Modern Day Challenges of Technology on Critical Thinking, Reflection, and Self-Awareness.

With the rise of technology and social media, we are living in a time of unprecedented access to information. The use of technology in academic, professional, and personal settings will only increase. The question to explore is how can we reap the benefits while being aware of the potential risks and harm.

According to Collins English Dictionary (2024), technology applies scientific knowledge to practical ends, used in industries, communication, and healthcare while employing tools, systems, and methods to improve processes and accomplish goals. The integration of technology in learning and teaching is essential for both students and instructors, due to its significant role in daily life. The main goal of integrating technology into the curriculum is to help students improve their learning and to assist instructors in successful teaching.

One fundamental question is whether technology integration enhances students’ critical and reflective skills. According to Gökçearslan et al. (2019), technology has significantly impacted the critical thinking abilities of students and teachers in the 21st century. This suggests that technology is a stepping stone towards enhancing student’s critical thinking and reflective skills. In the same study however, Gökçearslan et al. (2019) did a random experiment involving students who were provided with internet access in the classroom and those who were not. Wolpert, (as cited in Gökçearslan, et al.), stated, “the students who accessed the Internet during classes failed to process what the lecturer said. Test scores on the lecture showed students without internet access performed better than students with internet access” (para. 2). This tells us that technology alone may not always enhance critical thinking or reflection, as there may be additional factors required to facilitate the learning process with technology.

In northern and remote Indigenous communities, internet and cell phone access is not always available, which may create learning barriers. However, limited access to technology may provide a foundation for different learning pedagogies that are creative, land-based, and develop other useful skills that may become minimized when learning is based on technological devices. Being aware of the potential misuse of technology and questioning its actual benefits is a step towards critical thinking.

Technology and social media have many benefits that have advanced our access to knowledge, scope of awareness, and connection with others, increasing awareness on a variety of topics. At the same time, this endless access to information has created a vast amount of easily accessible information that is not verified as true. The rise of misinformation, hate speech, and online bullying are some of the negative impacts of technology, especially on social media.

The increased access to social media, particularly among youth, has been linked to increased anxiety, depression, and declines in mental health. Abi-Jaoude et al. (2020) highlighted some of the negative effects of technology on youth, such as

an increase in mental distress, self-injurious behaviour and suicidality among youth; social media content often involves normalization and even promotion of self-harm and suicidality among youth; and high proportions of youth engage in heavy smartphone use and media multitasking, with resultant chronic sleep deprivation, and negative effects on cognitive control, academic performance and socioemotional functioning (p. E136).

For these reasons, it is very important to have boundaries when on the web, be self-aware, reflect, and most importantly, be critical of and assess the information you encounter.

One technique that can help you to think critically about online information is noticing your emotions (Caulfield, 2017). If you feel a strong emotional response to information, that indicates a good moment to fact check. According to Ferreira (2020), “misinformation is designed to tap into our emotional reactions: fear and anger” (para. 6). This compels our bodies to do something, prompting us to further share the fake news. Once you get in the habit of noticing your body and brain’s response to information, you can begin to critically evaluate the strength of the information. Research the source. Is the information researched? Are there sources? What are the credentials? Is the website legitimate?

Despite the risks that come with technology and social media, there are many positive impacts as well, such as increasing connection, feeling like a part of a community, and enhancing communication skills. Alongside these benefits is the need to develop netiquette, “a set of rules about behaviour that is acceptable on the internet” (Cambridge Dictionary, n.d.). We may add being aware of when and where to use technology. There are situations where technology is inappropriate, for example when listening and learning from Elders and other speakers, when there is private, personal, and confidential information being shared, and when active listening and attentiveness is required.

Developing these skills of netiquette are fundamental in today’s high tech world. Technology is best understood as a supplement to traditional modes of communication. These positive aspects are best realized when we use technology and social media with a critical lens, reflecting on what we take in, being self-aware, and upholding limits.