Screen Addiction

Technology in the last decade, has deeply intertwined itself into our normal daily lives so much that we cannot go back. The Gist podcast explains how small adjustments here and there, contributed to our addiction of technology. Towards the beginning of the podcast, they explain two major factors, on why we have become addicted to our phones. First, being cell phones make our brains behave like they would if you were gambling or, on some drug. Secondly, in 2008 people on average spend 18 minutes on their phones. Now the average user is looking at their screen upwards of 6 hours a day. This goes to show, how innocent intentions of using technology can quickly get out of hand because technology carries such serious power and addictiveness to it.

The growth of video games culture, is another great example they mention with, them explaining video games were always fun in arcades. However, the pinball machine stayed in the arcade, while cell phones follow you everywhere. Then they explain, video games are believed to be something for teenage boys but, research shows that middle-aged women are now the largest gaming community on their smartphones. This is due in part, to video game designers having specific audiences and, them wanting to appeal to that audience more and more. Also, the video game designers format the games to become as addictive as possible to earn the most play-time. Therefore, the good intentions of the gaming designer just wanting to make a successful game, is now contributing to the overall addictiveness of technology yet, again.

Lastly, The Gist hosts discuss the lesser-of-the-two-evils question. With the usage of drugs on the decline because people are more addicted to their phones, would this be worth the trade off? While the decline in drug use is astronomically better, because you're saving people's lives and preventing them from harming themselves and others. They in-turn become addicted to these smart phones, that may do more damage psychologically and have a larger burden on their social lives. Therefore, in my opinion yes, phones are the better option. But, with moderation of using the phones, the addiction may not become as troublesome and damaging to the person.