Psychological Effects of Modern Technology on Childrens Development

Modern technology has permeated all domains of society and transformed lifestyles. Overuse or irresponsible use of modern technology, however, has the potential for undermining the psychological well-being of children due to elevated risk of depression and isolation. The nature and extent of the use of the technology underpin the concerns over their implications for the development of children.

The elevated risk of depression due to modern technology has serious implications for childrens development. According to Hoge et al. (2017), some modern technology such as the Internet, notably interactive social media platforms, lead to depression in children in the absence of adequate skills to regulate emotion. In this regard of , children without sufficient social support to develop such skills are at greater risk of experiencing the negative effects of modern technology on their development than those with adequate support. Appropriate measures to equip children with relevant skills can help to avert these effects.

Like depression, isolation is a serious effect of the technology. Some modern technology applications push users closer to virtual friends, leading to social isolation (Taheri, 2013). Such users may feel that they are more valued in the realm of modern technology than outside. The resultant inclination toward communication tools encourages social isolation. In children, social isolation fosters behavior that hinders the development of skills needed for success in this stage of life (Chassin et al., 2016). This effect of modern technology can undermine the present and future wellbeing of children ().

The likelihood of developing depression and social isolation reflects the psychological downsides of modern technology on childrens development. Modern technology makes important contributions to the development of children, but the negative effects on development and their serious implications for undermining the wellbeing of children are concerning. Society should adopt appropriate measures to avert these effects while exploiting the positive contributions of modern technology on childrens development.

References

Chassin, L., Colder, C. R., Hussong, A., & Sher, K. J. (2016). Developmental Psychopathology, Volume 3: Risk, Disorder, and Adaptation. John Wiley & Sons.  

Hoge, E., Bickham, D., & Cantor, J. (2017). Digital Media, Anxiety, and Depression in Children. Pediatrics, 140(Supplement 2), 76-80.  

Taheri, M. (2013). The Effect of New Communication Technologies on Social Isolation of Children in Families. Journal of Behavioral Sciences in Asia, 1(1), 61-69.