Abstract:
Introduction. In the 21st century, the world is very passionate about information technology: social
networks, computers and television have become a part of our lives. An increasing number of people use
these means for hours at work or to relax. But many do not realize the negative effects that information
technology can have on them. They have a negative effect on vision, bone and nervous system. As the
development of technologies is unstoppable, the primary task of the population is to know the negative
effects of the use of information technologies.
Aim of study. Recent research has shown that viewing the small screen is detrimental to the development
and functioning of the human brain. Watching is an important factor in generating passive behavior. In
proportion to the time spent watching, there may be a decrease in general alertness. There is a noticeable
decrease in perseverance and willingness to actively pursue a problem. 60 million people suffer from eye
diseases caused by the long time spent in front of the computer. The first symptoms of computer overuse
are stinging eye pain and blurred vision. Computer users may experience tremors, itching, stinging in the
fingers. At the age of adolescence, the bone system also changes. There are few studies in the Republic of
Moldova on this issue.
Methods and materials. The research is a literature review on the impact of information technology on
human health. We evaluated 24 bibliographic references published in the last 10 years, in the Republic of
Moldova, Romania, Russia, USA, etc. The qualitative study was by applying a questionnaire developed by
the author. The questionnaire consisted of the following sections: general data, characteristics of use,
influence on health, addiction, knowledge about the activity with Information Technologies, containing 31
questions. The sample included 71 randomly selected young people aged 16-29. The survey was
confidential and was researched with the consent of each respondent.
Results. The study showed that a large part of the respondents suffer from addiction to information
technology (63.4%), surfing the Internet for more than 5 hours (66.2%). The consequences of addiction are
the following: eye pain (93%), dry eyes (73.2%), back pain (87.3%), headache (73.2%) and sleep
disturbance (64.8%). In young people there is a decrease in concentration and attention (73.2%), they have
become more anxious and irritated (33.8%).
Conclusion. A large number of young people in the 21st century are addicted to the internet, which is an
alarm for doctors and parents. The time spent on the internet must be well controlled so that no negative
effects appear in the future. Research conducted in recent years does not doubt that information technology,
in addition to the many positive effects, harms the development and functioning of the brain, affects the
eyes, bone and muscle system. The most vulnerable in this case are the young people, so we must act as
soon as possible.
