Uses and Effects Of Technology Dependence In Daily Life

Uses and Effects Of Technology Dependence In Daily Life

By: Miftahul Qolbi
Elfi. S.Pd.I.M.Pd
Technology has become an integral element in modern human life. From communication to work, almost every aspect of life is influenced by technology. This dependence continues to grow along with advancements in innovation and the accessibility of technology. While technology brings significant benefits, excessive dependence can result in serious side effects (Brown, 2021).
One of the main causes of technology dependence is the rapid development of technological innovations. Smart devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets now offer various functions that simplify daily activities (Smith, 2020). Additionally, the internet provides instant access to information, further increasing society's reliance on technology (Anderson & Jiang, 2019).
Ease of access is another key factor. With devices becoming more affordable and increased internet connectivity in various regions, technology is now accessible to almost all segments of society (OECD, 2020). Moreover, the fast-paced modern lifestyle drives individuals to seek instant solutions, such as food delivery apps and online transportation services (Davis, 2021). Social pressure to remain digitally connected also influences people's behavior towards technology usage (Wang, 2021).
Technology dependence offers several benefits. One positive effect is time and energy efficiency. Technology enables complex tasks to be completed more quickly, such as using automation software for administrative work (Lee, 2020) (Gupta, 2019). In education, technology has opened access to online learning resources, facilitating students and teachers (Johnson, 2021).
Furthermore, technology enables low-cost long-distance communication. Platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams make it possible to conduct meetings and learning sessions virtually, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic (Brynjolfsson, 2020). Technology also promotes financial inclusion through digital banking and electronic payment applications (World Bank, 2021).
However, excessive reliance on technology also has significant negative consequences. One common impact is the reduction in face-to-face social interaction, which can lead to social isolation (Turkle, 2015; Twenge, 2017). Moreover, uncontrolled use of technology may cause health problems, such as eye strain and poor posture (Smith et al., 2020).
Psychologically, excessive exposure to social media is often associated with increased levels of anxiety and depression, especially among teenagers (Twenge, 2018). Technology use also raises cybersecurity risks, including personal data theft and digital fraud (Anderson & Rainie, 2018). Technology dependence can also create a digital divide, leaving those without access to technology behind in education and employment opportunities (UNESCO, 2021).
In conclusion, technology dependence is an inevitable phenomenon in the modern era. While it provides numerous benefits, such as improving efficiency and information access, excessive dependence also carries significant risks. Therefore, it is essential for society to manage technology use wisely, maximizing its benefits while minimizing its negative impacts.