There is a dark side to excessive the use of Information Technology (IT), which The MIT Sloan Management Review discussed in a recent article they posted, along with a warning against IT addiction, which is rampant in the current generation.
Use of IT is a proven and tested way of increasing success and profitability rate of any business institution and organization. In the US alone, development of IT generated an income boost in the economy, amounting to about US$ 200 billion and produced 6 million jobs.
IT is undeniably important to the society. However, it was found that too much use of technology can cause health risks to anyone involved.
Sitting in front of the computer for a long period of time can affect the eyes and back. It can even cause pain in the arms, shoulders, hands and neck.
Besides physiological, research has also presented the public with many psychological effects caused by technology addiction. According to a study in 2011, four or five students feel loneliness and misery when not allowed to touch any device for 24 hours.
The constant change brought about by technological advancement has also become a problem for office workers. The study revealed that many employees resign because they are having a hard time coping and learning new applications.
The authors of the study wrote that, "the more time and effort employees spend keeping abreast of ever-changing applications, struggling through information gluts, trying to understand how best to navigate through and use IT, and making mistakes, the less time they have for the job their IT tools are intended to support."
Besides health risks, gadgets and social media have put a dent on interpersonal communication skills and in some cases, even eliminated the need for face-to-face encounters.
Authorities are now acting to address the rising problems regarding technology addiction. In June, the UK and the US will hold a National Unplugging Day, where participants will willingly lay off of technology for a whole day.
