Running head: NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON MORALITY 1

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Introduction

Through time, technological advancement has posed morality questions from the issue of cloning

to privacy and communication because as much as it makes life easier and is an indication of what

humanity can achieve, they also beg the question “are we losing our humanity”? Of society’s

factors, technology causes a decline of human morals. It negatively impacts on the social life of

human beings, cognitive and psychological abilities. Serious humanitarian issues are being

grappled with as a result of human dependency on technological inventions.

Technology devices like cell phones, laptops, as well as computers are designed to assist

individuals to connect to each other. On the contrary, they pose adverse effects because they can

turn addictive to the users. Likewise, various social platforms—Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and

snap chat— developed as a result of technology have brought negative impacts on the societal

morality and way of life. It is, however, worth noting that this was not their initial intention for the

invention.

The main objective of this paper is to discuss at length, these ethical questions raised by the

technological effect on moral values of the society and how the use of these inventions can amount

to abuse. It also seeks to discuss workable solutions in determining the boundaries between

innovation and morality in a bid to curb further problems.

We are setting out to delve into the negative ethical effects of technology on the society’s moral

values. This paper covers some of these adverse effects concerning the society in general—on

children, teenagers, the youth, and adults.

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According to Younes and Zoubi (2015) technology can lead to unavoidable and awful addiction.

Now that the internet is easily accessible to people, it is associated with a lot of usefulness in

human’s life. Besides those benefits, it slowly gets to be part of people’s lives since the online

games plus webs contain a wholesome content. The virtual life leads to problems such as

dissoluteness together with egocentrism. Today, the internet has huge negative effects on teenagers

(Flores and James, 2013). For instance, some teenagers might be playing online games even for a

whole day, probably in online game shops. They obsessively play regardless of, drinking, eating,

and even avoiding classes.

Buckingham and Willett (2013) argue that virtual gaming affects the psychological development

of children. Sometimes, upon withdrawal, it can lead to complications such as dumbness and

depression. Ultimately, withdrawing from these games may lead to permanent problems since the

kids can no longer practice the addictive activity.

Besides, the internet may cause a decline in moral behaviors. This is due to curious access to

depraved websites to search for sexual items like movies and pictures (Herring, 2008). The

increasing number of sexual clips results in immorality among teenagers and youths since they can

easily access and upload them to the internet. The purpose of such materials is to propagate

depraved information (Flores and James, 2013).

There is an increased rate of sexuality among the youth as sex sells more than anything from the

music videos to their prized TV reality shows where the morally depraved are celebrated (Flores

and James, 2013). With sex being peddled through technology, pregnancies and STDs are on the

rise among the youths. Of course, they run technology to provide them with answers and the online
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pages on Google whose major interest is to draw traffic to their websites suffuse them with the

wrong information and education.

Social media platforms celebrate people with questionable sources of wealth than those with high

moral values (Buckingham and Willett, 2013). What counts are followers and how many people

follow one. Consequently, these uninformed and misinformed young people do everything to stand

out including lowering their moral values. Ultimately, they end up emulating immoral practices

such as dressing extremely indecently.

We are losing our patience because of much technology (Younes and Zoubi, 2015). For instance,

in case the internet isn’t fast then we get worried and lose patience. If someone is late to reply,

then you are angry at them .all these because you cannot control and wait. Technologies have

changed our levels of patience and gone from high to low. During the old period, individuals had

more patience unlike nowadays. Most individuals act up over petty issues like to inadequately

skilled persons towards technology and do not own quality phones and money.

We change our opinion in the wake of seeing likes as well as comments on our social media

platforms. We quit doing the most critical work when we get new notifications or messages. We

are searching for companions on the web. Be that as it may, we don't think about neighbors and

their issues. We are sharing a huge number of motivational and life cites on the web. Surprisingly,

nobody is dealing with creatures, plants, water, and nature. That is the means by which we are

currently influenced by innovation (Younes and Zoubi 2015).

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Individuals using the internet may suffer from the deviation of thoughts. Individuals also use the

internet to satisfy their sexual desires through chatting as well as exchanging their photos via

webcams; they regard that as a way to fulfill their sexual desire (Herring, 2008). Chatting about

sex over the internet is a form of masturbation existing among most adolescents. This immoral

practice results in a thoughts deviation on sexual life. Even though not doing sex directly, chatting

sex amounts to the depravity on; however, this practice would be had to abandon since it is highly

addictive.

Moreover, Herring (2008) continues to show how shocking it is that some persons get to the extent

of having marriages, relationships, or even partners of substantial emotional through the internet.

They even have lots of virtual sex. A few people who are timid can't converse with others, so they

go on the web and search for companions by visiting. They opt for the chance to have companions

online in light of the fact that those companions won't know their identity (Flores and James 2013).

In this way, they consider the online connections are vital to them. This fixation influences their

conduct also. Truth be told, if this habit occurs for quite a while, individuals will step by step be

riskier when no one plays this amusement with them any longer, and they will pester others paying

little respect to moral values Flores and James 2013).

Extensive technology usage can result in a decline in social skills (Younes and Zoubi, 2015).

Today, even meetings, especially those of business are conducted over Skype or even chat rooms

leading to lack of physical interaction. The boundary between the offline and online world is

turning thinner every day. This is a worrying trend since it might completely disappear in the

future, making it difficult for offline communication. With the constant and increased usage of

modern-day gadgets, we usually isolate ourselves from the outside world. Picture yourself taking
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a walk down the street while enjoying music on your headphones without fear of hitting against a

lamp post. This is real isolation from the world’s reality!

Younes and Zoubi (2015) illustrate how technology has eroded the essence of face to face

communication in our society. It is easier now to communicate with people who are miles away

all at the same time without needing to take time and think about forming useful physical human

relations with others. The capacity to express themselves regarding language and feeling is

decreased after a few hours of using a computer. For instance, if individuals invest their energy to

play amusements, they won't have sufficient energy to connect with others. These days, individuals

socialize with one other via online platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp as well twitter in place of

one on one interaction. Moreover, Young people on a bus no longer communicate with each other

as the older generation used to; they instead spend their traveling time on their phones by listening

to music, chatting or even browsing. The nature of human beings is not programmed for this type

of communication (Flores and James, (2013).

There’s increased rate of criminal activities as a result of technology usage (Taylor, Fritsch, and

Liederbach, 2014). Technology has boosted cases of information warfare together with terrorist

attacks. For instance, the television plus Internet help terrorists in keeping an eye on the activities

of the army. Certain countries use technology in spying on other nations; this builds political

tension among nations. Cyber-crimes are also on the rise; the cyber bullies cause a lot of harm to

the victims. Cybercrimes include online harassment, cyber bullying, fraud, cyber, hacking, cyber-

stalking, cracking, identity theft, and phishing attacks.

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Technology can portray certain individuals as living a dual-life style—a life full of pretense. Some

individuals are totally different from what they pretend to be on the Internet (Younes and Zoubi,

2015). Normal human beings should act the same online as they do in real life. This is common

among the youth.

A typical millennial is more interested in the opinions of his peers than never before. Social media

platforms have initiated a habit of pretense in the circle of life of the youth. It exposes them to the

flashiness of life so that those who are unable to gain these luxuries at the moment do anything to

get them or fake having them thereby making them live on a pretentious foundation (Herring,

2008).

Solutions to negative effects of technology on morality:

Buckingham and Willett (2013) suggest that parental controls should be functional in the

determination of the age of the users. In this regard, online addiction and moral decadence among

teenagers can be controlled. Technological developers should incorporate unique verifiers—like

numbers—put in place to access some sites and programs. This will prevent accessibility of the

documents or messages by the minors.

Nevertheless, parents have a major responsibility to play in the life of their teenagers when it comes

to the internet accessibility and the use other technological inventions like phones; minors’ parents

should set timelines on what they are supposed to do certain times. This should include time for

playing outdoor games, interacting with friends and family. This will provide training for ethical

behaviors and reduce negative implications of technology on morals (Buckingham and Willett,

2013).
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Physical exercising should be encouraged instead of spending much time on the internet. This is

essential for both mental health physical well-being (Younes and Zoubi, 2015). Taking a half hour

after work or at the end of the week can get your blood pumping, get your endorphins streaming,

and rejuvenate your soul. You'll fabricate muscle, consume calories, and oxygenate your mind -

giving you a discharge following a day of stress. Practicing frequently likewise causes you stay

restrained, which can be profitable in a requesting workplace, and can decrease the long haul

impacts of worry also meaning general exercisers tend to be less worried about their employment.

You'll likewise look better and can rest easy, which gives you more noteworthy certainty.

The issue of criminal activities and cyber-crimes can be solved by having passwords and unique

firewalls to prevent unauthorized access to some information, e.g., iris detector which identifies

the right owner. Developers should also be required to incorporate these identities to protect data.

This gives individuals the social responsibility towards the right to privacy (Taylor, Fritsch, and

Liederbach, 2014).

People should not depend on technology or apps for dating. Building up confidence should be the

key element in facing the person you find interesting or the one you get attracted to .avoid

hesitation and approach them one on one. With such confidence, talk about your feeling towards

them. Texting may be easier and less scary to tell your partner how you feel, but it does not create

the same emotion or effect that it would have if it were talked about in-person. Be aware of this

and try to push your comfort level with your partner; you should be able to trust each other with

your feelings (Flores and James, 2013).

We should all take a step back from our daily lives as well as pre-occupations and realize that

technology is here to help you through your days, but it shouldn't be something you rely so heavily
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that it begins to affect your relationships with others (Younes and Zoubi, 2015). It is high time

human beings realized and embraced the need to working together and creating good social

networks. It is important to raise beyond the Narcissistic personality tendencies as a result of social

media. Spare some time offline and spend it with friends and family.

Individuals can utilize their free time watching inspirational Videos on the Internet: – Watching

inspirational videos on the Internet is the most effective use of online time in instead of watching

unnecessary and addictive material. Internet inspirational videos not only give you knowledge but

also boost your worldview and thinking. If you’re an internet entrepreneur, then see inspiring

videos on YouTube or Ted Talks. Spending 10 to 20 minutes will increase and boost your

productivity in work and life. This will go a long way into sanitizing morality (Buckingham and

Willett, 2013).

Technology can be useful imparting basic life skills in children. These skills will contribute to both

their personal growth and development. Ultimately, it will help in the inculcation of the necessary

moral values that are vital in their daily lives. The result is a promising slot of generation (Younes

and Zoubi, 2015). These skills include:

Flexibility as well as Adaptability: due to its quickly evolving nature, technological innovations

instruct learners to utilize new and varied resources effectively.

Initiative together with Self-motivation: usually, learners are allowed an opportunity to utilize

technological resources in research, practice, as well as evaluation during their free time.

Time Management: Just as industry experts utilize logbooks and task administration devices to

plan, track, and report their work, learners might likewise discover them helpful.
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Mingling with Others: There might be no replacement for mingling with others that close, but

rather educational technology presents chances for socializing with other learners and mentors

outside their locality.

Teamwork: teachers are already embracing wiki-type sites for learners to gather knowledge in

addition to resources contained in their classes. E-learning can be essential into setting up

collaborative plans with learners from other regions of the country and around the world.

Leadership: Educative technology in addition to new media together offer opportunities for the

learners to illuminate trails and then inspire others.

Responsibility: online lifestyle has carried with it completely new forms of questions concerning

being responsible for one’s speech and its consequences. This can be used as a good opportunity

to start a discussion on the proper and constructive use of technology.

Lastly, the society at large and the government should take it seriously and address this issue.

Otherwise, it might end up eroding our societal moral values. Massive sensitization programs and

crusades would help a great deal, especially in discouraging online games and sexually related

activities among teens and youths. Additionally, the family as a basic unit of social set-up must

see to it that children are inclined towards desirable moral values (Younes and Zoubi, 2015).

Conclusion

The technological developments that aimed at bringing the world closer and together to connect

better have thereby alienated the world. To realize the correct use of modern technologies, it calls
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for a comprehensive understanding of the reality of change that happens to the community. Thus,

this requires concerted efforts through full cooperation among all sectors of society, from family

to government institutions, along with the presence of user awareness programs supervised by

these institutions and pursued by the family to utilize the modern technologies accurately to ensure

and protect the future generations.

Finally, it is evident that modern-day technological inventions can be a two-edged weapon. Despite

the fact that they are associated with advantages, the increasing number of inventions can

completely transform our lifestyles, for better or worse. Therefore, we have to put in place

measures in a bid to maintain social connections intended to preserve individuals’ feelings towards

one another away from technological addiction.

References

Buckingham, D., & Willett, R. (Eds.). (2013). Digital generations: Children, young people, and

the new media. Routledge.

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Younes, M. B., & Zoubi, S. A. (2015). The Impact of Technologies on Society: A Review. IOSR

J Humani Soci Sci, 20(2), 82-86.

Flores, A., & James, C. (2013). Morality and ethics behind the screen: Young people’s

perspectives on digital life. New media & society, 15(6), 834-852.

Herring, S. C. (2008). Questioning the generational divide: Technological exoticism and adult

constructions of online youth identity. Youth, identity, and digital media, 71-94.

Taylor, R. W., Fritsch, E. J., & Liederbach, J. (2014). Digital crime and digital terrorism. Prentice

Hall Press.