Are We Really Tech-Savvy or Just Dependent?

There’s no denying the fact that kids these days are always glued to their phones. I have more often than not seen kindergarten children playing cool games on their parents’ smartphones like pros. After witnessing such a boom in the usage of smartphones and technology, one question arises: Are people these days really tech-savvy or are they just addicted to technology?

Being tech-savvy can easily be misconstrued as being tech dependent.  The overwhelming use of technology can be attributed to the fact that more than 90% of people in advanced countries belonging to the age groups between 18 and 34 owned smartphones.

The subtle difference between being tech-savvy and tech-dependent

Unfortunately, our current generation is increasingly tech-dependent. The best ways to determine this is by taking away the WiFi connection of these kids and see them confused in frustration. This is the behavioural symptom of a tech-dependent person. The tech-obsessed generation grew up in the midst of smartphones, so they have never known a world without unlimited knowledge at their fingertips. Simply put, they are so used to using Google maps, that a paper map could leave them utterly lost and confused.

So, how exactly does one become tech-savvy? In simple terms, being tech-savvy means that you can troubleshoot technological problems. If you know how to set your own router or troubleshoot simple technology issues, then kudos, you might be tech-savvy. Another point to be noted is that tech-savvy individuals have a keen eye for understanding how algorithms affect the information we see. This will help them in determining what is true and what is not on the internet. Tech-savvy folks use their tech knowledge to solve real-world problems. They are often excited about little challenges which would require them to exhibit their technical expertise.

How is tech dependency affecting us?

Let me present you with a simple example. At family functions or dinners, it is a common sight to see at least half of the attendants checking their smartphones without paying much attention to their surroundings. There are countless such examples, all of which point at the same thing: Nearly every waking moment of our lives is being ruled by tech! This will certainly take a toll on our overall being.

For instance, it has been widely said that the vast use of tech is likely to result in poor communication skills. Business meetings are held on Skype and kids spend ample of their time chatting online, rather than having healthy face-to-face communication. This replacement of real-life communication can lead to isolation and even impair the communication skills in a growing individual.

The overuse of technology can also hamper the learning process in a negative way. The internet brings knowledge and information at our fingertips, but unfortunately, it has also increased plagiarism and cheating, meanwhile declining the analytical and critical thinking of students. Several studies also claim that many students who use entertainment technologies like social media and games very frequently tend to perform poorly in their academics because young people give in to their impulses of using technology constantly.

Overuse of technology can give rise to physical problems as well. Obesity can also be caused by the overuse of smartphones or similar devices because while being absorbed by a phone, tablet or computer, people will more likely stay up late hours and exercise very less. Neck and head pain can be induced with prolonged use of a computer or laptop. The tendonitis in the thumb can be provoked by the constant use of gadgets because of the repeated use of thumbs to push buttons on devices.

Let us now look at it from a psychological point of view. Personally, I must admit that I get a little rush of happiness each time I pull out my smartphone from my pocket. Apparently, our brain craves this little rush or hit. Scientifically speaking, this is exactly how addiction works, so this is why it is so hard to fight the urge to not check your phone every once in a while. On the bright side, we are not the only ones to be blamed for this smartphone addiction. The creators of these devices are also responsible as they profit from our little psychological triggers.

All the above-mentioned factors definitely hint at us being deeply, and darkly dependent on technology.

How to break the habit of being tech-dependent?

It is obvious that our dependence on our devices is growing with every passing day. A study has revealed that over 40 percent of us check our phones within five minutes of waking up in the morning and around half check up to 25 times a day. Wanting to detach your phone from your hand is easier said than done. However, conscious steps can be taken to break out of this tech dependency.

Always start small. There is no overnight solution to breaking out of this habit. Things take time, so be mentally prepared to take it one step at a time. One of the first and foremost steps to take is to stay busy during your idle moments. If reaching out for your phone is the first the impulse you feel when you are idle, then it is advisable to make a list of a few tasks you could do that could be more relaxing and meaningful: take a walk, paint something, cook a light brunch, write a note with a paper and pen…basically anything that is right up your alley and relaxes you without using any technology.

Ironically, you can still use tech to break your tech dependency! Apps like Moment can help you track your phone usage and issue warnings if you are crossing your self-imposed Internet limit and can even lock your phone for a specified amount of time. Turning off notifications, so that you don’t pick up your phone every time it buzzes can also go a long way. Additionally, it is best if you unplugged all your devices an hour before you slept, so as to signal our brain that it is time to finally fall asleep. Leaving your devices in another room to avoid falling for temptations is also a good idea.

Another important point to note is that completely relying upon your sheer will power cannot stop you from being tech dependent. Be practical: sometimes our will power is no match against the tech giants across the world fighting to garner our attention. So, if you are really serious about being tech independent, then it is paramount for you take the necessary steps.

Conclusion

Cultivating a love for tech will eventually qualify you as tech-savvy. Another factor to be kept in mind is that your tech dependency should not cross over your love for being tech-savvy. Being addicted to technology comes with its own set of pros and cons. It is advisable to use your skills to get thoroughly familiar with the devices and technologies you use regularly and ensure that it works for you and not against you. Despite living in the digital era, it is advisable to be rational by not being entirely dependent on technology for every minute thing in life

So, which one are you -- tech savvy or tech dependent?