Why should I use technology?

This article provides a few good reasons to convince any one to jump on the technology bandwagon- but not just any bandwagon!

When I wrote my dissertation back in 2012, I found out that individuals with a high locus of control were more likely to use web-related health resources and assess their experience using these resources as positive (Hruska, 2012). What does this mean? In less technical terms, when people feel good about themselves, they are more likely to use websites about health, and feel good about what they found online. And, this is good news for technology developers, people working in healthcare, and many more people in the whole world! Why? Because if we can find out a way to raise locus of control, or the degree to which people feel in control over the things that happen to them in their lives, then they will be more likely to use the Internet to support their health, and they can work together with their doctors to have more positive health outcomes, overall. Website, app, and other technology designers can develop even better tools for people to use to take care of their health and the health of their loved ones.

Today on the Internet, and into the future, the tools to support health grow. People can monitor their health online, check in with their doctors, find out about health conditions, check doctor and hospital reviews, play games about health, buy health-related products, and more. These online health tools offer huge advantages to people of all ages, but especially people that cannot travel far because they are older, if they have a disability, live in a remote location, or some other reason. Therefore, it is important that people have a sense of control over lives and their health in order to take advantage of these new technologies!

How can we raise locus of control? One way is through volunteering. Studies have shown that people that volunteer feel less stress, and they feel more in control of their health (UnitedHealth Group, 2013). People that spend some time volunteering have deeper connections with others and are better communicators. Fortunately, today, technology makes it possible to volunteer from anywhere doing practically anything. For example, search Idealist.org, VolunteerMatch.org, or OnlineVolunteers.org for opportunities with non profit organizations that might need people to write for them, manage their social media, research, and more. And there are even options like micro volunteering, where the volunteer can do things like ghost hunting, play games, or just search the web for as little or as much time as they want, and at the same time, know that they are helping with a worthy cause. Not to mention benefits of volunteering like connecting with other people and adding to a personal skill set or using old skills. Furthermore, when volunteering online, there might be a little relief in knowing that you are online, working with other good people toward a positive goal. Volunteering online is a great option for young people to be exposed to unique opportunities and for older people to take advantage of all that technology offers. More and more people are on social media today, especially older people. The benefits for them to get online and do something good for themselves and others are countless!

Since the early history of the world, we have been using the technology tools of our culture to be more efficient at completing tasks. Therefore, the use of apps, websites, and other tools to manage our lives and expedite tasks really is not too much different than what our ancestors did in the past. However, there are differences in the type of tools we use and the rate that technology has advanced. We use modern technology to pass on knowledge, just as the ancient people did with cave drawings. Videos on YouTube, Courses delivered through MOOCS, and other modern communication channels enable people to build skills that will make them better at everyday tasks, like maintaining a healthy diet, but also to help in the achievement of long term goals, like attaining an academic degree. Through technology, we can find out the best, most efficient path from point A to point B. We can find out what works and what does not. Modern technology can assist people in adjusting their own behavior in order to achieve short and long term goals, and strengthen their self regulation skills in order to move forward in life (Zimmerman & Kitsantas, 1997). And, the more we build our self-regulation skills in one part of our life, like staying healthy, the more we will be able to apply these skills to other parts of our life, like doing well in school (Baumeister & Heatherton, 1996; Baumeister, Gailliot, DeWall, & Oaten, 2006). However, sometimes, even our best skills can fail us, like when we are tired or hungry and become forgetful or distracted (Baumeister & Heatherton, 1996; Baumeister & Vohs, 2007). Another great reason to use technology is that when our self-regulation is depleted for reasons like fatigue or hunger, we can use tools like calendars and clocks to remind us of a task or appointment. We might need a little extra motivation when our own pat on the back is not enough, like a reward for achieving a goal- and, as the saying goes, there is an app for that- such as paying off a debt or reaching a weight loss goal. When people know how to use modern technology, and not just any technology, but the highest rated apps and websites, they can feel better knowing that they have the most advanced tools to assist them in everyday tasks and in long term goals. People that feel more in control, or have a great sense of self efficacy, are more likely to set higher level goals for themselves, and once they achieve these goals, set even more complex goals (Bandura, 1991, 1993). Self efficacy comes from many sources like positive feedback, whether from yourself, another person, or even playing a game online that tells you how great you are, and each time you play it, you just get better! And, when we fail at a game, there is less sense of loss and negativity than failing in real life, plus, some part of this failure can be blamed on the technology, not our own bad decisions (Massie & Shamblin, 2014; Zimmerman & Kitsantas, 1997).

Knowing how to use technology today makes a person more self reliant and perhaps even more successful and healthier. But, if you do not use technology much, or do not know the best tools to use, where is the best place to start? Consider taking a community class on using the Internet, smartphones, or apps. Just watch people and read articles- what seems to be the hottest new technology? If you have not heard about the latest gadget, a little objective research is a good place to start. Check the most trusted resources, ask friends and family, and consult other sources before you decide to jump on the technology bandwagon every time it comes by.

Dr. Natalie Hruska has a Ph.D. in Management, a M.S. in IT, and a B.A. in Psychology. Find out more about her here: http://research.nataliehruska.com/