Is it Time to Turn Our Tech to Standby?
Advances in technology have had a significant impact on modern day society. Products and services that initially were only accessible to the wealthy years ago, are now as much a part of our daily lives as our toothbrush. Younger generations are growing up in a world that is totally dominated by gadgets such as mobile phones, MP3 players and the internet, to name but few. One article argues that “…through these labour saving gadgets, we are becoming more civilised as a species…”, and we are finding fast track alternatives to unenjoyable tasks and chores, making it more convenient for all of us. But has it got to the point where we are relying too much on electronic gadgetry? Is it time that we put these devices on standby and took a good look at ourselves? There is countless arguments and evidence which would be of the same opinion. young people of the modern age crave being able to “surf the net”, text their friends, or blast music through their earphones to the point of deafness. However, modern “tech” can have a serious effect on young people in most walks of life. Whether it be their mental or physical health; their academic achievements; “cyber bullying” or sociable skills, it is evident that modern technology is having mixed opinions between individuals whether it is a blessing or a curse.
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It would appear most children of the western world today are “tech crazy” and acquire only the latest gadgetry and gizmos – at the expense of their parent’s wages. In the majority of cases, parents just do not posses the will-power to say no to their kids anymore, no matter how elevated the tech’s price is. On the other hand, it is evident from own past experiences that children also feel pressure to own these gadgets. If a kid does not possess the latest cutting edge “smart-phone” or laptop, many other kids would think they are not up to the standard required which may lead to children being singled out. One study in 2010 showed that 50% of i phone 4 sales were bought for the use of people 17 and under. This indicates how many kids feel under this pressure and a prime example that conveys children of this modern era feel they must keep up with the latest tech in order to prevent falling by the wayside.
In addition to this point, modern technology opens many doors to the user – the internet especially – letting the consumer choose whatever it is they want to research and having endless information at their fingertips. Even so, this possesses a real danger to kids – especially younger kids – who can be exposed to material online, just by clicking the wrong button. This is due to the countless sites and “pop-ups” that illustrate indecent material online without the user’s permission. On a similar note, kids can also be exposed and subjected to “Cyber-Bullying” while online; they may encounter people sending inappropriate messages to them and in some cases, death threats. A fairly recent survey of 1500 children in 2006, revealed that 48% of kids have been subjected to cyber-bullying at some point in their life which begs the question, what can we do to prevent it? And the answer is we really can’t. The internet has indeed opened doors in technological advancement, especially from a communication aspect, but unfortunately it has also opened doors which bring new innovative ways to bully, alienate and leave vulnerable children feeling alone.
The Essay on Technology simplifies modern life
Technology has advanced to such a degree that even the most menial tasks can be dealt with efficiently with a mere touch of a button. When we consider how much we rely on technology to aid us in our day to day lives, it is hard to imagine a world without the technological advancements we have become so accustomed to. This essay will discuss examples of where technology has simplified or enhanced ...
As well as problems online, modern technology can also affect a child’s academic capabilities. Many children are becoming lazy when it comes to proper spelling, punctuation and abbreviations. They are so used to talking and writing informal “slang” on internet messengers to their friends with the result that they automatically apply it to their school work and therefore are marked down for improper use of words and lack of punctuation for example. The British Education Board claims that around 50% of teens essays and assignments contain some form of informal writing style including misuse of capitalisation or punctuation. If this continues, and more and more people begin to write in this way, it will see a reduction in the amount of people able to attain a high grade in English courses in the future. This clearly conveys to us that modern technology is indeed having a negative effect on the young persons of today’s society and in other words, the informal language used by millions presently could potentially start to deteriorate the English language itself which could have catastrophic effects.
In the same way, modern technology can also have catastrophic effects on the childhood of many children in the context of independence. The advancements in technology allow parents to be extremely overprotective of their young kids. In some cases, a child is given their own mobile from an age as low as eight so their parents can check up on them every 10 minutes to make sure they haven’t been kidnapped even though they are playing in the nearby park. No longer are most children allowed to go out to play in the fields; build dens with their friends or play hide and seek in the woods. They are constantly monitored by their rather paranoid parents to the point where they can no longer have an adventurous childhood. Also recently, as technology has progressed, it is now possible to track the whereabouts of an individual by their mobile phone signal meaning parents can now track their kids and watch their every move from their computer screen. This, unfortunately, for children with overprotective parents marks the end of adventure, the end of freedom and ultimately the end of their childhood. No more building sledges in the winter, climbing trees or making rope swings. Technology has interfered with the lives of so many to the point that people are changing the way in which they conduct themselves and children are having to give up childhood a lot sooner than their parents and grandparents would have, which saddens me.
The Essay on Positive environments for children and young people
Positive environment A positive environment is one that supports all aspects of the child’s development; staff members/carers can provide the children different ways to extend their developments. By doing activities and guiding the children through their learning, this creates a positive environment for them. Example: Reading and writing activities will help the child or young person’s cognitive ...
In opposition these views, there is no denying that the 21st century has revolutionised our society and way of life. In fact, technology has unequivocally increased our quality of life in many ways. It offers a sense of empowerment to the person in control and also provides young people with ways to keep occupied. Moreover, the internet boasts vast amounts of knowledge on any topic you can possibly think of, which gives children the tools to succeed when they are asked to research a topic for a school project. No longer does a person need to trail through hundreds of books in the public library when all the answers they are looking for, are right at their fingertips. Nevertheless, it is too easy to slip into the way of becoming over-reliant on technology for all your needs. You start to forget about: going out with friends; studying for exams and exercise which, in essence, are more important that having your face glued to a screen for days on end.
Growing up in an age dominated by advanced, modern technology does change many aspects of a young child’s life for better and worse. We have endless amounts of information on any subject thinkable at our fingertips; on the other hand, a lot of its content is unsuitable for children to be exposed to at a young age. We can communicate effectively with people half way across the world, but unfortunately that means they can bully from half way across the world. Parents can keep track of where their son or daughter is constantly, for safety reasons. But at what cost? Their childhood? This is what modern technology is doing to our society and what it will continue to do in the future.
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