Tips for Creating a Positive Relationship with Technology: Strategies for Adults and Children

Technology has become ubiquitous, impacting nearly every aspect of our lives. While technology offers immense benefits, managing our relationship with digital tools is becoming increasingly important for maintaining mental and physical health. 

Technology can have some positive benefits for health, such as improving accessibility to healthcare services, facilitating the management of chronic conditions through mobile health apps, and promoting physical activity through fitness trackers. However, excessive or unmonitored use of technology can lead to negative outcomes such as digital eye strain, poor sleep due to blue light exposure and physical inactivity associated with prolonged screen time. Furthermore, the overuse of digital devices has notable impacts on psychological health, including contributing to anxiety, depression, and tech addiction.

Establishing a healthy relationship with technology is crucial for mitigating these negative effects while maximizing the positive benefits. By setting thoughtful boundaries around technology use, individuals can prevent overexposure and maintain a balance that supports their mental and physical health. 

How to Create a Positive Relationship with Technology

Balancing technology use is key to leveraging its benefits to enhance our lives without allowing it to become a source of stress or health problems.

1. Define Technology’s Role in Your Life

Technology should enhance life, not detract from it. Dr. Larry Rosen, a psychologist specializing in the psychology of technology, suggests that adults should regularly assess their technology use to ensure it aligns with personal and professional goals. This mindful approach helps prevent technology from becoming a disruptive presence.

For children, modeling these boundaries and speaking openly about them can be a good way to influence children’s mindsets regarding technology.

2. Set Clear Technology Boundaries

Setting clear boundaries for technology use is an important part of having a healthy relationship with technology. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, parents should create “media use plans” tailored to their child’s age, health, temperament and developmental stage. These plans include limits on types and times of media use, ensuring that technology supports children’s growth and does not hinder it.

Adults, too, need boundaries. For example, designate tech-free zones at home where no devices are allowed, such as bedrooms and dining tables. This helps reduce screen time, improve sleep quality, and encourage family interaction.

For ideas on positive technology boundaries for adults and children, read our recent article: Setting Boundaries to Support a Positive Relationship with Technology

3. Focus on Quality Over Quantity

The content of screen time matters as much as the amount. Adults should choose quality content that adds value to their lives – such as educational programs, news and documentaries – and avoid mindless scrolling through social media. Similarly, children’s screen time should be filled with educational content and age-appropriate entertainment that promotes learning and creativity.

Organizations like Commonsense.org provide reviews and recommendations for children’s programs, apps, and games, guiding parents toward making informed decisions about what their children are watching and interacting with.

4. Support Educational Integration

Technology can be a great educational tool. Interactive apps and websites offer learning through play, particularly in subjects like math and science. For instance, platforms like Khan Academy provide free resources that are both informative and engaging for children and adults alike.

Parents and educators should encourage the use of such educational technologies, integrating them into the learning environment at school and at home. This not only enhances educational outcomes but also helps children view technology as a tool for learning and personal growth.

5. Encourage Active Use

Passive consumption of technology can be harmful. Encouraging active use, where children and adults create content or solve problems, can make technology more engaging and less likely to lead to passive consumption habits. For example, learning to code, writing articles or stories, or creating digital art can transform users from consumers to creators.

6. Teach Digital Literacy

Teaching digital literacy is essential. Understanding how to safely and effectively navigate the internet, recognize credible sources, and protect personal information is as crucial for children as it is for adults. Programs that focus on digital citizenship can equip individuals with the skills to use technology responsibly and critically.

7. Manage Digital Stress

Technology can lead to stress, anxiety, and fatigue. It’s important for adults and children to recognize signs of digital overload. Taking regular breaks from screens, practicing digital detox days, and engaging in physical activities are effective ways to manage technology-induced stress. Apps that monitor screen time and set reminders to take breaks can aid in this effort.

Final Thoughts

Having a healthy relationship with technology involves intentional use, setting boundaries, prioritizing quality content, integrating educational tools, encouraging active use, teaching digital literacy, and managing digital stress. By adopting these strategies, both adults and children can use technology to enhance their lives rather than detract from them.

Developing a positive relationship with technology is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and adjustment based on personal needs and the evolving digital landscape. As technology continues to advance, staying informed and proactive about its role in our lives is more important than ever.

Further Reading