6. Choose something to give up in order to focus on whats most important in your life. 
7. Take advantage of the weather. (Rain or shine) 
8. Organize something! 
9. Take a nap and get some extra sleep. 
10. Eat a healthy snack (My favorite is smoothies!)

Stress Increase Due to Technology

We all see technology improving. Everyday there is a new device, program or update available. But how do we know that stress levels are increasing as well?

Research shows that in addition to technology increasing, stress is also increasing. According to researchers at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, "Stress increased 18% for women and 24% for men from 1983 to 2009," when data was collected from 6,300 people. 

Technology has been the biggest change in our society in the past few years, and has had a huge influence on the stress levels of individuals. 

Jayson, Sharon. "USA TODAY." USATODAY.COM. Gannett Co. Inc., 13 June 2012. Web. 15 May 2013. <http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/health/story/2012-06-13/stress-increase-over-time/55587296/1>.

Complicating Life and Connections to Stress

How does technology complicate lives as it improves, and how has that created more stress in our society? 

1. Being Constantly Connected--People are able to communicate and work without having to get off the couch. This is great for productivity, however it means that people are constantly reminded of the things that must get done. Being constantly connected provides a constant need to be productive. This is dangerous to stress levels because when people are constantly focused on work, they do not have the opportunity to relax and take care of themselves.

2. Instant Response--Because people receive a response to their message so much quicker due to constant technology connections, work lives becomes more fast paced. Rushed work is a huge cause of stress in our society. 

3.  Distractions--Although some people are too productive due to technology, other see new technology as yet another thing to stop them from getting their work done. The more technology available  the more distractions and the less work that get done. This causes stress because less work has gotten done. In addition, procrastinating work will result in a rush to get the work done later, which causes stress.

4.    Isolation-- Spending time with friends and family is a form of relaxation. Technology, although providing an addition communication link, takes away from spending physical time together. 

5.   Inconsideration-- "being constantly connected can cause us to be inconsiderate when others are asking for our attention. This can create stress at home and on the job—like when your boss is too distracted by a text to listen to your suggestion or your spouse gets frustrated because you take a work call in the middle of a discussion."

Boucher, Ryan. "Five Ways Technology Complicates Our Lives." Market Words. Blogger, 12 Oct. 2012. Web. 14 May 2013. <http://marketwords.blogspot.com/2012/10/five-ways-technology-complicates-our.html>.

How Does Technology Cause Stress?

I see stress from technology everyday. Someone getting frustrated when the internet is to slow, someone else getting angry when their email can't send, even people who stay up late on their computer and are grumpy the next day. 

Doctor David Volpi, wrote an article for Huffpost Healthy Living to explain how technology can be linked to stress, depression and fatigue in young adults. 

Volpi states that the light from screens is a major player in why technology causes stress. He says that affects melatonin production and throws off circadian rhythms, which prevents good sleep. 

Doctoral student Sara Thomée  at the University of Gothenburg's Sahlgrenska Academy did research which backed up Volpi's fact. Thomée and her team asked 4,100 young adults between age 20 and 24 to fill out questionnaires, in addition to interviewing 32 people in the same age range that were believed to spend a lot of time using their computer or cell phone.

Quoted below are some of the results from Thomée's research: 

• "Heavy cell phone use showed an increase in sleep disorders in men and an increase in depressive symptoms in both men and women.
•  Those constantly accessible via cell phones were the most likely to report mental health issues.
• Men who use computers intensively were more likely to develop sleeping problems.
• Regular, late night computer use was associated with sleep disorders, stress and depressive symptoms in both men and women.
• Frequently using a computer without breaks further increases the risk of stress, sleeping problems and depressive symptoms in women.
•  A combination of both heavy computer use and heavy mobile use makes the associations even stronger."

Therefore, as technology becomes more prevalent in our society (especially among youth and young adults) people accumulate more screen time. As people spend more time behind a screen, their amount or quality of sleep greatly decreases. And lack of sleep is easily one of the things that is most likely to cause stress. 

So what can we do about this? There is a simple answer: Spend less time behind a screen. Go outside or read a book! More specifically however, don't let your technology get in the way of sleep. Hit the power button early, plug in your phone across the room, and don't let them distract you from getting a good nights rest. 

Volpi, David, M.D., "Heavy Technology Use Linked to Fatigue, Stress and Depression in Young Adults." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 02 Aug. 2012. Web. 09 May 2013. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-volpi-md-pc-facs/technology-depression_b_1723625.html>.

Stress and Technology

Everyday we see technology changing, it's a part of today's society--but has anyone stopped to think about how that influences individuals? In today's society the relationship between feelings and the environment is seemingly lost... but is it? No matter how transparent the connection, the developments that are made every day have a greater influence on the mind then many seem to think. The technology that is being developed is great, and it has many positive repercussions; however there is also a negative consequence: Stress.

So what is wrong with the world today? What's wrong is that so many people do not see how their surroundings effect the way they feel. Technology and stress. That is the problem.

Here are the questions that will need to be addressed to fully understand this problem: 
How does this apply to me?
What can I do about this?
Why is this the biggest problem in our world today?
What factors are connected to it?
Who are the stakeholders?
Who do we blame?
How can we fix it?
How has this changed over time?