Extension

 

Technology – friend or foe? The advancement in technology has had a big impact on families across Oklahoma and beyond. The constant availability and influx of information at our fingertips can be a good thing when students are doing research for a school assignment, a parent is looking for a quick recipe to feed the family on a busy night or a person simply wants to relax with a fun game of Words with Friends.

 

But what about the downside? While offering many benefits, it’s vital to be aware of technology’s potential negative impacts, said Matt Brosi, Oklahoma State University Extension family science specialist.

 

“We must find a balance in the use of technology because it can have negative effects on individuals and within families,” Brosi said. 

 

Research shows technology can affect individuals in various ways, including reduced attention span, social isolation, mental health issues, sleep disruption, addiction and dependency, decreased physical activity, privacy concerns and information overload.

 

Brosi said it’s important to employ strategies that will help minimize the impact of technology to promote healthier habits.

 

“Parents must set boundaries and limits not only with their children but with themselves,” he said. “Establish specific times during the day when technology is off-limits, such as mealtimes or an hour before bedtime. Consider a designated screen-free day each week. Boundaries will help reduce dependency on devices and improve mental health.”

 

Engage in mindfulness and meditation to help manage stress and improve focus. Apps such as Calm and Headspace can be useful tools for guided meditation. Something else to consider is turning off notifications. This may help staying focused and reduces the urge to constantly check the phone and other devices.

 

Technology has been known to affect a couple’s relationship. Brosi said engaging in technology separately can lead to feelings of disconnection and frustration.

 

“A couple’s opportunities for communication and intimacy are reduced when one partner is engrossed in screen time for large periods of time,” he said. “Technology certainly can be a source of entertainment and relaxation, but it’s important for couples to balance its use with activities that promote emotional and physical intimacy. Set boundaries for using technology and consider creating tech-free zones in the home.”

 

Although it is highly popular, there is little, if any, evidence that social media is safe for kids. Youth today are in a national mental health crisis and the Surgeon General has called for warning labels to highlight the potential dangers of social media platforms on developing brains and adolescent mental health.

 

“Children can easily encounter harmful material on social media platforms, including bullying, sexual content and violence,” Brosi said. “The American Psychological Association has issued several recommendations to help parents protect their children from the potential dangers of social media.”

 

Parents should closely oversee their children’s social media activities and maintain open conversations. Implement time restrictions to help reduce potential dangers.

 

It’s vital for parents to increase their social media literacy. Because platforms change constantly, parents should be aware of what’s available and communicate with their children about potential risks and guide them on how to safely navigate online spaces.

 

Don’t be afraid to use parental controls and privacy settings to help shield children from inappropriate content that could lead to harmful interactions online.

 

Brosi also encourages parents to promote healthy social media practices such as putting away devices an hour before bedtime to prevent disruptive sleep. Also, encourage kids to be physically active. This will help children maintain a balanced lifestyle and minimize negative effects on mental health.

 

“Most importantly, create a supporting environment where your children feel safe about discussing any negative online experiences,” he said. “This approach enables parents to quickly address issues such as cyberbullying, extortion and exposure to inappropriate content.”