Boundaries have always been important, ever since we tasted the power of the internet. It was unknown what the internet was able to do, but we learned that we cannot stop the invention, but we can contain it within a strict boundary to make it a useful tool for everyone.
Benefits associated with digital technology include improved communication, education, entertainment, and productivity. However, digital technology is also responsible for many risky behaviors, such as affecting mental health, physical health, and social relationships.
To be on the safe side, boundaries are very important for managing technology in a healthy and balanced way. Boundaries are rules or limits that need to be set to protect people’s well-being and values.
Boundaries also provide us the benefit of knowing and defining what is acceptable and unacceptable in our interaction with technology, and finally, they let us be in control of our activity and not get tempted easily or become prisoners of the digital world.
So, how is it possible that digital technology is also not a part of that boundary constraint?
Some of the boundaries of digital technology are:
- Privacy: A lot of data about users, such as personal information, browsing history, and other kinds of stuff that are unknown to us, is collected by digital technologies. But much-needed steps and actions are required to protect our privacy.
- Security: Hacking is one of the most vulnerable security threats in digital technologies. It is needed to implement strong passwords and security measures for protecting devices and data.
- Addiction: Especially in young people, digital technologies are addictive, and it is a sign of being aware that one needs to be managed on a serious note to stop them from falling into the victimhood of technology.
- Bias: The biases of the people can be reflected by the digital technologies and the people who develop and use them. People need to be aware of such biased behaviors and take immediate steps to mitigate them.
- Misinformation: Spreading misinformation and propaganda for riots or various other illegal activities are some critical activities that need to be stopped and verified from reliable sources.
- Not sharing personal information online and being careful about what apps to download and what sort of permission needs to be granted
- Mindful about how much time you spend using digital technology and on what sorts of topics? Is it purposeful, or is it just a waste of time?
- We need to be critical about online information and verify it from reliable sources.
- Use of apps or tools to track and limit our screen time or freedom of screen time.
- Use a schedule or routing for using technology and stick to it.
- Turning off notifications or muting devices are the best ways to focus on other tasks or activities.
- Be mindful about limiting unwanted or harmful content and using settings to not get distracted by such nonsense.
The main thing to be noted is how we want to behave with ourselves and what should be allowed in that area. The problem we often face is the misuse of our personal information by someone we trust deeply. Oftentimes, people get depressed, frustrated, or blank out about what will happen if it gets leaked.
But in reality, truly concerned people will always be protective of you and find a supportive and successful way for you to get out of the mess.
Always be mindful to get the necessary help whenever needed and not to feel victimized in the digital world.
Sources:- Weber State University, MUO