Oasis

Published in El País
(Colombia) on 21 April 2017
by Gonzalo Gallo (link to originallink to original)
Translated from by Megan Smith. Edited by Helaine Schweitzer.

Scientists from the University of Pittsburgh reveal a worrying truth about the misuse of technology:

"The more time spent on social networks and different platforms, the more likely it is to lead to social isolation.”

Mental health problems and social isolation are at a record high among young people, warns Brian Primack, director of the study. The vast amount of time spent on social media is replacing real life, and perhaps more personal interactions.

The fact is, the more time a person spends "online," the less time and interest a person possesses in communicating with the real world. Technology provokes negative feelings, such as the feelings you have when you see photos of your friends having fun together and you weren’t invited.

Similarly, seeing what others falsely idealize leads to feelings of jealousy, and you trick yourself into believing that their lives are happier and more successful than yours.

Technology is neither bad nor good, it is you who decides to use it well or decides to allow yourself to become a slave to it and let it depersonalize you.


Científicos de la Universidad de Pittsburgh revelan una verdad inquietante sobre el mal uso de la tecnología:

“A más tiempo empleado en las redes sociales y a más presencia en distintas plataformas, más probabilidades de aislamiento social”.

Los problemas de salud mental y el aislamiento social están en niveles epidémicos entre los jóvenes, alerta Brian Primack, director del estudio.

El alto consumo de medios sociales desplaza experiencias sociales más auténticas o, si se quiere, más personales.

El hecho es que cuanto más tiempo pasa una persona «conectada», tiene menos interés y tiempo para las interacciones del mundo real.

La tecnología facilita que broten sentimientos nada positivos, como cuando ves fotos de amigos que se divierten y tú no estás invitado.

Del mismo modo, ver lo que otros idealizan sin ser verdad, provoca sentimientos de envidia y te engañas creyendo que sus vidas son más felices y exitosas.

La tecnología no es ni mala ni buena, eres tú el que decide usarla bien o ser un adicto o esclavo de ella y despersonalizarte.
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