Panthers need to disconnect from technology

Maytinee Kramer/Staff writer

 

Technology has evolved over the years and now has the ability to do a lot of wonderful things. From social connecting to keeping track of our health, technology has taken a lot off our shoulders and showed people a more efficient way of doing things. However, like anything, when used in excess, it can have a dark side too.

Despite how far technology has taken humans, and how convenient and seemingly necessary it may be to everyday life, there are still some disadvantages. Cellphones in particular are something many people don’t give much thought to. We use cellphones to stay connected, to network, to get fit and so much more but in all their glory, cellphones are also a distraction and can be an addiction.

On campus, most if not all students are preoccupied with their cellphones and one of the many common problems associated with looking down at the phone for too long are Anterior Head Syndrome and eye problems.

Looking down for too long strains the neck, pushing the head forward past the center of gravity. This can lead to muscular tension, damaged vertebrae, and even compressed and degenerated discs in the back. Prolonged staring at the screen causes squinting and straining of the eye muscles, which can lead to headaches. Blurry vision, dry eyes and even long-term nearsightedness can occur in the long run.

Cellphones can also harm our ability to communicate with people face-to-face. Face-to-face conversations have come to seem simpler and easier through text, which could lead to being misinterpreted. Students are also easily distracted in class when they receive notifications of a new messages, notifications or emails.

Yet, despite all of these issues, Panthers remain connected, but not always in the best way.

One junior, Vanessa Macias, says that using a cell phone does have its advantages. “Smartphones today allow us to have a wealth of knowledge at our fingertips. They allow people to converse with each other and are especially helpful in the case of emergencies,” Macias said.

However, she does admit that cell phones have their disadvantages, and uses her cellphone more than she’d like to admit. “Disadvantages are more on the social and psychological side. Most are simply checking social media or playing games,” Macias said.

A senior, Jimmy Zeledon, admits to using his phone often enough in a day.

“I have sometimes strained my eyes by staring at my phone excessively. On some occasions I’ve even gotten headaches from sitting uncomfortably and using my cell phone,” Zeledon said.

It all comes down to whether we use technology for our progress and prosperity or for our destruction. Our cellphones are definitely not supposed to make us sick, nor was it meant to hinder our communication skills.

Rather than spending all day scrolling through Instagram and messaging on Facebook, Panthers should engage in healthy daily activities. Whether it be going out with friends, exercising, enjoying a lovely date or putting in that extra time towards studying, Panthers should take a little break from technology. The mobile phone is one of the best innovations of our era, but we should use it wisely.

 

Disclaimer:
The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of FIU Student Media Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.

 

Image from Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/pabak/13677439224/sizes/l

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