Final Post: Found My New Years Resolution!!!
There is no doubt that the exponential growth of technology has benefited society, but there is a darker side to the rise of the machine. Technology has brought about a new take on mental illnesses, the created of cyberbullying, and most importantly a new found dependence that we unconsciously can't control. As we become more and more technologically connected, we are losing important aspects of the human experience, becoming impatient, impulsive, forgetful, and even narcissistic. Most theories that involve the key to happiness present the idea that relationships are what truly drive happiness but what people don't realize is the relationships we are forming are much different than what these theories meant.
Smartphones are said to be owned by 81% of Americans (Pew Research). What's frightening to think is that those with a social media presence are hiding behind a phone which causes glitches in our safety, privacy, and trustworthiness of others. We have all heard the term "catfish" before when it comes to social media and the media has presented the slang in a humorous manner whether it be videos of females with makeup or the famous MTV show, "Catfish". Taking a step back from this forefront of humor, this concept causes a plethora of problems within our society. We are no longer creating real relationships but false placeholders.
The video above created by BuzzFeed, presents the idea that we aren't any different than psychologist, B.F. Skinner's mice. We look to our cellphones for a reward whether it be a like, follower, text message, which is what the mice did to receive a treat. But we aren't always rewarded which causes us to look again and again to find that reward, which is the addictive part of technology.
My experience on social media is one that is shared with many woman within my generation. There is an unrealistic image presented on social media as we look to figures like Kylie Jenner and Alexis Ren. As many times as I have been told that aspiring to be women that look like that isn't a feasible dream, it is hard not to as they are idolized within society. Throughout quarantine, I found that I was very rarely off my phone which made my addiction even worse. Although I am not proud of it, I am coherent of the situation at hand and look to turning over a new leaf in 2021.
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