Technology: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Getting the most out of our tech tools

Technology is a critical component of our world today. From communication and time management to manufacturing and healthcare, tech tools have an enormous impact on our lives. And for students at UA Grantham, it’s also what allows them to find success in school no matter where they are located.

There’s always a tradeoff, of course, and sometimes it feels like our technology is taking over our lives. Let’s take a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of technology today—and how we can make sure that we’re getting the most out of these tools without falling into some common traps.

The Good

Let’s start with the benefits that technology offers us. There is no question that we’re more connected than ever before, which means that most of our family, friends, coworkers, and loved ones are just a text, call, email, or video chat away. Stop and appreciate this for a moment! As difficult as being apart, for any reason, can be, we can still talk in real time with those who matter most.

That also means we don’t have to relinquish many of our routines, no matter what else is going on in the world. Technology allows us to keep working, communicating, going to school, shopping, going to doctor or therapy appointments, playing games, and staying aware of current events.

And it allows us to do so with even more ease: Google’s product suite, for instance, can help you write, format, present, calculate, collaborate, remind, and share all from one platform alone. The resources available today have made it possible to easily learn, share, and create in a truly global environment.

Technology allows students to watch lectures, participate in discussion groups, complete assignments, and earn their degrees from the comfort of their own homes. Online learning platforms make it possible to skip the commute to campus, eliminate the need for exams by mail, and improve efficiency.

How have technological advancements positively impacted our lives?

• Improved and Accessible Communication
  • Before technological advancements, communication was limited to local areas and text-based messaging wasn’t available. These improvements also benefit businesses and emergency services. Businesses can reach international markets and emergency responders can quickly communicate critical information for life-saving actions.
• Continued Productivity and Increased Efficiency
  • The technological resources available to us have enabled increased productivity by eliminating the need for manual labor in some industries. Software and algorithms can now read, write, calculate and execute tasks that would have taken a human user twice as long.
• Broader Access to Data
  • Technology advancements have even helped the education industry. Education and information are now readily available through online means, which was not an option in the past, prohibiting students from getting an education and expanding their knowledge. Now, universities, schools and employers can utilize technology to teach their students and train their staff.

The Bad

The benefits of technology are genuinely incredible, but there can be too much of a good thing. Our hyperconnectivity means we may have difficulty disconnecting or creating space to unwind. That can lead to feelings of stress or exhaustion and make it harder to truly relax when we need that rest. If you could be working, studying, or catching up all the time, how do you know when to stop? Creating boundaries and promoting mindfulness are critical for giving ourselves the space and time our mental health deserves.

It's also important to be aware of the potential physical consequences from 24/7 connectivity. Eyestrain, hand or wrist pain, and sleep deprivation are common symptoms when spending so much time on our devices or in front of screens. Text neck, Blackberry thumb, and other overuse injuries are becoming increasingly more prevalent, which means it is critical to give your body a break and invest in your long-term health—particularly if you’re spending time on screens for work, entertainment, and school.

Going to school in a digital environment can exacerbate these trends, putting students at added risk for physical injuries even when it feels like a sedentary activity. Look for ways to optimize your study time, which can help you ensure you’re getting the most out of your screen time. UA Grantham offers a host of student support services, including tutoring, advising, and technology help, that can help you avoid spending too much extra time in virtual spaces.

Recap of the Negative Effects of Technology

• Decreased Activity Levels
  • Advancements in technology within business and entertainment have led to more sedentary time. Without balancing this sitting time with physical activity, our health can suffer negative effects.
• Degradation of Mental Health
  • The constant use of technology and computers can lead to physical effects on your body including eyestrain, hand or wrist pain and sleep deprivation. These physical manifestations can have an eventual effect on your mental health. If your body is not in an optimal place, your mental health will suffer.
• Social Isolation
  • Cyberbullying emerged with the rise of the internet and social media and has become a significant issue among adolescents. There is also the growing trend of isolating oneself from society, in favor of building a life online. Not only does this lead to social isolation, but it can also lead to physical issues that arise with extended sitting time.

The Ugly

Unfortunately, there are even more severe risks out there when so much of our time is spent in virtual spaces. The sense of anonymity we have online, or of feeling slightly removed from the situation when behind a keyboard, can lead to saying things we wouldn’t ordinarily say in a face-to-face situation. Coupled with the ability to share information in record time, this can quickly create uncomfortable and even dangerous situations. It’s important to give yourself mindful space away from virtual environments (and time to process painful feelings when they arise).

The spread of misinformation or outright lies, the prevalence of bullying and cyber attacks, and other unpleasantries are all common side effects of our cyberspace—and they can lead to anxiety, depression, addiction, and other mental health disorders. Social media alone has had a dramatic impact on feelings of self-worth, success, and inclusion and belonging, and those feelings carry into our real worlds. Be cautious about what you consume and avoid taking every piece of information you see at face value.

How To Live a Balanced Life with Technology

As they say, everything in moderation. There are some truly wonderful tools out there, and you don’t have to delete your accounts or throw your computer out the window in order to have a positive relationship with technology. All you really need is to set some healthy boundaries!

Try charging your phone outside the bedroom so it’s not the first thing you look at in the morning. Practice turning off your devices during mealtimes or while exercising. Set time limits for your computer, tablet, or TV. Turn off notifications on your mobile tech so you’re less likely to pick it up as often. Create clear boundaries for when you plan to study and when it’s time to take a break. Consider whether there are some analog tools that help you learn better than their online counterparts, such as taking handwritten notes rather than typing them. Experiment and see what works—and feels—best for you.

Most importantly, check in with yourself regularly to see how you’re feeling. Take a moment to ask yourself: Am I really benefiting from using this piece of technology? Am I using this tool mindfully and how it was intended, or has it taken on a life of its own? Am I getting more out of it than I’m spending—in time, money, or energy? If you’re getting your online degree at UA Grantham, take advantage of your dedicated student advisor’s one-on-one support. They will help you time manage your technology and focus to meet your personal goals.

Conclusion: Is Technology Good Or Bad?

Technology is not considered to be inherently good or bad. Instead, its value depends on how it is used. But there have been modern studies that do show the negative effects of technology on the body and mind. For example, Medical News Today cited a study that associated time spent on social media with depression symptoms. While physical issues have arisen due to excessive use of computers and screens, technology has led us to many significant breakthroughs. To continue on the path to progress, it’s important to learn to live with technology in a healthy way. In the same social media study, it says, “there is a stronger link between problematic social media use and depression. This suggests people using social media in less healthy ways could be more at risk for depression.”, showing our responsibility to create positive ways of interacting with technology.

Updated June 18, 2025