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Dali dakan ayahan. Gusto lingaw
pirme…
The
idle television in the living room stands as a poignant symbol of a bygone era
when families would gather to watch their favorite soap operas together. Today,
the scene is vastly different, with most people hunched over their smartphones,
endlessly scrolling through a barrage of images and videos, lost in the digital
maze.
The
rise of mobile phones has shifted entertainment to the small screens in our
hands, making the internet the lifeblood of modern existence. For many,
especially those on the edge of poverty, the lure of connectivity is so
powerful that they would forgo basic needs, like food, in exchange for data to
stay online.
This
shift in behavior is not just a matter of convenience but has deep social and
psychological implications. A study by Fuchs (2020), titled "Digital
Divides and the Internet: A Review of the Literature and a Study on the Global
Internet Usage Gap," explores the phenomenon of mobile phone dependence,
particularly among lower-income populations.
Fuchs
highlights that mobile phones have become a crucial tool for accessing
entertainment and information, especially in developing regions where
traditional media consumption is declining. The study discusses how the
internet has become essential for social inclusion, with connectivity seen as a
necessity rather than a luxury, even leading to sacrifices in other areas of
life, such as food and healthcare, to maintain online access.
This
increased internet usage is closely linked to a decline in physical activities,
particularly among adults, contributing to sedentary lifestyles and associated
health risks. Internet addiction, driven by psychological factors like
emotional regulation, social needs, and underlying mental health conditions,
further exacerbates this trend. Research by Kim et al. (2009) found that
loneliness and a lack of social support are significant predictors of internet
addiction, as the internet offers a sense of community and connection that may
be missing in real life.
The
conveniences of modern technology have come at a cost, gradually eroding our
health as we trade movement for the sedentary comforts of screen time.
Returning to an active lifestyle is not just about fitness; it is about
reconnecting with our natural rhythms, fostering real-world relationships, and
nurturing a sense of presence in our own lives.
Stepping
away from screens and embracing physical activity is a profound gesture of
self-care, essential for restoring balance in a digitally dominated world.
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