The Impact of Social Isolation and

Technology Dependence to the Younger Generation

The Impact of Social Isolation and

Technology Dependence
to the Younger Generation

Presented By:

Norshika Keith Helito

Vince Martin Abrogar

Francesca Hope Domingo

Anne Jellyca Mae Millares

Job Padama

Presented to:

Ms. Jaquilyn Belagan

School Division of Makati

San Isidro National High School

10-Rizal

July 7, 2021

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 - ABSTRACT -
Social isolation is a state of one’s lack of contact between others. One of the cause of one’s social
isolation is the use of technology nowadays. The purpose of this research is to know what is social
isolation occur by the use of modern technologies. Another thing is to know what future social isolation
brings to human beings. We also want to know how to solve this type of problem in our society.
Research shows that not only technologies can help but also interaction with humans. Daily outdoor
activities would also solve one’s loneliness. There are much more ways on how to solve social isolation.
This research answer all the problem regarding the effects of it. Basing on this research would definitely
help you to know more about social isolation.

- INTRODUCTION -
Technology has had a huge impact on ever people’s life especially in this time of crisis we are
currently experiencing. However, have you ever heard about social isolation and being dependent on
technology? Moreover, the possible effects of it to people, particularly to the younger generation. If not,
then let us tell you some information about it.

A state of complete or near-complete lack of communication between an individuals and society

is known as social isolation. It varies from loneliness, which is characterized by an involuntary and
temporary loss of contact with other people. Moreover, when we say technology dependency, it is our
dependence on the use of technology such as social media and other advanced machines.

However, technology has been very helpful to us, just as it has been to our daily activities, but we
also know that it has had a negative effect on our lives. One of the negative effects of technology is that
it makes individuals less interactive. Moreover, social isolation can affect our health condition; it can
lead us to depression, anxiety, despair, and many other things. Social isolation has sprung up its
population ever since the pandemic came. While young are being exposed to technology these modern
days, which leads to some being dependent when it comes to gadgets.

In this research, we are going to tackle about how technology dependency may effect lives of
people, specifically, the youth. Moreover, how and when does social isolation happen and what are the
effect or results it gives to people who are experiencing it.

- EXPANDED DEFINITION -
Social isolation is a state of complete or near-complete lack of contact between an individual and
society. It differs from loneliness, which reflects temporary and involuntary lack of contact with other
humans in the world. Social isolation can be an issue for individuals of any age, though symptoms may
differ by age group. However, it has similar characteristics in both temporary instances and for those
with a historical lifelong isolation cycle. All types of social isolation can include staying home for lengthy
periods of time, having no communication with family, acquaintances or friends, and/or willfully
avoiding any contact with other humans when those opportunities do arise.

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 Research indicates that perceived social isolation (PSI) is a risk factor for and may contribute to
“poorer overall cognitive performance and poorer executive functioning, faster cognitive decline, more
negative and depressive cognition, heightened sensitivity to social threats, and a self-protective
confirmatory bias in social cognition.” PSI also contributes to accelerating the ageing process: Wilson et
al. (2007) reported that, after controlling for social network size and frequency of social activity,
perceived social isolation is predictive of cognitive decline and risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Moreover, the social interactions of individuals who feel socially isolated are more negative and
less subjectively satisfying. This contributes to a vicious cycle in which the person becomes more and
more isolated. Lonely individuals display stronger functional communication in the default network, and
greater microstructural integrity of its fornix pathway. The findings fit with the possibility that the up-
regulation of these neural circuits supports mentalizing, reminiscence and imagination to fill the social
void.

Social isolation can begin early in life, when a person may become preoccupied with thoughts of
their individuality that are not easy to share with other individuals. This can result from feelings of
shame, guilt, or alienation during childhood experiences. Social isolation can coincide with learning
impairments and developmental disabilities. The difficulties experienced academically can greatly
influence the individual's esteem and sense of self-worth.

Isolation among the elderly - Social isolation impacts approximately 24% of older adults in the
United States, approximately 9 million people. The elderly have a unique set of isolating dynamics that
often perpetuate one another and can drive the individual into deeper isolation. Increasing frailty,
possible declines in overall health, absent or uninvolved relatives or children, economic struggles can all
add to the feeling of isolation. Among the elderly, childlessness can be a cause for social isolation.
Whether their child is deceased or they did not have children at all, the loneliness that comes from not
having a child can cause social isolation. Retirement, the abrupt end of daily work relationships, the
death of close friends or spouses can also contribute to social isolation. In the United States, Canada,
and United Kingdom, a significant sector of the elderly who are in their 80s and 90s are brought to
nursing homes if they show severe signs of social isolation. Other societies such as many in Southern
Europe, Eastern Europe, East Asia, and also the Caribbean and South America, do not normally share the
tendency towards admission to nursing homes, preferring instead to have children and extended-family
of elderly parents take care of those elderly parents until their deaths.

On the other hand, a report from Statistics Norway in 2016 stated that more than 30 percent of
seniors over the age of 66 have two or fewer people to rely on should personal problems arise. Even
still, nearly half of all members of senior communities are at high risk for social isolation; this is
especially prevalent with seniors of a lower education and within the lower economic class and
compounded with diminished availability of socializing options to these lower class individuals. There
has also been an observed increase in physical gait among members of these communities.

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 Social isolation among older adults has been linked to an increase in disease morbidity, a higher
risk of dementia, and a decrease in physical mobility along with an increase in general health concerns.
Evidence of increased cognitive decline has been link to an increase in social isolation in depressed
elderly women. In addition, the use of video communication/video calls has been suggested as a
potential intervention to improve social isolation in seniors. However, its effectiveness is not known.

Isolation and health and mortality - Social isolation and loneliness in older adults is associated
with an increased risk for poor mental and physical health and increased mortality. There is an increased
risk for early mortality in individuals experiencing social isolation compared to those who are not socially
isolated. Studies have found social isolation is associated with increased risk in physical health
conditions including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, elevated stress hormones, and weakened
immune systems. Research also suggests that social isolation and mortality in the elderly share a
common link to chronic inflammation with some differences between men and women. Social isolation
has also been found to be associated with poor mental health including increased risk for depression,
cognitive decline, anxiety, and substance use. Social isolation in elderly individuals is also associated with
an increased risk for dementia.

Isolation among children and teens - Middle school is a time when youth tend to be sensitive to
social challenges and their self-esteem can be fragile. During this vulnerable time in development,
supporting students' sense of belonging at school is of critical importance. Existing research finds that
adolescents' development of a sense of belonging is an important factor in adolescence for creating
social and emotional well-being and academic success. Scientists have long known that loneliness in
adults can predispose depressive symptoms later in life. One possible explanation is that friends are the
preferred source of social support during adolescence. Researchers conclude that prevention of
loneliness in childhood may be a protective factor against depression in adulthood. Socially isolated
children tend to have lower subsequent educational attainment, be part of a less advantaged social class
in adulthood, and are more likely to be psychologically distressed in adult life.

By receiving social assistance, studies show that children can cope more easily with high levels
of stress. It is also shown that social support is strongly associated with feelings of mastery and the
ability to deal with stressful situations, as well as strongly associated with increased quality of life.

True social isolation over years and decades can be a chronic condition affecting all aspects of a
person's existence. Social isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness, fear of others, or negative self-
esteem. Lack of consistent human contact can also cause conflict with the (peripheral) friends. The
socially isolated person may occasionally talk to or cause problems with family members.

In the case of mood-related isolation, the individual may isolate during a depressive episode
only to 'surface' when their mood improves. The individual may attempt to justify their reclusive or
isolating behavior as enjoyable or comfortable. There can be an inner realization on the part of the
individual that there is something wrong with their isolating responses that can lead to heightened
anxiety. Relationships can be a struggle, as the individual may reconnect with others during a healthier

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 mood only to return to an isolated state during a subsequent low or depressed mood. (This can lead to
dangerous thoughts too)

Social isolation is both a potential cause and a symptom of emotional or psychological challenges.
As a cause, the perceived inability to interact with the world and others can create an escalating pattern
of these challenges. Social isolation can be chronic or episodic, depending upon any cyclical changes in
mood, especially in the case of depression.

Every day aspects of this type of deep-rooted social isolation can mean:

 staying home for an indefinite period of time due to lack of access to social situations rather
than a desire to be alone;
 both not contacting, and not being contacted by, any acquaintances, even peripherally; for
example, never being called by anybody on the telephone and never having anyone visit one's
residence;
 a lack of meaningful, extended relationships, and especially close intimacy (both emotional and
physical)

The following risk factors contribute to reasons why individuals distance themselves from society:

o Domestic violence – perpetrator uses social isolation as a means of controlling their victim.

o Family crisis – Mostly occurs when one member of a family neglectfully performs a harmful
action. For example, if a parent performs any action against the will of their child, the child could
end up in shock, and eventually feeling defeated. Furthermore, the symptoms could last for the
child for an indefinite period, with more symptoms surfacing with the passage of time.

o Health and disabilities – People may be embarrassed by their disabilities or health problems,
such that they have a tendency to avoid social interaction. This is common in people who have
autism and other known disorders. Sometimes, rather than embarrassment, the disability itself
and a person's lack of support network can be the cause of social isolation.

o Loss of a spouse – If a spouse has recently separated, divorced, or died, the other person may
feel lonely and depressed.

o Living alone – A 2015 study by the National Center for Family & Marriage Research found 13
percent of adults in the United States were living alone, up from 12 percent in 1990. The rate of
living alone for people under 45 has not changed, but the rate for Americans aged 45 – 65 has
increased over the past 25 years. People over the age of 65 are living alone less often.

o Unemployment – Social isolation due to unemployment has been seen to particularly affect
men. This can begin if someone is fired, dismissed, or released from a job or workplace. If the
person struggles or is unable to find a new job for a long period (i.e. months or years), the sense
of isolation can become exacerbated.

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 o Hearing loss – hearing loss can cause communication impairment, which can lead to social
isolation particularly in older adults.

o Transportation problems – If the person does not have transportation to attend gatherings or to
simply get out of the house, they have no choice but to stay home all day, which can lead to
those feelings of depression.

o Societal adversity – The desire to avoid the discomfort, dangers, and responsibilities arising from
being among people can lead some people to want to be alone. This can happen if other people
are rude, hostile, critical or judgmental, crude, or otherwise unpleasant. Being a part of an
outgroup and social categorization can also play a part in creating adverse circumstances that
the individual may attempt to avoid depending on the policies and attitudes of the society.

o Missing certain events – If a person could not attend a special event, like a social gathering,
dance, or any sort of outing of an event, the symptoms of isolation could last for an indefinite
period. Even if another person performed neglectful action to prevent one person from
attending the event, this could instantly lead to isolation, along with other multiple symptoms,
including nervous shock. This could cause the victims to keep themselves secluded from any
further activity to avoid any further damage.

Since the pandemic, thousands of citizens found phones to be a way to do their routine resulting
in technology dependence, where our world and daily doings revolves around technology.

Since the emergence of the internet and smartphones, research is showing an increase in the
number of people struggling with an addiction to technology. It is common for both youth and adults to
feel a need to constantly be “plugged in” to social media and the internet, but this often leads to a fear
of missing out, and fear of being left out in young people. Coupled with the neurological changes that
take place in the brain while being online, technology addiction can be added to the list of behavioral
addictions.

Technology addiction falls into a category of addiction termed behavioral addictions. Behavioral
addictions are widely recognized by mental health and addiction professionals and include other
behaviors such as gambling and sex. A behavioral addiction is characterized by a progressive inability to
control, regulate, or limit the behavior. Technology addiction also shares similarities with obsessive-
compulsive disorders.

Our modern world is characterized by increasing connectivity and technology use. However, some
teens and young adults cross from normal use into a realm in which their technology use is having a
negative impact on school, work, family, and social life. Technology addiction includes an addiction to
video games, social networking, and surfing the web, among other things. Technology, of course, has
many innumerable benefits. Nevertheless, this dependency on phones and computers has influenced
humans negatively, too.

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 First and foremost, it has led users to be completely engrossed in their devices. In fact, there is
even a term to describe this: “nomophobia” (no-mobile-phone-phobia) which is when a person has an
actual fear of losing or being away from their phone.

So, technology helps us advance as a society, but are all the dangers of being dependent on
technology actually hindering us and pushing us backwards? Many experts think so.

The more we become attached to certain devices and dependent on types of technology, the
more we’ll work to improve those particular devices (while simultaneously losing our abilities to
socialize, memorize, find solutions, and learn skills) and the less we’ll have the focus, desire, and ability
to invent something new. Therefore, we need to reduce our dependence on technology if we want to
keep innovating and bringing new ideas to fruition in the future.

Before technology changed everything, entertainment was limited to things like going out to the
circus, to a play, or to dinner with friends. Then the cinema was invented and people went to the
movies. Once the TV was introduced, people no longer had to leave their homes to be entertained. The
ability to consume entertainment became more and more convenient because of technology. These
days, there are more entertainment options at home than there are outside the home--you can stream
tens of thousands of movies, shows, sports games, and more from your TV or computer.

Moreover, that is just passive entertainment--there are thousands of video games that can keep
you actively engaged without ever leaving your home as well. The recent integration of VR (virtual
reality) in video games means you are able to imitate active forms of entertainment that you
traditionally had to participate in outside the house, such as going bowling, going paintballing, or even
playing sports.

Human beings are social creatures. Humans need to interact with other humans--it’s part of their
nature. However, technology is slowly chipping away at the need to actually interact with other humans
in person. For example, the creation of social media has allowed people to engage with thousands of
other humans whom they do not even personally know. You can create an entire social circle of friends
online that you have never met in real life.

There is nothing wrong with using technology to make life easier and more convenient. It is when
we become too dependent on it that we need to take a step back and re-evaluate our reliance on
technology.

Nothing can be done without Internet access. If you lose Internet access, you’re done working for the
day.

- You lose track of time when you’re online.

- You use calculators for simple calculations.

- You feel anxious without connection.

- You are addicted to your mobile phone and/or you allow machines to dictate your
responses/behaviors.

- You feel buyer’s remorse every time you buy a new device and/or you obsess over the latest gadgets.

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 - You have a hard time disconnecting and focusing on the present. You find you are not living in the
present and often record moments instead of appreciating them.

- You don’t have phone numbers and/or addresses memorized.

- You find it difficult to sleep.

- You don’t go out enough; socialization takes place on your phone.

- You have not been creative in a while.

- You’re not able to have important and serious conversations in person.

- You feel like something is missing when you do not have your phone.

- You have little concern for your privacy.

Most of us probably will have answered “yes” to at least a few of these statements. However, if you
have answered yes to a majority of them, then it may be time to start addressing your reliance on
technology.

If you think you are too dependent on technology but wondering why technology is bad for society,
well, this dependence can be dangerous. Technology can affect us physically, mentally, and emotionally
if we are not careful. It can also be harmful to others. Here is how.

 Anxiety And Depression - Technology dependence has been linked to anxiety and depression.
Whether this comes from the fact that we are withdrawn from others, the pressures from social
media, the rise of cyber bullying, or the bright phone screen that is detrimental to our sleep, all
of this is taking a toll on our mental health.

 Impatience - Technology has made us much more impatient than ever before, according to a
new report. People should be accessible and available at all times, the report says. The
Department of Health is encouraging people to make sure they can get back in touch with their
loved ones quickly.

 Memory - Technology can affect our memory and the happy emotions that come with memory.
Technology has given us the ability to use memory cards on a device to store our information,
but we have not been accessing our brain's memory as much as we are capable of doing in the
past.

 Addiction - Technology has increased the rate of technological addiction, which is characterized
by the uncontrollable urge to constantly and consistently use technological devices.
Technological addiction is more common among teenagers, but children and adults are seeing
the effects as well.

 Skill Replacement - Technology gives us the opportunity to learn new skills no matter where we
are. People can start businesses from scratch that run entirely online. However, this quick access

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 to skills can present the same problem as with memorization. We turn to our devices for a
particular skill-set instead of knowing how much water we should be drinking.

Additional:
Fact #7: According to a study by the University of Missouri, “We found that if Facebook users experience
envy of the activities and lifestyles of their friends on Facebook, they are much more likely to report
feelings of depression,” said Margaret Duffy, a professor and chair of strategic communication.

Fact #8: A scientific article entitled “The Brain In Your Pocket” states that “Across three studies, we find
that those who think more intuitively and less analytically when given reasoning problems were more
likely to rely on their smartphones (i.e., extended mind) for information in their everyday lives.”

Fact #9: According to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, “Researchers have found evidence that
people who overuse technology may develop similar brain chemistry and neural patterning to those
who are addicted to substances.” This can cause or worsen anxiety, depression, and even play a role in
suicide in extreme cases.

- DEFINITION OF TERMS -

Social isolation- it is the lack of social interaction or contacts with others.

Technology - is the sum of techniques, skills, methods, and processes used in the production of goods or
services or in the accomplishment of objectives, such as scientific investigation.

Dependency- is the act of being dependent to something.

Depression- is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel the way you
think and how you act.

Cognition- refers to "the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through
thought, experience, and the senses".

Dementia- general term for loss of memory, language, problem solving and other thinking abilities that
are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia.

Susceptible- easily influenced or harmed by something.

Social interaction- any process that involves reciprocal stimulation or response between two or more
individuals.

Nomophobia- used to describe a psychological condition when people have a fear of being detached
from mobile phone connectivity.

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 Socialization- the process of internalizing the norms and ideologies of society.

- REFERENCES -
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https://www.sandstonecare.com/resources/substance-abuse/technology-addiction?
fbclid=IwAR2LDojcESd2AX5Fm7lhEAa3z3b1Ccv1t65ZaesXG4dbFs0uFVBR11bnsD8

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_isolation?
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American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth
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National Institute of Mental Health. (Data from 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.) Retrieved
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www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/prevalence/major-depression-among-adults.shtml

Kessler, RC, et al. (2005). Lifetime Prevalence and Age-of-Onset Distributions of DSM-IV Disorders in the
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http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=208678
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