21.“The age of melancholy"is how psychologist Daniel Goleman describes our age.People today experience more depression than previousgenerations, despite the technological wonders that help us every day. It might be because of them.
Our lifestyles are increasingly driven by technology. Phones, computers and the Internet pervadeour days.There is a constant, nagging need to check for texts and emails. to update Facebook, MySpace and Linkedln profiles, to acquire the latestnotebook or cellphone.
Are we being served by these technological wonders or have we become enslaved by them? l studythe psychology of technology, and it seems to me that we are sleepwalking into a world where technology is severely affecting our well-being. Technology can be hugely useful in the fast lane of modern living, but we need to stop it from taking over.
For many of us, it is becoming increasingly difficult to control the impulse to check our inbox yet again or see whether the neailres arv in a similarsince we last looked. Our children are in a similar date on Facebook.In many homes, the computerhas become the centre of attention; it is the meanum through which we work and play.
How did this arise, and what is it doing to us? In this era of mass consumption, we are surrounded
by advertising that urges us to find a fultillment through the acquisition of material goods.As a result, adults and children increasingly believe that in order to belong and feel good about themselves, they must own the lasted model or gadget.Yet research by psychologist Tim Kasser of Knox college in Galesburg,linoIs,nas tnral aoals areple who place a high value on material goals are unhappier than those who are less materialistic.Materialism is also associated with lower self-esteem, greater narcissism, greater tendency to compare oneself unfavorably with other people, less empathy and more conflict in relationships.
our culture also constantly reminds us that time is money.This imp