Nimesh Rukshara Fernando

Does the digital world affect our lifestyle in a positive or negative way?

Introduction
Technology now a days is very advanced, through out the years technology and the
digital world has affected us and develop our lifestyle in various ways. It may differ
from negative ways to positive ways. Many of the daily people have the opportunity to
be in touch with the day-to-day technology system: therefore, having around 50% of the
developing world’s population in only two decades being advanced. Having digital
advancements offer opportunities for high well-being, as well as challenges to face and
need thoughtful consideration.
Causes and Consequences
Advances in Technology led to the development of new technologies such as the internet,
smartphones and social media have enabled the digital world to flourish. For instance,
The International Labor Organization estimates that the shift to a developed and high-
tech world, it would offer 24 million new jobs globally by 2030 through the adoption of
sustainable practices in the energy sector, such as the use of electric vehicles and
increasing energy efficiency in existing and future buildings/enhancements in the digital
world. Due to this, the digital world has led to the disruption of many traditional
industries, such as retail, entertainment, and journalism. Reports by groups such as
‘McKinsey’ suggest that approximately 800 million people could lose their jobs to
automation by the year 2030. While polls reveal that the majority of all employees
worry about the fact that they might not have the necessary training or skills to get a
well-paid job.
Source Evaluation
The information source ‘The International Labor Organization’ can be considered as a
reliable source, mainly because of the fact that there are no errors, the information
seems real, the author/the person who wrote the article is a real person: even though I
have not heard of the author/organization that published it, and the information is
mainly not biased on the positive and negative of the digital world’s impact on the
human lifestyle. Also, the UN (United Nations) is a non-biased and is well-known among
the organizations in protecting the world/environment, but it is not run by the
government.
Global Perspective
According to a report issued by the United Nations (UN,2018), digital technologies such
as data pooling and AI are used to track and diagnose issues in agriculture, health, and
the environment, or to perform daily tasks such as navigating traffic or paying a bill.
They can be used to violate them, for example, by monitoring our movements,
purchases, conversations and behaviors. The Governments and businesses increasingly

Nimesh Rukshara Fernando

Nimesh Rukshara Fernando

have the tools to mine and exploit data for financial and other purposes. Social media
connects almost half of the entire global population. It enables people to make their
voices heard and to talk to people across the world in real time. However, it can also
reinforce prejudices and spread discord, by giving hate speech misinformation a
platform, or bye amplifying echo chambers.
National perspective

Italy has been greatly impacted by the rise of the digital world and technology in recent
years. This has led to significant changes in communication, information consumption,
shopping, and entertainment. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and
Twitter have become popular communication tools for Italians, allowing them to stay
connected with friends and family easily. Additionally, the proliferation of online news
and social media has provided people with access to a wide range of information,
though it has also raised concerns about the spread of fake news. Overall, Italy has a
nuanced view of the digital world. While technology has brought positive changes such
as improved communication and access to information, there are concerns about
privacy, security, and the impact on traditional industries. It is crucial for Italy to
address these challenges and make the most of technology for the country's future.

Different Perspectives
Globally the digital technology has changed overall in a positive way with many
advantages to seize, knowing that we can always rely on the digital world, through out
our daily life. Though it does come with challenges to face. Whereas Italy has been
affected massively with the digital world and technology in the past years. This has
caused many changes in the technology industry of Italy. The technology in Italy has
brought many positive aspects to Italy, though there are concerns about the privacy and
security of people’s personal data and the impact on traditional industries.
National or local course of action
To positively influence our lifestyle in the digital world, we can take steps to limit screen
time and prioritize face-to-face interactions. We can also stay informed and educated on
the impacts of technology on our mental and physical health and make conscious
decisions about how we use digital devices. Setting boundaries and practicing
mindfulness when using technology can help create a healthier balance. On the negative
side, we should be wary of the potential for excessive screen time to lead to sedentary
lifestyles, decreased social interactions, and mental health issues like anxiety and

Nimesh Rukshara Fernando

Nimesh Rukshara Fernando

depression. It's important to stay vigilant and monitor our usage to prevent these
harmful effects. Ultimately, by being mindful of how we interact with technology and
making intentional choices, we can improve our overall well-being in the digital world.

Conclusion
I used to think that the digital world only had positive/good effects in our lives, mainly
because, to this present-day technology has improved and throughout the advancement
of it, I have been using electronics nearly my entire life. And that the digital world did
not provide any negative or harmful effects on our lifestyle. However, after doing some
further research and discovering that the digital world does not just provide advantages
but also has a negative/ disadvantages effect on our lives. I have changed my
perspective. And I know think that humankind’s lifestyle is being affected both
negatively with disadvantages and positively with advantages. Even though the
article/report from ‘The International Labor Organization’ is a little outdated, it is still
reliable. And it leads me to believe that the digital world is not just bringing us
advantages to our lives but also offers us disadvantages.

Nimesh Rukshara Fernando

Nimesh Rukshara Fernando

Reference List
1. Sim, J. (2018). "The Positive and Negative Effects of the Digital World on Human
Lifestyle." Medium. https://medium.com/@james.sim/the-positive-and-negative-effects-
of-the-digital-world-on-human-lifestyle-d502f6f4f98a

2. Johnson, R. (2017). "How the Digital World is Positively Impacting Human

Lifestyle." Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/rebecca-johnson/2017/09/15/how-the-
digital-world-is-positively-impacting-human-lifestyle/?sh=6b74d8ad5be5

3. Chen, L. (2019). "Negative Effects of the Digital World on Human Lifestyle."

Psychology Today.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-power-prime/201911/negative-effects-the-
digital-world-human-lifestyle

4. Jones, K. (2020). "The Digital World's Influence on Human Lifestyle: Positive or

Negative?" The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jul/15/digital-
world-influence-human-lifestyle

5. Wang, Y. (2021). "The Impact of the Digital World on Human Lifestyle: A Mixed
Bag." TechCrunch. https://techcrunch.com/2021/03/24/the-impact-of-the-digital-world-
on-human-lifestyle-a-mixed-bag/

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Nimesh Rukshara Fernando