By Cal Beyer

Technology is increasingly intertwined with everyday activities in our personal and professional lives. As the role of technology continues to expand in contemporary society, its impact on humans continues to evolve as well. Technology is hard to avoid in homes and workplaces. This includes smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, televisions, and an ever-growing array of apps and digital systems enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI).

The growing prevalence and dependence on technology creates a complex web of both positive benefits and potential downsides to recognize. This is why the impact of technology is a “mixed bag” – there are positives and potential negatives to be considered by each person and end-user.

Positive Benefits of Technology

• Potential to improve social connection for both personal and professional networks
• Timely access to a widening array of information and essential services, including telehealth and therapy
• Enhances entertainment experiences (special effects, livestreaming, drone “fireworks” shows, animatronics and more)
• Technological innovations provide major benefits in education, healthcare, and public safety
• Enhances interdisciplinary, intra- and inter-organizational collaboration improving efficiency in project planning, execution and oversight.

Potential Downsides of Technology

• Overstimulation and overuse of screen time is associated with deteriorating quality and quantity of sleep
• Rising rates of social isolation and loneliness, as well as contributing to anxiety and depression
• Potential for misinformation and disinformation requires discernment and relying on  credible and reputable sources of information
• The need for ongoing upgrades and updates creates an insatiable appetite for more powerful systems, devices, and apps
• Risks of cyberbullying or data breach impacting theft of personal identity and personal data

Tips for Reducing The Downsides of Technology on Personal Well-being

Year after year, the amount of screen time continues to rise. Many mental health and well-being practitioners are increasingly advocating for individuals to become aware of the potential downsides of technology. These professionals and practitioners are advocating for individuals and families alike to set boundaries for safe technology use.

As parents of five adult children, my spouse and I taught our growing children how to leverage the benefits of digital tools and to understand the potential downsides of technology. Our family adopted guidelines for technology use and I began sharing tips and pointers with others. Representative examples of technology guidelines include:

1. Understand the privacy and confidentiality risks of technology. Learn how to check all devices for harmful malware and ensure proper anti-virus and security software is enabled to protect your devices and your personal identity, as well as private data and financial resources.
2. Evaluate how excessive technology usage affects your mood. Be mindful to curb exposure of media that activates unhealthy emotional responses. Avoid the temptation of seemingly endless “doom-scrolling” by consciously putting your device away.
3. Enable pre-set controls in the technology device to help establish better boundaries by either activating or disabling timers, and alarms and notifications based on your preferences.
4. Establish personal limits on screen time to a reasonable number of hours per day by setting goals for maximum allowable personal consumption of social media and other screen usage.
5. Hold yourself accountable to take a brief break at least every hour to get up from your desk (or away from your desk if you have a standup version) to practice stretch and flex of your body combined with deep breathing exercises.
6. Maintain “tech-free” times and places as off limits for technology devices, especially during meals and at bedtime. It is advisable to set a standard time to turnoff technology devices when at home to ensure both quiet down time and promote restful sleep.
7. Be unintentional to substitute sedentary screen time with outdoor activities or physical exercise to give your brain and body an energy boost.
8. Take up a new hobby or activity that does not use technology devices that can expand your horizons and decrease dependence on technology.
9. Unplug and take “tech timeouts” while on vacation to ensure proper resting, relaxing, and recharging of personal energy can occur.  Assess your current unhealthy technology habits and determine what changes are needed to reduce your dependence.

Beneficial Technology: 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline

As more workplaces address mental health in the workplace, leaders are seeking effective resources to share with employees. One of the foundational resources to share with employees and their families is the 988 crisis support service available via smart phones, tablets and computers. 988 exists to help connect people to accessible support through a personalized and caring human connection.

The three-digit 988 hotline has existed in the United States since July 2022, and in Canada since November 2023.  A three-digit number is easier to remember by persons in need of help or for those offering help. 988 offers free, confidential, 24/7 access to support 365 days per year.

The 988 crisis hotline is an important tool in everyone’s mental health toolkit. Share information about the hotline with family, friends, and coworkers. 988 helps people feel supported in a time of crisis, provide for de-escalation, offer coping strategies to transition through the crisis, and, if necessary, to connect with other resources.

Help is available for anyone in need who is feeling emotional distress for any reason, condition or circumstance. This includes mental health anxiety, loss and grief, substance misuse and substance use disorder, suicidal ideation, and other emotional distress.

In the US, support is available in English and Spanish; in Canada, support is available in English and French.  Help is available by calling or texting. Additional information about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the US is available online at: https://988lifeline.org/ and in Canada at: www.988.ca. It is okay to make a practice call or text to the hotlines so you know how to explain to others what to expect when they make a call to seek support.

Technological Threats to Mental Health: AI and Electronic Monitoring

As technology in the workplace expands, there are growing concerns about its potential threats to mental health and well-being. The American Psychological Association (APA) released survey findings in 2023 sharing how employees worrying over artificial intelligence (AI) and monitoring technologies adversely impacts their well-being, as well their morale and sense of “mattering” at work.

The APA reported 38% of workers reported worrying about the potential for AI to make their jobs partially or wholly obsolete. Of these workers, nearly 65% reported feeling stressed during the workday. This was significantly higher than the 38% who do not report worrying about AI. Likewise, the APA survey associated the use of cameras and computer software as technology monitoring devices with lower levels of employee morale and a decreased sense of “mattering” at work. This contributes to reduced satisfaction, increased burnout, and decreased productivity.

A clear finding in the APA survey was the importance of employers intentionally educating employees on the role of AI. The survey further stressed the importance of employers openly communicating with employees to help relieve anxiety and stress associated with AI to improve well-being and increase the sense of “mattering” at work.

Conclusion

Technology is ubiquitous and impacts virtually every aspect of modern society. Technology has exponentially changed the nature, scope, and pace of work. The technology revolution forever changed the modern workplace. Technology holds the promise of unleashing new discoveries leading to innovations for the betterment of society. There are growing signs that technology also presents potential risks to the humanity of workplaces and well-being of society. Leaders must be careful to consider the potential drawbacks of technology and recognize how these downsides may adversely impact the well-being of human workers.

Editor’s Note: A version of this article first appeared in the IMSA Journal by the International Municipal Signaling Association in July of 2025.  The author expanded the article to include additional threats to well-being by rapidly expanding workplace technology.

Resources: 

American Psychological Association (APA). September 7, 2023. Worries about AI, surveillance at work may be connected to poor mental health. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/09/artificial-intelligence-poor-mental-health

About the author:  

Cal Beyer, CWP, NAC is an experienced safety, risk management, and well-being practitioner. He is a longtime advocate for worker well-being and workplace mental health. He helped launch the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention in 2016. He serves on the Executive Committee for the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention and the Lived Experience Advisory Committee for the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. He is a frequent presenter at industry events and regular contributor to industry publications. Reach Beyer at cal.beyer@gmail.com or via cell at 651/307-7883.