The ongoing debate on the significance and advantages of AI and technology persists, however, this article seeks to highlight the potential dangers linked to it. Just like a coin, technology has two facets.
On one side, it offers benefits such as streamlining work processes and increasing productivity by automating tasks. However, on the other side, there are risks including hindered personal growth, reduced ability to understand complex situations, decreased brain function, and a heightened sense of passivity, not well-documented yet but should be taken into consideration.
As we increasingly rely on technology and become addicted to it, we find ourselves engaging in fewer activities that require critical thinking, intellectual engagement, and creativity. Over time, this can have catastrophic consequences like the long-term damage caused by habits like smoking or excessive drinking. While the effects may not be immediately visible, an x-ray of our brains after years of dependence on AI tools may reveal a concerning decline in functionality.
Just as Greek proverb says, “repetition is the mother of retention.” If we neglect to use certain parts of our brains, they may not function as efficiently. And so, we must consider what the future holds if we continue to rely on AI for tasks that could be performed independently.
The internet, while undoubtedly a valuable invention, raises similar concerns about how it is utilized by the majority. The top 20 most visited websites globally, as reported by VisualCapitalist, paint a picture of our digital habits. These habits can illustrate a potential impact on our cognitive abilities and overall well-being.
Top 20 most visited websites
| Rank | Website | Monthly Traffic | Category | Country |
| #1 | google.com | 85.1B | Search Engines | U.S. |
| #2 | youtube.com | 33.0B | Streaming & Online TV | U.S. |
| #3 | facebook.com | 17.8B | Social Media Networks | U.S. |
| #4 | twitter.com | 6.8B | Social Media Networks | U.S. |
| #5 | instagram.com | 6.1B | Social Media Networks | U.S. |
| #6 | baidu.com | 5.0B | Search Engines | China |
| #7 | wikipedia.org | 4.8B | Dictionaries & Encyclopedias | U.S. |
| #8 | yandex.ru | 3.4B | Search Engines | Russia |
| #9 | yahoo.com | 3.3B | News & Media Publishers | U.S. |
| #10 | whatsapp.com | 2.9B | Social Media Networks | U.S. |
| #11 | xvideo.com | 2.8B | Adult | Czechia |
| #12 | amazon.com | 2.6B | Marketplace | U.S. |
| #13 | pornhub.com | 2.5B | Adult | Canada |
| #14 | xnxx.com | 2.3B | Adult | France |
| #15 | live.com | 2.1B | U.S. | |
| #16 | yahoo.co.jp | 2.1B | News & Media Publishers | Japan |
| #17 | netflix.com | 2.0B | Streaming & Online TV | U.S. |
| #18 | tiktok.com | 1.8B | Social Media Networks | China |
| #19 | docomo.ne.jp | 1.8B | Telecommunications | Japan |
| #20 | reddit.com | 1.7B | Social Media Networks | U.S. |
The results above indicate that people are heavily engaged with social media daily, relying on it for information and prioritizing lifestyle content. The increase in ecommerce website usage implies a growing demand for task automation. The rise of streaming services and online TV shows reflects a shift in consumer habits from cinemas to home entertainment. Although AI tools like ChatGPT are not in the top 20 most visited websites, the term ChatGPT is currently ranked 14th in the list of top Google searches worldwide for 2024. In the span of a year, ChatGPT soared from 64th place at the start of 2023 to 14th in 2024. As ChatGPT began its journey in 2022, its rapid climb shows no signs of stopping. It will be intriguing to see how these tools evolve in the future.
To avoid any possible harm of our dependence on technology and AI it requires a high level of self-awareness, self-discipline, and a basic need for self-development. However, how simple is it to avoid the extensive use of cellphones when we are constantly exposed to it. Once again, it’s like exposing alcohol to an alcoholic.
Globally we see an increased level of psychological problems, like depression, mental instability and even and increased number of suicides. The WHO reports that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds. It has also been reported that the number of suicides is increasing greatly among young people. The reasons behind the statistics have been attributed to various factors including financial crises, social isolation, and relationship difficulties. The pressure of our modern lifestyle frequently leads to unattainable standards that do not align with our genuine needs.
We have also seen disturbing figures regarding the addiction of young people to i-gaming. It’s not accidental after all that the The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized addiction to video games as a mental disorder, including it in the official list of all diseases under the name “Gaming Disorder.”
It is imperative that we analyze and address the concerning statistics promptly and implement proper precautions before it becomes too late. We must ensure that we control technology, rather than allowing technology to control us.
Engaging in social interactions and connecting with others are crucial for cognitive function. They are linked to improved mental health, increased happiness, reduced stress, decreased risk of dementia, and a strengthened sense of safety, belonging, and security. So, glance away from the screen every now and then.
