6 Organic Reasons Technophiles Are Happier Than Technophobes
Millennials have a stronger urge to check social media than sex.
Technology has definitely made my life easier and happier. Before I joined the technophilia train, I was swinging in depression, having a bottled emotion that seemed like it would last forever. Though reading hardcopy motivational books helped keep my mood swing in check, It didn’t help get rid of my anxiety or depression because I rarely pick up books when I’m angry.
But with the internet, I could surf social media and mingle with other people, distracting myself from whatever was making me anxious without leaving my home. I noticed I had fewer panic attacks when I joined a community of like minds online.
Before realizing that I could use the internet to travel around the world, I would sit on my couch, daydream about what it would be like to ride horses in Puerto Rico and see the jungles of Central America, but now I use the internet to make money online while I travel solo to Africa, Europe, and Asia. Thanks to Maps.me, Airbnb, and Flixbus apps, my trips around the world is hustle-free.
The internet has given me a career in writing. Instead of going to the library and doing research to get information, I could sit on my butt and push-buttons. Boom! I have got all the info I need to write another fantastic article.
I’m able to shop online and have it delivered to my doorstep. Promote my brand to a larger market, keep track of my business activities and record its performance. I can hire freelancers to cover a long or short-term job, make payments online, and manage my physical and mental health from anywhere in the world using my phone or laptop. If making my life easier doesn’t make me happy, I wonder what would?
How to tell a technophile from a technophobe
A technophile is someone who loves technology or someone who is obsessed with technology. They are usually known for having the latest mobile phone or smartwatch.
Instead of visiting their friends and going to cafes or just walking, they prefer to spend time playing games with their devices. You see them pull out a scientific calculator on their smartphone rather than use their brain to solve a simple equation.
They get anxious when they are not connected to the digital world. For this reason, they can change sleep to spend more time browsing online so that they can be on top of everything.
A technophile is someone who makes the most of technology efficiencies and is active on social media, while a technophobe is one who rarely adopts new technologies. Technophobes fear or even hate technology.
Technophobes believe that embracing technology too strongly can have effects ranging from encouraging shallow thinking to undermining relationships. You have a parent who would print directions on paper than use google map, or the boss who can’t send an email.
True hardcore technophobes who do not and cannot understand the importance of technology are very rare, and they are becoming rarer as a new generation enters the mainstream. It should be noted that technophobia (fear of technology) can be due to a lack of confidence, creating a vicious cycle that cannot be broken.
Much of the blame for technophobia falls on those who design software and not on those who have to use it. The complex nature of technology- mobile devices, computers, and the app discourage most people from adopting it.
Regardless of technophobic sentiments, we can’t ignore the impact the presence of technology has made in our relationships, workplace, and society. Those who embrace it learn to focus on what matters to them the most, whether it be spending time with family or working on side projects that help them grow. With that said, here are some ways technophiles experience a happier and fulfilled life than technophobes.
Technophiles are more successful in graphic designs
As a designer, the better and more familiar you are with technology, the more income and opportunities are open to you. Technophiles are passionate about the whole graphic skills- drawing, painting, photo manipulation, and photography.
It’s a long list of skills, and it certainly bodes well for designers looking to dive into inspiration and bring out the best of themselves on that canvas. Pencil, touch, knowledge of photo editing and a strong sense of eclectic design are all part of being a successful graphic designer today. Various agencies and design agencies want a versatile digital artist to contribute to their success. For a designer, more success leads to more happiness.
They have more free time to spend with their loved ones
Connected devices help us better enjoy our free time by making it easier to connect with the people we love and the things we love to do. We can see our family and friends and enjoy our favorite tv shows, tunes, and videos anytime, anywhere.
Technophiles appreciate the opportunities that technology offers, giving them more time to spend with their loved ones. Family members can stream their favorite shows and music to their individual connected devices, so there’s no fighting over the remote. They can also video chat and play games to spend time with friends.
Technophiles have more freedom to do what they want
Spending time with other people can be a lot of fun, especially for extroverts, but nothing beats the freedom to do what you want when you want. When you are alone, you have the freedom to go where you want or eat what you like without accepting the opinion of others. Working remotely from home or anywhere in the world encourages technophiles to explore their freedom more than technophobes.
Technophiles build stronger romantic relationships
Love is often referred to as the ultimate emotion, and romantic love is a higher experience. In today’s world of internet dating and social media, the path to finding romantic love is easier for a technophile than a technophobe. In the past, singles generally met potential dates through family, friends, or coworkers.
Today, people can exponentially increase their dating options through online dating services like OkCupid, Match.com, or Tinder, to name a few, all with relative ease. The benefits are pretty obvious. Your chances of meeting someone you can love and stay in touch with them — through video and voice calls — increase with internet dating.
Technophiles live healthier
Technophiles are more physically active and happier. Research shows that not only exercise but also effortless physical activity is linked to happiness. Smartphones provide a convenient platform for technophiles, and since they generally carry their phones with them, they can download health and fitness apps from the Google Play store or Apple App store. For example, the mood tracker app is designed to study happiness and behavior, and the physical activity app suggests exercises such as sitting, standing, walking, running, lying down, and cycling.
Technophiles have a lower risk of depression
Technophiles love video games, and one study found that regular video gaming is linked to a lower risk of depression. Video games can be a great way to stimulate your mind and improve your mental health. When you play video games, almost every part of your brain works to help you improve your thinking. Depending on the game’s complexity, you may need to think, strategize, and analyze quickly. These games can be played solo or with multiple players online. Technophiles use video games as a distraction from pain and psychological trauma. This improves their mood and encourages a stress-free life.
Final thoughts
From all the indications, I am one of 81% of technophile millennials. Technology has brought us closer than ever. We thrive on connecting with others.
Things like social media, video conferencing, text messages, and emails allow us to communicate instantly over long distances. This is proven by a statistic where 26% of Americans say they would rather live without sex than without access to the internet.
Also, one of the biggest criticism technophobes have against technology is that it steals our time. Rather than passively allowing technology to affect our lives, let’s take charge of our future by becoming co-creators in how technology cuts across our jobs, families, and communities.
Connection brings us the most satisfaction and joy. It is the secret to lasting well-being and even health and longevity. The first way we can do this is by recognizing that technology has positively impacted our lives. Training our brains to be more positive is essential to reach our full potential.
