We live in what is supposed to be the most advanced generation, thanks to the progress we've made in technology. But it feels like the more technology improves, the worse we become as people. I’m not the first to point this out—many others have echoed the same concern.
Sure, technology brings countless benefits, but it often seems like a double-edged sword. For every solution it provides, it creates a new problem. I’m not here to say we don’t need technology or that it’s inherently bad. My goal is to encourage more mindful use, so we can benefit from it without becoming overly reliant on it to function as humans.
The Growth and Effects of Technology
I’m Gen Z, so I’ll write from my personal experience. Growing up as an African child, I constantly heard “television is bad for you.” For older generations, TV was what the smartphone is to us today—a tool that could also be harmful, depending on the content it delivered.
If they thought TV was bad, they weren’t ready for smartphones and the internet. Their concerns were mostly moral, but the impact of technology extends way beyond that—it’s affecting our cognition, relationships, and self-worth.
For instance, our dependence on search engines, calculators, and now AI is growing fast. A 2023 study by NordVPN revealed that 25% of people under 30 use ChatGPT at least once a week, often for tasks like writing emails, solving homework, or answering personal questions. Google processes over 8.5 billion searches per day—a sign that we're outsourcing thinking more than ever.
Ask yourself: when was the last time you did a calculation like 249 × 42 in your head?
Social Media and Unrealistic Standards
Social media feeds us carefully curated snapshots of other people’s lives, often making our own feel inadequate. According to a 2022 study by the Royal Society for Public Health, platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are linked to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and FOMO (fear of missing out)—especially among youth.
You might have a good life—food, shelter, decent income, education, supportive people—but still feel like it’s not enough. Why? Because online, someone always seems to have more.
Got a reliable car? Social media might convince you it’s not “luxury” enough. In a relationship? Seeing ten “perfect” relationship influencers might make you question your own. Even friendships and family can feel lacking compared to someone else's highlight reel.
This wasn’t always the case. Before smartphones, we didn’t wake up comparing our lives to millions of others. The shift began with magazines, then TV, and now social media—fuelled by algorithms designed to keep us dissatisfied so we keep scrolling.
The Decline of Critical Thinking
Convenience isn’t bad—but overuse makes us lazy. A University of Waterloo study (2016) found that people who rely heavily on smartphones for information tend to show weaker analytical thinking skills. The more we “Google,” the less we challenge ourselves to solve problems independently.
Now we even outsource emotions. People are using AI tools like ChatGPT as therapists or relationship coaches. While that might offer short-term clarity, it’s not a substitute for real self-reflection or professional help. Relying on machines to think and feel for us dulls our ability to process, grow, and imagine.
We’re treating these tools as extensions of ourselves, forgetting they're just that—tools, not replacements.
Lazy and Artificial Creativity
I’m a musician. I put time and heart into crafting lyrics, refining vocals, and creating something meaningful. But AI tools like Suno and Udio now generate songs with just a few prompts—and some of them sound shockingly good.
But music isn’t just sound. It’s story, emotion, and artistry. AI can mimic those things, but it doesn’t live them. That’s the difference.
In 2023, AI-generated tracks were uploaded to platforms like Spotify in the tens of thousands—raising major concerns about authenticity in music and art. A report by Goldman Sachs estimated that AI could replace up to 40% of music-related jobs in the future.
It’s not just music. Graphic designers, painters, writers, filmmakers—creatives across industries are feeling the pressure. Convenience is tempting, but when creativity becomes a shortcut, we lose the miracle of making something human.
So What Should We Do?
Use technology as it was intended: as a tool. For example, I used AI to enhance my grammar and clarity while writing this article—but I didn’t let it write for me. I've misused AI before, but now I strive to keep the human touch intact.
Artificial Intelligence can be helpful, but it's called “artificial” for a reason. It imitates us but it doesn’t understand us, it’s synthetic not authentic. And no matter how good the replica is, it’s still just a copy. Since when has the copy been as good as the original?
Technology Isn’t the Enemy: Misuse Is
To be fair, technology does offer real advantages:- Efficiency: We do more in less time.
- Access: We can learn anything, anytime, from anywhere.
- Connection: We stay in touch globally.
- Problem-solving: Big challenges become manageable.
But we must be careful not to trade our creativity, relationships, and critical thinking for comfort. If we can use technology wisely—without letting it define us—we’ll create a better balance.
The goal isn’t to go backwards. It’s to move forward with intention.
