Impact of Technology on Teenagers

                                              Impact of Technology on Teenagers

Today we are living in a modern and revolutionary world. Everyday within seconds something new is being invented around the globe. Media and Technology is one of them. Media has changed our lives by giving us freedom to perform activities from the comfort of our homes. For example, it has made communication easier and it takes only few seconds to send any message across the world. By the end of 21st century, we can observe the effects of technology more prominent and powerful as it was never before. Technology is a double edged sword; it can be used for both good and bad purposes. The evolving technology has a strong impact on an individual’s life and especially teenagers who are vulnerable to change. But, the question arises- how does technology impact a teenagers lives in the present fast pacing world?

In today’s world teenagers are on a digital diet. They are spending more time consuming digital media than good eight hours sleep. The research from University of California, Los Angeles, proves that teenagers spending more time on screens are inhibiting their ability to recognize emotions. The Common Sense Census says that kids from age 8-18 are spending 6 to 9 hours in front of screens, which is affecting their basic human interactions and behaviors. Our world is changing, and kids are spending a lot of time with technology—and they are doing it in a variety of ways and many platforms. Sometimes media and technology can be beneficial for teens by using educational apps and websites for creating their own content. They should enjoy media for entertainment. Media can teach them a lot of things by watching news, good TV shows and also by meaningful videos. But, teens today should be aware of the pros and cons of the use of media and technology. They must set up their own limits so that it does not affect their life style.

Parents are concerned nowadays, that as schools try to keep up with technology, they are leaving behind some of the basics that helps teenagers nowadays learn. According to Jake Willard, an established English teacher at West Mount Secondary School, He says “teenagers nowadays cannot live without phones, they are obsessed with technology”. From personal experience, students appear to be more disruptive and unfocused in the classroom. A personal survey conducted at Orchard Park Secondary School, own experiences, and interviews with teachers prove that the growth and development of technology today has been beneficial to society. However, cell phones, mp3 players and other devices are causing more damage to the learning environment of teenagers than improving the environment. According to different schools, technology in the past was not as big of a distraction to other students due to many reasons such as portability. Today’s devices are compact and can easily be carried from one place to another. This allows students to bring these electronics to schools and distract them in their learning. But, mobility has some advantages in student’s life because they can search meaningful stuff on the internet. Students who have phones can use various applications that are designed to assist in learning and designed just for students. They can also contact their parents if they are in a problem and let them know.  But, surfing through internet will only benefit them if they search something meaningful and appropriate and not something inappropriate.