Digital technologies have advanced faster than any other innovation in our history: they have reached around 50 percent of the population of the developing world in just two decades and have transformed societies. By improving connectivity, financial inclusion and access to trade and public services, technology can be a great equalizer. The digital revolution has changed, and continues to change, our world and our lives. Currently, the main aspects of our lives have been moved to the Internet due to the coronavirus pandemic, and social distancing has required a virtual union.
In a synopsis of 10 articles, we present extensive evidence that the use of digital technology can influence the human brain and behavior in both negative and positive ways. For example, brain imaging techniques show specific morphological alterations in early childhood and adolescence that are associated with the intensive use of digital media. The use of technology apparently affects brain functions, such as visual perception, language and cognition. Extensive studies could not confirm the common concern that spending too much time in front of the screen is related to mental health problems or to deteriorating well-being.
However, it is important to use digital technology in a conscious, creative and sensible way to improve personal and professional relationships. Digital technology has great potential for evaluating and treating mental health and improving personal mental performance. Social networks and mobile devices can cause psychological and physical problems, such as eye strain and difficulty focusing on important tasks. They can also contribute to more serious health conditions, such as depression.
They claim that the systems of the digital world (the Internet, the web, smartphones and all networked digital equipment and software) have evolved so rapidly due to their incredible attractiveness and the economic and social forces that drive them, that little has been recognized or really taken into account of the broader negative aspects that arise with the positive aspects. As the debate progresses, Odgers fears that focusing on the potential of digital devices to harm mental health could lead to more pressing digital threats being overlooked. We have evidence of a radical reduction in privacy, an increase in criminal activity (since digital media reduce the cost of major financial and personal crimes) and a reduction in commitment to the environment and care for the environment as a result of increased interaction with digital and online devices. Rosanna Guadagno, a social psychologist with experience in social influence, persuasion and digital communication and researcher at Stanford University's Peace Innovation Laboratory, wrote: “In my professional opinion, current trends in digital communication are alarming and can have a long-term negative impact on human social interaction.
