Our world has changed an enormous amount since the beginning of the 2000s era. Our society has become unrecognizable, from the ways we interact with each other to the type of music we listen to. In my opinion, the thing that looks the most different in our world is technology. At this point in time, our society relies on technology almost fully. I think technology is a helpful tool, but it also has the potential to be dangerous.

Generation Z has grown up with technology in our back pocket, literally. This sets us apart from other generations, as we’ve grown up with technology everywhere we look while they haven’t. Though electronics have many perks they also have their downsides as they are extremely addictive and can affect people’s mental health, sleep and social circle.

Dopamine is both an addicting drug and a hormone our body naturally produces. It helps with movement, memory, motivation, and pleasurable rewards. Our body has a system. When we satisfy a need, we get a dopamine release that makes us feel happy. For example, when we eat food after being hungry, our body learns that feeling of satisfaction and releases dopamine as a reward. We can get a release after exercising, meditation, smelling cookies in the oven or from being on our cell phone. The problem with the dopamine release coming from our phone is that after a while, our brain relies on it for that release. Whenever we feel the gentle buzz of our phones, what do we do? Generally we immediately pick it up, which makes us feel wanted, accepted, or acknowledged. When we don’t receive a text or get that new follower, we don’t get that release. Because phones provide so much instant dopamine, it’s hard when we don’t receive it. Low levels of dopamine can lead to depression, exhaustion, lack of motivation and other mental conditions. 

How many real friends do you have? Not ones that you’ve met on snapchat or BeReal, but ones that know you, and love you. Think about it. You may have over 200 followers on instagram, but how many of those followers have you spent quality time with, versus somebody you’ve never talked to? Sometimes we get caught up in our phones, and forget to look around. Phones can affect our relationships with family members, a significant other, or friends. You may text your bestie all throughout the day, but it doesn’t come close to talking to them face to face for 10 minutes. It’s hard to connect with people when you can’t see them. Emojis aren’t real emotions, and followers aren’t real friends.

I know I struggle with a balance of having enough connections or having too many all together, and it’s hard for me to find where the grey area is. I even have a hard time looking up in the hallway, but I’m trying to change this because I think it is possible to have a life on and off of screens. I don’t mean to make you feel guilty, or for me to yell at you. It’s to bring awareness, and to help people acknowledge how dangerous a phone can be.