Consequences of Information Technology on Mental, Ethical and Social Health

The relationship between the cyberspace and human brain gives the technology a unique and sometimes irresistible attraction. The aspect، along with the numerous advantages of modern information technologies (IT)، makes users have a wide approach toward ICT throughout the world. The present study attempted to review the literature on undesirable psychological، ethical and social effects of the internet and computer games in order to highlight the serious need for training users، taking preventive measures and also making educational and legal policies. In spite of all their constructive impacts on psychological health، social relations، cognitive skills and learning، technologies have such wide detriments that could override their advantages. Among the consequences of uninformed usage of the technologies، one may notice addiction and pathological dependency، sexual abuse، disruption of family and social relations، non-responsibility، violence and aggression، depression، isolation and introversion، low self-esteem، school and job failure، anxiety، and finally mental and emotional disorders. The wide range of undesirable consequences، as well as an increasing body of researches on the matter، implies the seriousness of the dangers all over the world and the requirement of an increasing awareness، sensibility and attention. Given the high context-dependency of technologies، it is necessary to conduct a wide range of studies in order to get to suitable and effective and well-proportioned solutions to specific social، cultural، and religious conditions.