As teachers around the country continue to try to get technology into classrooms, we have to ask ourselves: how does technology affect student health? Though it’s not always an easy question to answer, it is important to remember that students are spending more and more time with their devices in a variety of places. Technology has the potential to make our lives easier. But it can also cause stress and anxiety – these are normally referred to as cyberbullying, online sexual solicitation, sexting, and internet gaming addiction. This article examines the roles that technology plays in student health. Also, it teaches you how to write my essay and stay healthy, so you can make informed decisions.
What Is Technology And What Does It Do?
The quick answer is: technology is something, or a collection of things, that make life easier, better, or more enjoyable. But wait…that’s not very helpful because it doesn’t really tell you what technology is. Technology is the application of science through engineering in order to solve a problem. Technology can also be defined as a term applied to tools, machines, techniques, and systems designed to solve problems, improve human efficiency, and provide enjoyment.
Examples Of Technology
Technology includes but is not limited to computers, machinery, tools, and the assembly of parts. Technology is present in almost every aspect of day-to-day life including transportation, communication, or entertainment.
The Effects of Technology on Student Health
An essential part of technology is applying it effectively to solve human problems and make our world a better place. Technology provides different solutions for every situation.
- One of the main effects of technology on our health is leading a more sedentary lifestyle. Many people have jobs that require them to be in front of the computer screen for long periods. As a result, they tend not to move around as much as they should. Tasks such as household chores and other household activities have decreased due to the ease of use and automation of specific devices.
- Technology has also led to an increase in obesity and other health-related issues. Children spend large amounts of time in front of TV, computers, and video games which can affect their ability to focus and perform tasks required by schools. Adults who partake in these pastimes are also at risk for obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. The amount of time spent sitting in front of the television, the computer, or the cell phone is cutting down on activity time.
- The rise in technology has also led to increased stress levels among individuals and employees. This can increase anxiety, heart problems, and other major health concerns.
- Technology has drastically changed how we communicate with others over the past few decades. When it was first introduced, there was only one way to share with someone by mailing a letter or making a telephone call.
Ways To Use Technology In A Healthy Way
- The availability, affordability, and low cost of technology have become more technologically advanced than ever before. It has enabled us to use it for different purposes, including our health.
- With the help of technology, many people have increased their physical activity by leading a more active lifestyle. Some examples include; using a pedometer or wearable fitness tracker to count steps walked, increasing physical activity by playing video games that involve movement, or using fitness apps on a cell phone.
- Technology is also used to keep you focused on your health and fitness goals by providing you with information about your nutrition, vitamin intake, sleep patterns, weight management, and other issues related to your health.
How Technology Affects Sleep
Technology has a significant effect on our sleep patterns.
- Our brain is wired to respond to light and dark, so exposure to artificial light at night can disrupt. In today’s society, we are becoming more accustomed to using technology late into the night. This is why many people find it hard to fall asleep when exposed to artificial light from screens.
- Technology is the leading cause of many sleep problems. Forgetting to turn off the computer or cell phone can be a source of insomnia for many individuals. The blue light from electronic devices can delay the release of melatonin, thereby disrupting the circadian rhythms that govern your sleep patterns.
- Trying to do work or read on a device after regular bedtime can also lead to sleep disorders and other problems. People have been conditioned to associate their beds with productivity, leaving them less likely to think about sleeping once they crawl under their sheets.
- Some studies have suggested that people who spend a lot of time on their devices are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, which would make it harder for them to go to sleep in the first place.
- Blue light is a type of light spectrum found in screens of computers, televisions, and mobile devices like cellphones and tablets. Blue light has a short wavelength and contains high amounts of energy.
How to Stay Healthy In College
Here are some tips to help you stay healthy in college:
1. Exercise regularly
Exercise is vital for your mind and body. It keeps you energized, helps with insomnia, relieves stress, and gives you extra energy for studying.
2. Eat a well-balanced diet
If you don’t eat well, you won’t have the energy to exercise or study efficiently. Make sure to eat breakfast and lunch every day and never skip dinner! You should also try to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables per day and lean protein such as chicken and fish. Eating healthy will also help keep your mind clear and alert so that you can focus better on studying!
3. Get enough sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to staying healthy in college. If you’re too tired to get anything done, then it’s not worth it! Getting enough sleep will make sure you wake up feeling refreshed every morning instead of groggy and stressed out about how much work there is to accomplish.
Conclusion
Many students undoubtedly appreciate the opportunities that technology affords them. They don’t have to worry about missing out on class when they get sick because they can access what might be happening in class or school in real-time. So technology has its benefits. However, it also has drawbacks, such as depriving one of a good night’s rest, promoting procrastination, affecting a student’s attitude and focus, and negatively impacting overall health. While it’s clear that there are benefits to technology in schools, it’s also apparent that it needs careful use. How teachers balance the needs and want of their students will determine, for the most part, if technology succeeds in improving student health or not.
