We live in a world where we begin our day by scrolling through our mobile phones and tablets, looking for new messages and switching between social media applications such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram.

Today, people rely heavily on technology for their day-to-day tasks. I agree, modern technology assists us in numerous ways but there are many implications associated with its use. Do we really have to be so lazy that we turn on lights in our house with the help of virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa?

The use of modern technology greatly impacts family and social life. Instead of hanging out with friends and communicating face-to-face, people tend to spend most of their time using mobile phones and gaming consoles such as PS4.

Technology is hard to avoid, but it should not stop us from maintaining healthy and happy relationships

I know, technology is hard to avoid but we should not be lured by it to the extent that we stop maintaining healthy and happy relationships in life.

Not just teenagers, adults too greatly rely on technological devices. By watching videos and films on their devices, people tend to zone out. Parents spend their time watching their favourite shows on TV, while children spend their time on their mobile devices watching their favourite personalities on YouTube. As a result, parents and children do not get enough time to discuss their everyday happenings.

Excessive use of smart devices can also lead to numerous health and safety issues. Most teenagers are interested in listening to music, hence they spend a lot of time listening to loud music on their smart gadgets. Scientific research also shows that listening to loud music, especially through headphones, can lead to hearing impairment in the long run.

The use of these light-emitting screen devices can also cause damage to the eye. The blue light emitted by all smart phones and tablets can seriously damage the eyesight. Excessive use of physical and digital keyboards can also lead to RSI (repetitive strain injury) and arthritis. Although, ergonomic keyboards solve this problem, a very small number of people know about their availability.

People who listen to music while cycling or riding a bike are more likely to get injured and attacked by strangers as a result of not being fully aware of their surroundings. Scientific evidence has also proven that children living in nosily environments are more likely to have high stress levels and shorter concentration spans. Hence, loud music and sounds should be avoided as much as possible. After all your health is more precious that anything.

No, I am not telling you to simply stop using smart devices and technology, I am simply trying to raise awareness relate to the issues associated with its use. Sure, you can spend time on your mobile phones and watch some videos on it, but watching full-length movies on it is just too much for your eyes, mind and posture.

It is important to use everything in moderation, as the popular saying goes by ‘Too much of everything is bad’. We live in an era where everyone relies on technology, you can’t avoid it and stop having fun on it. Just make sure you maintain a healthy balance between study, relationships and the use of smart gadgets.

Published in Dawn, Young World, June 30th, 2018