Why Technology Feels Overwhelming (and How to Reclaim Your Sanity) -By Peace Ussa Michael

Take note that “Technology is too bad” is a lazy take. Let’s sharpen it into a real argument.
Check your phone right now. How many unread notifications do you have? 20? 50? Now check your subscriptions Netflix, Spotify, ChatGPT Pro, Dropbox. That’s $200 a month. Technology promised to simplify our lives, but for most of us, it feels like a chaotic second job. The truth isn’t that technology is “bad.” The truth is far more dangerous: we are using it wrong. Here’s how to flip the script.

The “Dopamine Trap” is stealing your focus.

Every ping triggers a micro-dose of dopamine, conditioning your brain to crave interruption. Research shows it takes 23 minutes to refocus after a single distraction.

For Example You sit down to write one email. A Slack notification pops up. You reply. Then Instagram suggests a reel. 40 minutes later, you’ve accomplished nothing and feel anxious. The technology isn’t evil; the notification architecture is. The fix? Turn off all non-human notifications (emails from bots, app updates). Your phone is a tool, not a master.

Subscription fatigue is draining your wallet and mental clarity.

The average person spends $300/month on unused subscriptions.

For Example You signed up for that fancy project management app 2 years ago. You use it once a month. Meanwhile, your free tools (Google Calendar, Trello) could do the same job.Too many tools create “choice paralysis.” You spend more time deciding which app to use than actually doing the work. Audit your subscriptions today. If you haven’t used it in 30 days, cancel it. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

The “comparison algorithm” kills your satisfaction.

Social media shows you highlight reels of billionaires and “passive income” gurus, making your reality feel inadequate.

For Example You see a 22-year-old coding a million-dollar AI startup and feel like a failure. But that’s 0.001% of users. You’re comparing your behind-the-scenes to everyone else’s highlight reel.

The algorithm is designed to keep you scrolling, not to make you happy. The fix is intentional consumption: unfollow 10 accounts that make you feel “less than” today, and follow 5 educators instead.

In Conclusion, Technology isn’t bad it’s a neutral force, like fire. It can heat your home or burn it down. The problem isn’t the invention; it’s our lack of boundaries.
Try to do this week, do a “Digital Detox Day.” Pick Sunday. No social media. No work apps. Just you, a notebook, and the real world. See how much clarity returns. Then, comment below: Which app would you struggle to give up for 24 hours? Let’s start a conversation.

Peace Ussa Michael
Mass Communication, university of Maiduguri