Oral Argument Transcript

Kenzie Stewart

Introduction (about 100 words/45 seconds)

Are we overusing the technology we use daily, from cellphones, computers, and
especially the amount of technology we have been exposed to since the world moved onto online
living? As consumers, we must understand possible consequences of overusing cellphones and
other technology and find ways to prevent possible lifelong issues to our health. If we never
understand the affects technology has on our mind and bodies, we may find ourselves stuck with
issues that may be irreversible in the future.
Body (about 700-750 words/5-6 minutes)
CLAIM 1: There has been a rapid growth in technology in the past several years.
Martin Korte, who wrote, “The Impact of the Digital Revolution on human brain and
behavior: Where do we stand” said that “In the UK alone, according to the data collected by a
regulatory agency for communication, 95% of people aged 16-24 years old own a smartphone
and check it on average every 12 minutes”
Technology growth isn’t just something sweeping through America, technology use is on
the rise everywhere, more people are having to access the internet for school, jobs, etc. and
children are being more exposed to massive amounts of technology before they even enter
school.

Just think of how the world has changed since Covid-19 in 2020, our jobs, schooling,
social lives, and almost everything we do on a regular turned towards more digital system. We
did deliveries or drive up for groceries, we facetimed our friends and family, did our meetings
and jobs over zoom, and had to turn all of our schooling into online schooling. The world was
already involving more technology into our lifestyle, and since 2020, that has only happened
quicker.
Rachel Zavodnyik says, “the demand for digital knowledge and experiences is increasing.
We are starting to become comfortable being part of virtual communities.” And if we don’t learn
to regulate it, we may find that we are developing issues in our lives.

CLAIM 2: Technology also affects us physically, especially our eyesight from the
blue light.
In the article, “The scary effects of technology on our eyes” by the Barnet Dulaney
Perkins Eye center, they mention that according to the American Macular Degeneration
Foundation, direct exposure to the blue light emitted by LED devices can really damage the
retina. The retinal damage that occurs from starring at the blue light – especially at night—can
lead to macular degeneration and damage your central vision (the ability to see things right in
front of you).”
The Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center also mention that “the effects of too much blue
light can be quite harmful to the eyes, it can cause things like cataracts, focus issues, light
sensitivity, eyestrain and many other issues” (the push for blue light glasses).
I notice that I personally experience a lot of eye strain, tension headaches, and back/neck
pain from technology. I do fully online school so when I am doing hours of homework, by the
end of it I have a headache, my eyes are tired and strained, and I feel like my brain can’t slow
down for a while.

CLAIM 3: Effects of technology on Mental Health

Our mental health is severely impacted by technology as well, according to Pierpaolo
Limone and Giusi Toto in their article, “Psychological and emotion effects of digital technology
on children in Covid-19 pandemic.” They mention, “The increased usage can have effects on
brain functioning that will compromise sleep and cognitive abilities and develop risk for certain
mental illnesses including, but not limited to depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, and
ADHD.”
Technology has become an amazing tool in our lives, especially in 2020 when Covid-19
broke out. Because of our advancement in technology, we were able to work, go to school, have
a social life, and much more during those hard times. But it was also a very dark time because
we were stuck inside, some of us alone, and the internet was all we had.

CLAIM 4: Effects of Technology Use on Children

Not only does technology impact adults, but it has significant more of an impact on
younger generations. For the adults of today, we didn’t always have internet or technology
access like we do today. Now, children are being exposed to incredibly dangerous amounts of
technology like TV, computers, online games, etc.
According to CN Associates, “With the increased use of technology, children might not
be developing their social skills adequately. This can lead to more children being socially
awkward, withdrawn, shy, or intimidated by social situations.” They also mention that, “Children
might get used to being alone and lose the desire to engage with heir parents or even friends,
outside of the internet.”
It is crucial that young children do not have so much exposure especially since their brain
are still developing and have so much more growth to do physically and mentally.
Conclusion (about 100 words/45 seconds)
Technology has become a highly useful tool and has advanced our lives immensely, but
with all good things come some negative things as well. As consumers, we must understand
possible consequences of overusing cellphones and other technology and find ways to prevent
possible lifelong issues to our health. If we never understand the affects technology has on our
mind and bodies, we may find ourselves stuck with issues that may be irreversible in the future.
We need to learn to regulate screen time, take breaks for our eyes and brain, use things like blue
light glasses, and make sure that although technology is becoming a bigger part of our lives, that
we still make sure we have a good balance with other aspects of our lives.
References:

Korte, M. (2020, June). The impact of the Digital Revolution on human brain and behavior:
Where do we stand? Dialogues in clinical neuroscience.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7366944/

Zavodnyik, R. (2020, October 14). The rise and rise of technology. LinkedIn.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rise-technology-rachael-zavodnyik

The scary effects of technology on Our eyes. Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center. (2021,
September 8).
https://www.goodeyes.com/eye-health/scary-effects-technology-on-our-eyes/
Limone, P., & Toto, G. A. (2021, August 25). Psychological and emotional effects of digital
technology on children in COVID-19 pandemic. Brain sciences.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8465704/
The impact of technology on children - cerritos.edu. (n.d.).
https://www.cerritos.edu/hr/_includes/docs/August_2021_The_Impact_of_Technology_o
n_Children_ua.pdf