Healthy Technology Use

Bernadette H. Schell is a well-published professor in the human-computer interaction domain. She is a professor emerita in the Faculty of Management at Laurentian University and an adjunct professor in the Graduate Faculty of Business and IT at Ontario Tech University, both in Ontario, Canada.

• Series ForewordAcknowledgementsIntroductionGuide to Health LiteracyCommon Misconceptions about Healthy Technology Use1. Antisocial teens are the only people negatively affected by the over-use of technology2. Firewalls and antivirus software are effective at keeping your computer and information safe 3. The safety features built into social networking websites protect users from cyberbullying and cyberharassment 4. Doing a “digital detox” is only beneficial for people who are truly addicted to the Internet 5. The only way to effectively fight technology over-use is to go “cold turkey” and stop using devices altogetherQuestions and AnswersThe Negative Impact of Technology Over-Use on Mental Health, Relationships, and Achievement1. Is the Internet addictive?2. How do you know if you are using the Internet, social media, or online games too much? How do you know if you need professional help to deal with this problem?3. What are the different kinds of Internet over-use, and are some more concerning than others?4. How much screen time is considered healthy?5. What is FOMO, and how does it impact our use of technology?6. Can overusing technology cause or worsen anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions?7. What is appearance-related social media consciousness, and how can it impact your mental health?8. What kinds of psychological or psychiatric conditions are typically found in people who over-use technology?9. How does technology over-use negatively impact relationships in real life?10. What is phubbing?11. How does technology over-use negatively impact academic performance?12. How does technology over-use negatively impact employment and job performance?13. Is technology use always bad for mental and social health?The Negative Impact of Technology Over-Use on Physical Health and Safety14. What is digital eye strain?15. What is “tech neck”?16. How does over-using technology negatively affect sleep?17. What other ways can technology over-use negatively impact your physical health?18. What are cyberbullying and cyberharassment? What should you do if you’re a target?19. What user safety features are built into social media and messaging apps? 20. What is hate speech, and how can you protect yourself from it online?Protecting Your Money and Identity Online21. What laws exist in the United States to safeguard your finances, identity, and medical records online?22. Is it safe to use public wi-fi?23. What is phishing, and how can you spot a fake email or text message?24. What is the difference between phishing and spamming?25. What should you do if you think you’ve been the victim of online fraud?26. How can you protect yourself from becoming a victim of online identity theft?27. What is a data breach and how can you protect yourself after one has occurred?28. What is a ransom attack? How can you protect yourself, and what should you do if you become a target of a ransom attack?29. What is the Dark Web, and how is it different from the Deep Web?Privacy, Piracy, and Fake News Online30. What are cookies, and how do websites use them?31. What is personally identifiable information (PII), and how do companies use it?32. Can your smartphone track where you go, and who might be using this information?33. Should you be concerned about your privacy or security when you interact with friends in social media sites?34. What are targeted ads?35. What purpose do Terms of Service (ToS) associated with social networking sites serve?36. What is sexting? Is it illegal to send sexts?37. What can you do if you’re receiving unwanted sexts?38. What should you do if you receive obscene messages from someone online?39. What are piracy websites and who uses them?40. Is it illegal to share your streaming service logins with friends or family?41. Is it illegal to download and share copyrighted files like songs or movies?42. How can you spot fake news and conspiracy theories, and is there a way to prevent individuals or websites from spreading misinformation?Addressing Technology Over-Use43. What does “being mindful about technology use” really mean?44. What exactly is a “digital detox,” and what are the costs and benefits?45. What is the Digital Detox Manifesto?46. What is Internet and Tech Addicts Anonymous (ITAA)?47. What is Camp Grounded, who goes there, and why?48. Are structured digital detox programs like Camp Grounded or digital detox holidays really effective at changing technology over-use?49. How do I find a therapist to help me create a better relationship with technology?50. Can you complete a digital detox regimen by yourself? How?51. Is regularly unplugging for, say, a religious Shabbat a form of digital detox?52. Is it possible to receive online help from an expert so I can better manage my technology use?53. What are some technology-based tools or apps that can help you limit your screen time, online gaming, or social media use?54. How can I get off my phone and be more present when I’m in social situations?55. Is “quiet quitting” a form of digital detox?56. How do you establish better work-life boundaries to reduce the amount of time you spend “plugged in” to work after hours?57. What work-life balance and well-being maintenance lessons were learned during the Case Studies1. Barbara’s Time Online is Hurting Her Mental Health2. Bob and His School are Targets of a Ransomware Attack3. Jeff Experiences “Sextortion” Online4. Ben is Addicted to Online Games5. Popi Uses an App to Help Reduce her Social Media UseGlossaryDirectory of ResourcesIndex