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Negative Effects of Technology on Children of Today

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Yasser Alghamdi at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University
Yasser Alghamdi
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NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON CHILDREN 1
Negative Effects of Technology on Children of Today
Yasser Alghamdi
Oakland University
NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON CHILDREN 2
Abstract
The use of technology in the classrooms is becoming more prominent every day. It has enabled
the teachers to pass comparatively more information in a shorter time than it was traditionally
possible. Although technology through media and electronic gadgets are able to help children to
gain vast amounts of knowledge, taught them how to be independent and has given them access
to educational resources; there are some negative influences that are accompanied with the
positive ones which should not be neglected. Introducing technology to children at young age
can have adverse effects in their personal lives, their relationships with others, and their health in
the future. It can also lead children to social isolation and give rise to other serious physical and
mental diseases such as, obesity, computer vision syndrome, and depression.
Key words:
Technology, children, screen devices, obesity, social isolation, depression,
computer vision syndrome, electronic gadgets, smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, social
media platforms, networks, software, applications, internet.
NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON CHILDREN 3
Effects of Technology on Children of Today
This is the age of technology. The world has changed drastically after
the industrial revolution. According to Merriam-Webster technology can be defined as “an
application of knowledge to the practical aims of human life or to changing and manipulating the
human environment. Technology includes the use of materials, tools, techniques, and sources of
power to make life easier or more pleasant and work more productive. Whereas science is
concerned with how and why things happen, technology focuses on making things happen”.
(Technology, 2014) But the best way to look at technology is by comparison with the past as we
continue to strive to create a better world with a superior standard of living. Smallpox was
eliminated by a vaccine; the internet helps overcome social, racial and sexual barriers.
Computers have revolutionized knowledge and education by making it more accessible to all the
people, but can we always regard that more technology is the answer to all the world’s
problems? Some may argue otherwise, the atom bomb and the race for nuclear weapons was a
result of technology, and ozone depletion is a direct result of the pollution caused by the
industries with capabilities of mass production. Many studies have concluded that children’s
physical, personal and social development will suffer due to the excessive exposure to
technology. (Dorman, 1997; Miller, 1993) Some of the technological gadgets that our children
have access to include computers, mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, digital cameras,
social media platforms and networks, software applications, the Internet, etc. So today our
children are brilliantly using their screen devices while they are unable to ride their bikes or tie
their own shoes without relying on help from others. Therefore, parents need to limit the amount
NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON CHILDREN 4
of time a child uses his or her screen device and instead encourage activities that enhance the
child's overall physical and mental well-being.
Introduction of computers to children at a very young age can have adverse effects in their
personal lives, relationships in the family and friends since they will constitute a major part of
the children’s lives. (Welch, 1995) In America, about 40% of the children have access to a
computer and most parents encourage their kids to use a computer on a frequent basis. (Green,
1996) At the same time, concern should be expressed about the possibility of having isolating
effects of computers on children. Such effects of excessive preoccupation with computers
leading to social isolation have also been seen in adults hence, it poses a danger to both. (Kupfer,
1995; Stoeltje, 1996) “Technology addiction can lead to social isolation which is characterized
by a lack of contact with other people in normal daily living which could in the workplace, with
friends and in social activities”. (Hosale, 2013) It can also cause a condition called Neurosis
which deals with psychological and behavioral disorders. Its symptoms include anxiety, sadness
or depression, anger, irritability, mental confusion and may also lead to a sense of low
self-worth. Because of technology such as cell phones, internet and gaming systems today kids
are less likely to interact with each other face to face. Kids nowadays are inseparable from their
phones because they are so dependent on them. They spend every spare minute they have on a
gaming system or online or through text messages which reduces their ability to socially interact
with others outside in the real world. There is data which proves that any individual, kid or an
adult who browses the internet frequently is likely to spend over 100 minutes less time with
friends and family than non-internet users. (Mads, 2011) Also Kids who are dependent on
technology get a sense of satisfaction and feel much happier when they are on Facebook or
NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON CHILDREN 5
playing video games with their virtual friends online rather than socializing with their real
friends and doing something funny outdoors. A study done on a 1000 students in 10 different
countries including China, Chile, the U.K and Uganda were unable to voluntarily unplug
themselves from using any technological devices for only 24 hours. The study also concluded
that students felt frustrated, lonely, anxious and had heart palpitations. (Dakin & Chung, 2011)
Many studies have been conducted to create a correlation between time spent by children to
their body mass index (BMI). “A statistically significant relationship exists between TV viewing
and body fatness among children and youth although it is likely to be too small to be of
substantial clinical relevance. The relationship between TV viewing and physical activity is
small but negative”. (Marshall, Biddle, Cameron, Gorely & Murdey, 2004) This was supported
by another study which studied the associations between physical activity, screen time and
weight from 6 to 14 years. Based on the study it can be concluded that most unhealthy
characteristics are established in early childhood which means that physical activity, screen time
and weight status of a child at age 6 can predict the outcome at 14. The results presented in the
study highlighted the importance of intervention as most kids in the present generation are
already glued to their screens and overweight. (Hands et al., 2011) There is a tendency for both
adults and children to eat more while watching television and all the food advertisements can
make it difficult to resist. Another health concern which is on the rise in children due to them
being attached to their electronic gadgets and screens is the digital eye strain and computer
vision syndrome. This condition is because of the focusing up close which is difficult and tiring
to the eyes and causing dryness and headaches and eventually may lead to more nearsightedness.
These vision problems can be averted by taking a break every 20 minutes from focusing on the
NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON CHILDREN 6
screen and looking at another object at least 6 meters away for about 20 seconds which will relax
the eyes from focusing up close, changing the position of the screen from 0 to 15 degree below
the eye level, wearing computer glasses or using anti glare screens. (Barthakur, 2013)
Apart from children’s physical strains and mental health, there are other concerns and hence a
child should never be allowed to spend a lot of time with their computers without adult
supervision. One of the big ones is safety, there are a large number of chat rooms where
predators could try to lure children and take advantage of them. “Pedophiles are finding new
ways and new opportunities to network with each other on how to exploit children” said [a] U.S.
Attorney present at a news conference where federal agents who warned that seemingly friendly
Web sites like MySpace or Facebook were often used by sexual predators as victim directories.
“Young girls who are innocently posting very personal information, or their identities, on these
sites are setting themselves up for disaster” [he] said. (Filosa, 2007) Most of the content which
is easily accessible by children might not be appropriate for them. Children are also show traits
of higher aggression when they are exposed to violence on television or computer. They are
misleading to believe that violence towards other kids is normal. Since younger children can be
molded easily, they can easily pick up wrong traits from television shows such as stealing, doing
drugs, smoking etc. It also instills fear in them as most of the kids would rather send a message
on Facebook or text to someone they have differences with rather than sort it out face to face.
Finally, if one was to ask a child today to solve a simple math question a majority of them
would have to refer to a calculator to answer the question simply because they have always relied
on technology. Many kids are also dependent on spell check to correct their mistakes which does
not have the same learning effect that getting a dictionary and looking up a word would have on
NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON CHILDREN 7
the kid. Although both calculators and spell checks are great tools and allow children more time
to be creative rather than having to spend time on repetitive work; they hinder the educational
development of the child if they are too dependent on them.
To learn more about the negative effects of technology on children, I conducted an interview
with Dr. Mary Lewis who is a professor of psychology at Oakland University. She shared her
views about exposing children to different forms of technology and how it may lead children to
be anxious and socially isolated from others. She talked about the bridge between education and
technology and lastly shared some advice for the parents on the concerning issues.
Dr. Lewis in her interview agreed that parents need and should introduce technology to
their young children because it would be disadvantageous educationally to them if they don’t.
She confirmed that in current times education delivery is largely dependent on technology. She
mentioned that interview television programs like Blue’s clues and Dorothy the explorer were
designed based on children cognition and the ways by which they learn. She explained how in a
similar way there were educational applications that can help children with reading and math.
On the other hand she agreed with the negative effects technology has on our children. Dr. Lewis
indicated that children who are preoccupied with technology are less socially interactive with
other human beings. She thinks that there is direct link between temperament of the child and
technology and social isolation, as a recent study had proved that kids who were socially anxious
initially put to use a lot of technology actually became more socially anxious in real life
situations but less online, these were kids who considered the primary world was the virtual
world and did not feel the need for human interaction, on the other hand kids who were always
NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON CHILDREN 8
social were not affected by technology at all. (M. Lewis, personal communication, November
13, 2014)
Finally she established that there was a need for parents to monitor the use of technology by
their children and she believed it was very difficult to limit the time they spend using technology
because schools nowadays prefer to upload most of the homework online. So she asserted that
though she cannot limit the time spent by them on their technological devices, she would never
put a technological device in her children’s rooms but rather put it in a public place in the house
where she could monitor them at all times. (M. Lewis, personal communication, November 13,
2014)
In order to better study the issue a survey was conducted by Common Sense Media
Organization and GfK Group to study children’s use of media today. According to Common
Sense Media this survey is the second in a series of national surveys of children’s media use; the
first was conducted in 2011. There were 1,463 participants in the study, all of whom were
children of ages 8 and under, they were accompanied by their parents. According to them the
term “mobile media” is used to refer to smartphones; tablet devices such as iPads, Androids, or
similar products; and other devices such as the iPod Touch that can connect to the Internet,
display videos, and download “apps”. (Common Sense Media Organization, 2013) The survey
consisted of several questions about interaction of children with technology. From the data
obtained it was concluded that astounding 96% of the participants owned a television set in their
household of which 70% claimed to have either cable or satellite. As expected 78% of the
participants owned a pc or a laptop and most had access to high speed internet. At least 69%
claimed to own some type of gaming system making it the third most owned electronic device.
NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON CHILDREN 9
Only about 21% of the participants owned a Kindle or some type of Ereader. Among the
participants 63% of them owned a smartphone and about 80% of them knew what an app was.
As expected only 12% felt that the media helped them to spend more time as a family while it
was surprising that 58% believed that it did not affect the time at all. Another surprise was that
only 26 % of the children owned a handheld gaming device. Some of the other interesting
findings of the survey were that Tablet use among children had increased to 40% from 8% in
only two years time. But, children’s access to either a tablet or a smartphone increased to 75%
from 50% in the same time. The survey also concluded that children spent less time watching TV
and more on their tablets and smartphones. (Common Sense Media Organization, 2014)
The survey demonstrates how technology has become a part of our day to day life. Almost all
subjects of the study owned or had access to some sort of technological device. It’s astounding to
see the rate at which the use of smartphones tablets has increased in children ages of 8 and under.
Although Dr. Green had stated in his paper that 40% of the children have access to a personal
computer, from the survey it is evident that number has increased to 69%.The claims of Dr.
Dorman and Dr. Miller were supported by Dr. Lewis as she confirmed that exposure to
technology can have adverse effects like social isolation, personal development etc. The issue of
social isolation as a direct result of excessive use of technology has been confirmed by all the
sources. Some participants in the survey did confirm Dr. Mads results that the media
reduced the amount of time they spent as a family together.
In conclusion, we discussed the pros and cons technology can have on the development of a
child. The benefits may at times shadow the negative aspects but they definitely cannot be
ignored. Children are the future of our world and the use of technology hinders their overall
NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON CHILDREN 10
development. The parents should serve as the guards so their children are able to obtain
maximum benefits of technology since its use has become an integral part of our society and this
can be done by supervising children’s use of technology and monitoring them while they are
connected to the virtual world at all times. Although as Dr. Lewis established it may be difficult
to limit the time they spend using their technological devices it should still be within reason
where the children do not form a sense of addiction with them. With that being said all the
physical health risks and potential mental issues can be resolved or prevented with a certain
amount of physical activity. In young adults or children it can have a positive impact on the
domains of motor skills, psychological well-being, cognitive development, social competence
and emotional maturity along with all the physical benefits. ( Cardon, Van Cauwenberghe & De
Bourdeaudhuij, 2011) Thus parents need to take time out of their busy schedules and make time
for them to connect with their kids by doing outdoor recreational activities on a regular basis so
they are equipped to face the real world and can avoid the negative aspects of technology from
affecting their children.
NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON CHILDREN 11
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Full-text available
  • Oct 2022
This paper discusses the virtual platform known as the Metaverse. In light of developments in connection speed, virtual reality (VR), wearable technologies and artificial intelligence (AI), social interactions in virtual environments are set to take place at an advanced level. Although this idea is not completely novel, it has become one of the important issues on the global agenda over the course of the last two years. Though the idea of a new virtual universe for a world still reeling from the impacts of first global pandemic in a century is understandably exciting, it raises many questions and numerous concerns. While the Metaverse is seen by some as the harbinger of a great and radical transformation, freedom, and commercial opportunities, for others it mostly represents a compounding of the many threats already facing people in their daily lives, especially with regards to privacy, consumption habits and health. In this discussion paper, various aspects of the Metaverse are explored through an examination of scholarly opinions and discussions on the subject. Many technological innovations introduced to society arouse great excitement and curiosity with the promise of improving people’s current conditions and offering new possibilities. Every innovation deserves a certain excitement and curiosity, however, an exaggerated narrative may cause misunderstandings, lead to undesirable results, and engender grievances in society.
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... The effects that internet addiction may have on a person's life are demonstrated at the academic, professional, and social levels [13] Long hours of exposure to digital technology or online activity have been associated with loss of sleep and/or symptoms of depression in young students [14] Delayed bedtimes resulting from late internet reading can have a significant negative impact on children and students who must rise early for school or college. According to a study, children who showed symptoms of internet addiction expressed a great deal of frustration, loneliness, and anxiety when they were made to disconnect from the internet for a full day [15] After conducting two studies, a group of Australian scientists found that teens' obsessive Internet use is associated with worse mental health [8]. A Swansea University study found that when heavy web users quit, they experience psychological withdrawal symptoms. ...
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... Children's growth, development, and learning are closely tied to electronic media such as TV, video, electronic games, computers, and other technology at home and school (Morrison, 2016). The benefits obtained by children using technology are sometimes followed by negative impacts (Alghamdi, 2017). Therefore, it is necessary to assist in selecting content so that the technology can provide maximum benefits. ...
Second Language Learning Strategy for Young Learners: Learning Hiragana as A Process in Japanese Language Acquisition
Article
Full-text available
  • May 2024
Learning strategies in the Japanese language for young learners tend to be applied to children in Japanese mixed-married families or foreign children in Japan. However, this study tried to apply a learning strategy for a young learner who does not have a background in the Japanese environment or experience with Japanese people and culture. This study aims to describe a learning strategy by applying mnemonics to young learners in Japanese language acquisition, particularly in the Japanese character Hiragana. This research used qualitative descriptive design, with research instruments that include researchers, observation forms, and literature sources. The data collected in this study were analyzed using an interpretive approach. This study used a mnemonics-based digital tool application was used to assist the young learner in learning the Japanese character, Hiragana. This study shows that mnemonics can improve young learners' Hiragana acquisition. Learning strategy by applying mnemonics helps the young learner memorize each character and improves associative skills and Japanese vocabulary as a language acquisition process. Some characters are similar and confusing for beginners, and some Japanese characters do not exist in Indonesian, which makes it difficult for learners to pronounce them. The application greatly helps the subject memorize each character and improves associative skills and Japanese vocabulary as a language acquisition process. Through continuous reading practice, the subject can distinguish almost similar characters and help pronounce vocabulary. This application is very effective for parents who want to introduce Hiragana characters to young learners, with intensive reading practice and creating an environment that uses Hiragana.Keywords: learning strategy, mnemonics, Hiragana, young learner, language acquisition
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... In addition, research has demonstrated that technology can be a valuable tool for teachers, enhancing their instructional abilities, productivity, and access to information (Mohnsen, 2012). However, there have been discussions regarding the possible adverse impacts of technology, including social isolation, physical and mental health concerns, and the promotion of unrealistic body ideals (Alghamdi, 2016;Casey et al., 2016). ...
Utilization of Technology in Teaching Physical Education and the Performances of PE Faculty Members in a Selected College in Guangdong Province
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2023
This study investigates the relationship between Physical Education (PE) teachers' technology integration knowledge and their teaching performance at a Sports School in Huizhou, China. The assessment utilizes a survey questionnaire adapted from prior research by Hosseini (2012) and Hosseini & Kamal (2013) to measure knowledge in technology, content, pedagogical, and content areas. The research explores whether a significant correlation exists between technology integration knowledge and teaching performance among PE teachers. The findings indicate that there is no statistically significant relationship between the ability to develop and conduct online assessments and various dimensions of technology integration knowledge among PE teachers. Despite an average correlation coefficient suggesting a moderately positive relationship, this result lacks statistical significance. Consequently, the data suggests that proficiency in online assessment development does not strongly correlate with a comprehensive understanding of technology integration knowledge.
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Children’s Computer Use in the Home
Article
Full-text available
  • Feb 2000
The researchers examined social interactions of children using home computers. The main concern was whether computers tended to isolate youthful users. Adult anxiety regarding the damaging effects of computers on children was assessed. Parental involvement, orientation to computers, and gender were the main independent variables. A case study approach was employed to gather observational data regarding the variety of interactional networks that framed the computer experience of 32 participants. The findings challenged the notion that heavy computer users experience social isolation. It was found that the interpersonal lives and computer activities of children reflexively amplified each other and that boys were more likely to socialize in relation to computers than were girls. The findings were explained as consequences of context and gender-based differentiated styles of world-creating activity. Recommendations were made to parents and teachers encouraging a less apprehensive and more integrative/developmental view of the social effects of children’s computer use.
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The associations between physical activity, screen time and weight from 6 to 14 yrs: The Raine Study
Article
Full-text available
  • Apr 2011
To examine the strength and direction of the relationship between physical activity level, screen use and BMI in a cohort at ages 6, 8, 10 and 14 yrs as part of a prospective longitudinal cohort study. The sample comprised 1403 males and females who participated in the follow-up survey at 14 yrs of age between 2003 and 2005. Exploratory structural equation modelling was used to examine the interrelationships between physical activity level, BMI and screen time at 6, 8, 10 and 14 yrs. Predictors of BMI at 6, 8, 10 and 14 yrs explained 1.3, 76.1, 80.1 and 73.1 percent of the variances, respectively, with previous BMI the largest predictor [χ(2)=43.082, df=36, p=194]. Increased screen time predicted higher BMI and lower physical activity at 8 and 10 yrs but not 14 yrs. At 14 yrs, physical activity predicted BMI. Sedentary patterns of behaviour in early childhood were predictive of later and concurrent obesity, whereas physical activity was predictive of obesity in adolescence. Different intervention targets are required for children and adolescents.
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Relationships between media use, body fatness and physical activity in children and youth: A meta-analysis
Article
Full-text available
  • Nov 2004
To review the empirical evidence of associations between television (TV) viewing, video/computer game use and (a) body fatness, and (b) physical activity. Meta-analysis. Published English-language studies were located from computerized literature searches, bibliographies of primary studies and narrative reviews, and manual searches of personal archives. Included studies presented at least one empirical association between TV viewing, video/computer game use and body fatness or physical activity among samples of children and youth aged 3-18 y. The mean sample-weighted corrected effect size (Pearson r). Based on data from 52 independent samples, the mean sample-weighted effect size between TV viewing and body fatness was 0.066 (95% CI=0.056-0.078; total N=44,707). The sample-weighted fully corrected effect size was 0.084. Based on data from six independent samples, the mean sample-weighted effect size between video/computer game use and body fatness was 0.070 (95% CI=-0.048 to 0.188; total N=1,722). The sample-weighted fully corrected effect size was 0.128. Based on data from 39 independent samples, the mean sample-weighted effect size between TV viewing and physical activity was -0.096 (95% CI=-0.080 to -0.112; total N=141,505). The sample-weighted fully corrected effect size was -0.129. Based on data from 10 independent samples, the mean sample-weighted effect size between video/computer game use and physical activity was -0.104 (95% CI=-0.080 to -0.128; total N=119,942). The sample-weighted fully corrected effect size was -0.141. A statistically significant relationship exists between TV viewing and body fatness among children and youth although it is likely to be too small to be of substantial clinical relevance. The relationship between TV viewing and physical activity is small but negative. The strength of these relationships remains virtually unchanged even after correcting for common sources of bias known to impact study outcomes. While the total amount of time per day engaged in sedentary behavior is inevitably prohibitive of physical activity, media-based inactivity may be unfairly implicated in recent epidemiologic trends of overweight and obesity among children and youth. Relationships between sedentary behavior and health are unlikely to be explained using single markers of inactivity, such as TV viewing or video/computer game use.
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Computer vision syndrome
Article
  • Jan 2010
As computer becomes part of our everyday life, more and more people are experiencing variety of ocular symptoms related to computer use. These ocular symptoms have been collectively called the computer vision syndrome (CVS). The aim of this article is to introduce signs and symptoms, definition and diagnostic criteria of the computer vision syndrome. It focuses on variety of impact risk factors and preventive measures in computer vision syndrome. The author would like to take this opportunity to draw more understanding and concern for computer vision syndrome in ophthalmologists in our country.
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Toward a Definition of Social Isolation in Children
Article
  • Jun 1977
There are 2 separate definitions of social isolation in existing literature, 1 based on low frequencies of peer interaction and 1 based on low levels of peer acceptance using sociometric measures. 113 children in 8 Head Start classrooms were assessed using sociometric measures of acceptance and rejection and observational measures of behavior when alone, when interacting with peers, and when interacting with the teachers. There was no relationship between peer acceptance and the relative frequency of peer interaction, suggesting that these 2 measures of social isolation do not tap the same dimension. A direct cluster rotation analysis resulted in 5 orthogonal clusters of children which defined 5 pure types. These types were: (1) sociometric stars, (2) sociometric rejectees, (3) children who had highly negative interactions with the teacher, (4) children who interacted frequently with peers, and (5) children who were frequently "tuned out" or off task when alone. Of these 5 groups, the tuned-out children also had the lowest means on peer acceptance and were high on a set of shy, anxious, and fearful behaviors coded "hovering." This group seems to best fit the construct of the shy, socially anxious child who also is neither accepted nor rejected, but rather is ignored by peers.
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Are Computers Dangerous to Our Children's Health?
Article
  • Jan 1992
Computer use can affect students' health. Recommends instruction on safe computer use, placement of computers to minimize children's exposure to magnetic field. Preventive measures are suggested to help children avoid eye strain and repetitive strain injuries. (SM)
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Computer vision syndrome
Article
  • Nov 1993
  • Occup Health Saf
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Video and Computer Games: Effect on Children and Implications for Health Education
Article
  • May 1997
Video and computer-based games have assumed a prominent role in the culture of American children and adolescents. Given the pervasiveness of their influence, it is likely that these games may affect the health and well-being of children. This paper examines the health effects of these games on children, suggests criteria upon which parents and teachers may evaluate the games, and notes some implications for health educators.
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Physical activity in infants and toddlers. The Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development
  • Jan 2011
  • G Cardon
  • E Van Cauwenberghe
  • I De Bourdeaudhuij
Cardon, G., Van Cauwenberghe, E., De Bourdeaudhuij, I. (2011). Physical activity in infants and toddlers. The Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development. Retrieved from http://www.child-encyclopedia.com/documents/Cardon-van_Cauwenberghe-de_B ourdeaudhuijANGxp1.pdf.