Technological advances have unquestionably been beneficial towards development, but 45% of the world’s population owning a smartphone can also be harmful. The current situation of our society has built a strong connection between devices and their users. This connection can be so powerful that people prefer interacting with a cell phone over being with others and socializing with the world around them. This backspin on technology has made social interaction more challenging due to the use of our devices.

Along with technology, social media has advanced through the years and has also become an evident threat shown to deteriorate its users’ mental health. According to UNICEF, “Too much passive use of social media can be unhealthy and has been linked to feelings of envy, inadequacy, and less satisfaction with life. Studies have even suggested that it can lead to ADHD symptoms, depression, anxiety, and sleep deprivation.” A longitudinal study by Carnegie-Mellon University called HomeNet Project showed that participants who spend a significant share of their time online reported high levels of loneliness and stress during the day. Social media has become a void for threats and a tool to make others develop different mental problems. Mental health is an important topic that correlates with every reaction of the human body. The human mind can deteriorate when the user becomes dependent on technological devices. Even if social media can become negative, the opposite side of connections can be assertive to others. With the massive growth of social networks, new platforms like ‘Psious’ or ‘Wysa’ are conventional applications to help its users find a treatment for many mental problems like stress, anxiety, and even ADHD. Mental issues are a noticeable problem in society, but what not many realize is our screen’s unconscious effects on our body language patterns. 

Body language is a meaningful way for humans to express themselves without verbally having to do it. Due to the absence of face-to-face interactions, we have lost many forms of expression.  A case study from Ariel University shows that online social activity leads to changes in modern attachment patterns in human society, especially in adolescents and young adults. Simple reactions like eye contact or disclosure have been lost over time. José Jaramillo, a 12th grader, said, “I went to Barú with some friends, and even if we are the same age, they preferred going out to search for a connection on the internet instead of going to the ocean or outside. We have been changing negatively,” More than a less eager or willing way to socialize, people may be affected by self-disclosures adverse effects like bullying and harassment. The rejection this can form will most likely lead to loneliness. Even if public exposure can be harmful, self-disclosure benefits can help many by being able to express themselves more comfortable and improve emotional ventilation and reflection. Not noticing the world around us can be harmful to our social abilities, but creating a world view based on what we like is much worse.

Everyday users have less privacy and a personalized profile for each website to show them what they want to see. As a goal, these platforms generate a fake perspective of reality for every user. “It is common for social anxiety sufferers to open social media apps to feel some connection to others temporarily. But when they unplug, the feeling of connection dissipates. Frequently viewing snapshots of other people’s lives might leave social media users feeling as if everyone else has a better life, is smarter, funnier, more interesting, has more friends, etc.” Sherry Amatenstein, LCSW author and therapist, said. Social media hooks users with specific topics and information adjusted to what they like. In other words, users see what they want to see. This perception is incorrect because when interacting with the outside society, many more opinions and situations can surround the life of oneself. “Life is what we perceive around us, not what others are living on Instagram,” Jaramillo said. The reality of having low self-esteem has a complete correlation with isolation, like coming from a utopian dream to a reality that does not act the way you want it. Finding model simulations of all types of circumstances can also result in a positive change for many. The Internet can also be a platform to help others make a difference and motivate others. Technology is essential, we use it all the time, but we need to be aware of what happens when it becomes more important than the world around us.

Improvement and change come close to responsibility, the one we need to have when interacting with devices. By no means should we stop using our devices, but as users, we need to recognize the fine line between a helpful tool or a weapon that deteriorates our social abilities.