Digital Chains

 

                                                   (image: youtube.com)

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.