info@efdeportes.com

(Australia)

Reception: 03/22/2024 - Acceptance: 03/23/2024

Accessible document. Law N° 26.653. WCAG 2.0

Suggested reference: Grant, B. (2024). The Long-Term Effects of a Digital Lifestyle. Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes, 28(310), 248-253. https://www.efdeportes.com/efdeportes/index.php/EFDeportes/article/view/7253

 

Abstract

    The article explores the downside of a digital lifestyle. Spending excessive time online can lead to social isolation, anxiety, depression, and posture problems due to inactivity. It can also disrupt sleep patterns and strain your eyes. The constant influx of information can be overwhelming, and problematic internet use is on the rise, impacting mental health. Taking breaks from digital devices and practicing moderation are important for overall well-being.

    Keywords: Digital lifestyle. Mental health. Digital addiction.

 

Resumen

    El artículo explora las desventajas de un estilo de vida digital. Pasar demasiado tiempo en línea puede provocar aislamiento social, ansiedad, depresión y problemas de postura debido a la inactividad. También puede alterar los patrones de sueño y forzar la vista. La afluencia constante de información puede ser abrumadora y el uso problemático de Internet va en aumento, lo que afecta la salud mental. Tomar descansos de los dispositivos digitales y practicar la moderación es importante para el bienestar general.

    Palabras clave: Estilo de vida digital. Salud mental. Adicción digital.

 

Resumo

    O artigo explora as desvantagens de um estilo de vida digital. Passar muito tempo online pode levar ao isolamento social, ansiedade, depressão e problemas de postura devido à inatividade. Também pode perturbar os padrões de sono e cansar os olhos. O fluxo constante de informações pode ser esmagador e o uso problemático da Internet está aumentando, afetando a saúde mental. Fazer pausas nos dispositivos digitais e praticar a moderação são importantes para o bem-estar geral.

    Unitermos: Estilo de vida digital. Saúde mental. Adição digital.

 

Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes, Vol. 28, Núm. 310, Mar. (2024)

---

 

Introduction

 

    Billions of devices worldwide are connected to the internet right now. Technology is everywhere, and while the digital world can provide you with many positive aspects, there are also long-term effects that you need to be aware of. On average, adults throughout the world spend anywhere from forty minutes to six hours on the internet daily. The internet has become essential for work, staying connected with friends and family through social media, banking, grocery shopping, gaming, and more. But let’s take a closer look at some of the long-term effects of a digital lifestyle.

 

Source: Copilot Designer

 

Isolation 

 

    While some digital technologies, such as social media, are useful for staying connected with family and friends, they can also have the opposite effect. Studies have identified that people who use social media regularly are more likely to feel isolated than those who do not or only visit their social media pages now and then.

 

Anxiety and Depression 

 

    Another way that a digital lifestyle can have long-term effects on one’s mental health is the link between social media and anxiety and depression. A 2016 study found that people who experienced negative interactions on social media were more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety than those who had positive interactions. While a digital lifestyle has been linked tovarious consequences on mental health, anxiety and depression are highly correlatedto the types of interactions experienced when using social media platforms.

 

    Online gaming has also been identified as having a serious impact on mental health, particularly social anxiety and depression. However, it is more difficult to pinpoint the exact problem because those who enjoy online games can be online at any time of the day or night, spending all their free time playing games rather than socializing with others.

 

Posture Problems 

 

    If you spend hours in front of your computer or staring down at your phone, you may start experiencing back and neck pain. It is not uncommon to experience wrist, hand, and elbow from spendingtoo many hours using a digital device. Those that sit at a desk working on their laptop or computer for extended periods often experience poor posture due to poor ergonomic positioning. For example, if you spend excessive time searching for popular casino bonuses that are offered or scrolling on social media, you may experience what is known as “computer posture.”

 

Eye Strain 

 

    Constant exposure to digital devices can harm your eyes in the long term. Digital eye strain, also known as CVS (Computer Vision Syndrome), is commonly reported in people who view digital screens for long periods. Sixty percent of Americans have been affected by digital eye strain. Symptoms include blurred vision, dry eyes, redeyes, shoulder and neck pain, and headaches.

 

Sleep Disruption 

 

    It has been identified that using a digital device right before going to bed can impact your ability to get a good night’s sleep. The blue light from devices increases alertness, making it harder to fall asleep. You may also find that when you are playing games online and are stimulated, you are not ready to fall asleep. This often results in you being absorbed in the game, using technology way past your bedtime. But we all know how important sleep is for our bodies,so it’s important to ensure you get enough sleep each night to ensure proper bodily function.

 

Physically Inactive 

 

    One of the biggest concerns when it comes to the long-term effects of a digital lifestyle is the physical inactivity. When using your laptop or mobile device, you are not moving around as you should. Parents are seeing this with their children, raising concerns regarding their children being physically inactive. Not being active can lead to a host of health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

 

An Overload of Information 

 

    A digital lifestyle can result in you feeling very overwhelmed. It’s not uncommon for people to check their digital devicesdozens and even hundreds of times a day to stay connected for work or with family and friends. However, all those glances at your social media page, emails, and even favorite gaming sites can result in an overwhelmed feeling that, in turn, takes a toll on your mental health. While technology enables us to always be available, this can be very difficult to manage effectively.

 

Problematic Internet Use, Digital Addiction 

 

    Health professionals are seeing more adults with Problematic Internet Use (PIU), also referred to as Digital Addiction. This is associated with an overuse of the internet that has a negative impact on the person’s daily life, along with their wellbeing. Internet overuse can be caused by app obsession, online gaming overuse, and constantly checking social media pages for updates. Studies have recently found a link between patients with anxiety disorders, such as depression, ADHD, OCD, and PIU. This is a reminder of just how our digital lifestyles are affecting us for the worse.

 

Conclusion 

 

    Social media has now been around just shy of thirty years—and widespread use via big platforms like Facebook and Myspace for less than twenty—the long-term effects of a digital lifestyle are evident. Whether you use a digital device to stay connected with your friends, play your favorite games, or work, it’s important to take time away from the digital world now and then. Use your digital device in moderation. Take time out to enjoy the fresh air, walk around the block, and stretch to help reduce posture problems and improve your mental health.

 

References 

 

Sobrinho, C.A.A., Moreira, C., Oliveira, A.F., & Santos, R., (2013). The relationship between physical activity and metabolic syndrome in childhood and adolescence. Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes, 176. https://www.efdeportes.com/efd176/physical-activity-and-metabolic-syndrome.htm

 

Zagorski. N. (2017). Using Many Social Media Platforms Linked With Depression, Anxiety Risk. Psychiatric News 52(2). https://psychnews.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.pn.2017.1b16

Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes, Vol. 28, Núm. 310, Mar. (2024)