Alumnus Examines the Impact Technology Has on Our Well-Being

In today’s world, technology is an integral part of our lives, and it plays a significant role in our daily routine. From smartphones to laptops, technology has become embedded in our lives. However, as our reliance on technology increases, we must ask ourselves, is all this screen time good for our well-being?

The Work of Tyler Rice ’17

St. Olaf College alumnus Tyler Rice ’17 is passionate about determining how technology helps or hinders our mental wellness. He co-founded the Digital Wellness Institute, an organization focused on the impact technology has on our health, happiness, and satisfaction, and what we can do about it. Rice and his team are creating a new method of thinking about and measuring digital wellness and the impact of technology on our health and satisfaction.

The Impact of Technology on Our Mental Wellness

Between 2020 and 2022, the daily average screen time increased five hours per person per day, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This has resulted in a range of 11.1 to up to 17 hours on screen per day for those who worked remotely, which is concerning for our mental health. Rice explains that he believes being always “on” and the compulsion to live our lives through screens leads to a breakdown in community, increased rates of mental health issues, lower rates of productivity, and impaired sleep and physical health.

Developing a Career in Digital Wellness

Rice took a job as a consultant at UnitedHealthcare after graduation and noticed particular trends with mental healthcare that piqued his interest. He realized that technology played a significant role in the mental health crisis. Soon after, he co-founded the Digital Wellness Institute with Amy Blankson and Nina Hersher in 2020.

Measuring the Impact of Technology

The Digital Wellness Institute is creating a new method of thinking about and measuring digital wellness and the impact of technology on our health, happiness, and satisfaction. The institute is creating the industry’s first set of standards for certifying and recognizing both Digitally Well Workplaces™ and Digitally Well Colleges and Universities™. An example of this standard is measuring the digital well-being of students and staff through the Digital Flourishing Survey.

Related Facts

• Daily average screen time increased five hours per person per day between 2020 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 99 percent of the projected spend in employers’ employee population over the next ten years was mental health.
• The feeling of being always ‘on’ and the compulsion to live our lives through screens is likely causing a breakdown in community, increased rates of mental health issues, lower rates of productivity, and impaired sleep and physical health.
• The Digital Wellness Institute is creating the industry’s first set of standards for certifying and recognizing both Digitally Well Workplaces™ and Digitally Well Colleges and Universities™.

Key Takeaway

Technology has a significant impact on our mental well-being, and we must take proactive steps to monitor and measure it. As we adapt to new ways of living and working, we must strive to find balance and limit our screen time to ensure that technology enhances our lives rather than becoming a detriment to our mental health.

Conclusion

Technology has revolutionized the way we live and work, but it’s essential to note that it also has a profound impact on our mental well-being. Tyler Rice ’17 co-founded the Digital Wellness Institute to examine the impact technology has on our health, happiness, and satisfaction and create a new method of measuring digital wellness. To ensure a healthy and productive future, we must take proactive steps to limit our screen time and ensure that technology enhances our lives.