C455 Task 3 - Causal Analysis of a Problem PDF

Preview

Summary

CAUSAL ANALYSIS OF A PROBLEMEssay 3Causal Analysis of a ProblemWestern Governors UniversityCAUSAL ANALYSIS OF A PROBLEMCausal Analysis of a Problem Since the introduction of smart phones in 2008, the ever-present nature of the technology has driven many often-negative behaviors. The device itself wa...

Description

1 CAUSAL ANALYSIS OF A PROBLEM

Essay 3 Causal Analysis of a Problem

Western Governors University

2 CAUSAL ANALYSIS OF A PROBLEM Causal Analysis of a Problem Since the introduction of smart phones in 2008, the ever-present nature of the technology has driven many often-negative behaviors. The device itself was designed from the start to grab the attention of the user, since the human brain releases serotonin and dopamine when a phone notification goes off, the same habit-forming chemicals that snare drug users. Interaction on social media apps takes this behavior to an even higher level, with many users developing FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out. Addictive behavior associated with smart phone apps is a growing problem in the U.S. today caused primarily by apps that are designed to create addicts, increase anxiety and depression, and entice deviant behavior. The apps that proliferate well-known electronic marketplaces such as the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to populate iPhones and Android devices deliver many different solutions to daily task as well as challenges many did not expect or intend. Users are able to find apps in more than 45 unique categories at Google Play, with everything from comics to dating, health & fitness, education, shopping, and of course, social platforms. According to a study published by Statista, there were 3.8 million apps available in the Google Play store as of the first quarter of 2018, at least 2 million programs accessible on the Apple App Store, and a million more available on the Windows Store and Amazon Appstore combined. While providing tools and solutions to many of the challenges the modern world poses, the simple truth is that nearly every one of these apps is a drug, specifically designed to create addicts looking for that next high. The fact that apps are designed to be addictive causes numerous problems. Most smart phone owners check their devices well in excess of 100 times per day, and that does not happen by accident. In many ways, the modern tech in everyone’s pocket is nothing more than a digital Skinner box, and the apps are the lever that deliver a

3 CAUSAL ANALYSIS OF A PROBLEM variable reward. People long for the notice that someone “Liked” their photo on Instagram, or a new connection request on LinkedIn. A new article about a favorite player is posted and the screen lights up along with an audible tone that immediately draws the attention of the user, and often those around. The notification triggers the release of dopamine, which gives a little rush similar to a drug high and causes the user to crave more. Right away they start looking for the next opportunity to post with the hopes of new feedback, another “bump”. In a recent article, “The Dark Side of Apps”, the author states that most apps are designed to keep users engaged, another word for addicted, and goes on to report that the biggest apps available, including Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter, “continuously develop technology that automatically test millions of variations of content — word choices, color, images — all the proven tactics in order to capture the attention and brain power of the most minds.” B.J. Fogg, widely recognized as the founding father of behavior design, worries that companies like Instagram and Facebook are using his concepts to keep consumers addicted to their apps. In a wide-ranging article published in late 2016, writer Ian Leslie attended a workshop led by the Stanford scholar who has taught and influenced many of the creators of social media and other apps, where Fogg explains that a combination of motivation and ease of use are critical aspects to eliciting a response. “Put hot triggers in the path of motivated people,” says Fogg. As early as 1997, when Fogg presented his ground-breaking thoughts on how computers could influence the behavior of users, some saw the potential dangers of these types of triggers while others saw only dollar signs – huge dollars signs. It turns out that both groups were correct, and while a few individuals grow rich many others dive into addictions, depression, and anxiety from which they may never recover.

4 CAUSAL ANALYSIS OF A PROBLEM Another cause of the problems of smart phone addiction is that apps increase anxiety and depression. This leads to addictive behavior in that mobile devices have become the new street corner for today’s youth, and the apps give them access to multiple peer groups simultaneously. Kids jump from “Insta” to Snapchat, pondering plans that never come to fruition, posting selfies as they sit on the floor waiting for that next hit of dopamine and serotonin. They are literally unable to make decisions about what option to choose because the next better opportunity may be coming at any second. With eyes and ears glued to their phones, FOMO rules the day and leads to inaction, isolation, depression, and anxiety. Nighttime and sleep do not bring a respite from FOMO, as even during what should be restful hours many young people continue to worry they are missing out on something, and are afraid to be away from the devices for even short periods of time, which leads to a lack of sleep, tiredness, difficulty coping with daily life, low self-esteem, and right back to worry and stress in a seemingly never-ending cycle. According to a report by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) in the UK published in May 2017 and highlighted in an article published on CNN.com, “Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and Twitter all demonstrated negative affects overall on young people’s mental health.” The study was designed to explore the effects specific social media apps had on the nearly 1,500 participants. Crises explored within the group of young people ages 14-24 included depression, body image, self-identity, and anxiety. The study determined that the rates of depression and anxiety in young people has increased 70% in the past 25 years, and there is mounting data that the use of social media is directly connected with increases in anxiety, depression, and poor sleep. What may be the most disturbing revelation within this report is the statement that social media is more addictive than cigarettes and alcohol.

5 CAUSAL ANALYSIS OF A PROBLEM Depression and anxiety around body image are especially rampant among young women, the RSPH study found, with nine in 10 teenage girls reporting that they are unhappy with their body and that this depression is fed by the bombardment of images proliferating social media apps such as Instagram and Snapchat. While body image issues are not in themselves new— women and girls have compared themselves to images portrayed in art for centuries—the sheer volume of manipulated and perfected pictures delivered relentlessly through apps with nearly constant notifications and triggers is unprecedented. A final cause of the smart phone app addiction problem is apps entice deviant behavior by creating a sense of anonymity and separation that emboldens people. Through the relative obscurity of a user name, individuals respond to online articles and posts with a vitriol uncommon in spoken word, making personal attacks and breeding levels of hatred that hearken to darks eras in history. It was especially chilling to see the news reports and images captured during the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 12, 2017. Social media, web boards, and other internet tools were utilized by white supremacist rally organizers to bring together individuals from around the country in a despicable and frightening display of hatred. Ironically, the very anonymity many of the bigots found while hiding behind apps was shattered when they showed their faces in Charlottesville, resulting in public outing that lead to shame, disgrace, and even job loss for numerous participants. Sexual deviance, cyber bullying and criminal activity are all prevalent aberrant behaviors enabled by apps and social media, for both young people and adults alike. Activities such as sexting can lead to the ruin of relationships, or in-person dalliances that may have devastating outcomes. There have been documented reports of American teen suicides allegedly caused by both sexting and cyber bullying, and in some cases the sexting has led directly to the bullying.

6 CAUSAL ANALYSIS OF A PROBLEM Addictive behavior associated with smart phone apps is a growing problem in the U.S. today caused primarily by apps that are designed to create addicts, that increase anxiety and depression, and that entice deviant behavior. As has been the case throughout U.S. history, the acknowledgement of the negative effects of a technological introduction and resulting actions introduced to remedy those effects consistently lags. Society is only now beginning to research the unintended effects these devices and the resulting apps have delivered. Devices are handed to children in their infancy seeming with no concern for their development or the addictions that are being created. Acknowledgement of the need for training on healthy use of apps is imperative, and it is a challenge that must be embraced by all who teach and influence young people and adults. Coordinated efforts between parents, schools, and government leadership must be developed, for this Pandora’s Box can never be closed....