The effects of technology towards teenagers

Introduction

The technological advancement in the recent years has given several impacts

affecting our daily lives. The impact is so huge and manipulative that it has reshaped

our lives unlike to our forefathers. Technological advancements however do have its

drawbacks.

The advancements may gave ease to our daily basis but it also affects our

lifestyle causing a lot of factors to rise and may resulting in other harmful or beneficial

outcomes. Focus must be put on primarily on teenagers regarding on the effects of

technological advancements as they are the future of the society.

Teenagers, Homo sapiens who entered the stage of pre-maturity have a high

curiosity compared to other stages in life. Their curiosity can lead to experimenting

newly acquired things surrounding them and technological advancements are one of

the things for them to experiment on. And this will result in numerous effects and

outcomes.

Technology advancements do affect the health of a person if it is misused or

overused. Proper usage of these technological advancements must be taken care

seriously as it may endanger the lives of the people who are using it with improper

manner and not following the rules regards on using the tool of technology.

Teenagers, specifically, can affect their health through using tools of

technology. For example, sore eyes and headaches from looking at computer screen

for a long duration of time. Slouching and looking down for a long period of time can

affect the spine and neck of the person using phones and laptops.
 Other problems related to improper usage of technological tools are the

person who is using it may become anti-social and estranged from the society.

Teenagers who tend to spend more time with their computer or phones may estrange

themselves by not socializing with the society surrounding them.

There are numerous causes and effects of technology that may give a big

impact on the lives of teenagers. Further studies and analysis needs to be done in

order to give emphasis on the effects and methods on how to prevent having

negative outcomes by using technological advancements.

 Health disease

The more time people are spending engrossed in video games, talking to

friends online and watching funny cat videos on YouTube, they are spending less

time being active or exercising. The result is many teenagers grown fat and

diagnosed of having obesity.

The lack of movement can promote in several of health endangering effects

such as back bone or spine problems and neck ache. Teenagers who are actively

engaged in playing video games or involve in online chatting via phone or computer

prone to have those diseases and may affect their lives if they keep on doing the

same routine every day.

Another life endangering effect is lack of sleep. Study shows that teenagers

who are constantly involving themselves with online activities such as playing online

computer games, online chatting and watching YouTube videos may result in having

lack of sleep.

Lack of sleep can cause devastating outcomes to the teenager, especially

students, which need to get up early to class. This will affect their studies by

performing poorly and sleeping during classroom sessions.

Prolonged online activities can cause hearing and eye-sight loss. Using

headphones and ear buds can cause people to lose their hearing over time.

Likewise, straining your eyes looking at computer and device screens can cause

people to need glasses much earlier in life.

Solution is to have a healthy way of living. Teenagers must be actively

involved in doing outdoor activities such as playing soccer with friends, jogging in the
park or doing light exercises such as yoga. Teenagers need to have a healthy

lifestyle because during the teenage stage, active lifestyle is needed to ensure a

healthy growth physically and mentally.

 Lack Of Social Skills

Social networking is an online interaction service that managed to build people

and connect them with shared interest. Social networking sites such as MySpace,

Facebook, and Twitter has attracted millions of users who have integrated these sites

into their daily practices.

Some sites cater to diverse audiences while others attract people based on

their common language by making their own blog in the web. These sites are

becoming so popular in the status quo because it continuously attract many people

especially teenagers since their interests are being catered by these websites.

Besides, virtual communities enhance people’s friendship and love relationship.

In line with this, three of many features that SNS could offer- first, users can

make their own profile that would associate to their selves and users could easily edit

it as much as they want to share their information by adding friends. Second, there is

an instant messaging, so you can easily communicate to other parts of the world in

your place and time.

And lastly you could check the other users’ profile including their pictures and

read their personal information without their permission. Further, today’s generation

has become so technology dependent.

Teenagers tend to use educational sites like Google for homework but,

become side-tracked by social networking sites and ultimately dismiss their work.

From that statement, we could assume that social networking sites have made a

great impact on teenagers. This impact could be advantageous and

disadvantageous.
 The Internet has created a whole new world of social communications or

social networking for young people who are using e-mail, Web sites, instant

messaging, chat rooms and text messaging to stay in touch with friends and make

new ones.

While most interactions are positive, new technologies have given young

people a new and powerful platform from which to target peers through social

networking. One effect that social networking have brought to the society is cyber

bullying.

Cyber bullying is defined as “bullying through information or communication

technologies” mediums such as, e-mails mobile phone text messages, phone calls,

internet chat rooms, instant messaging and most importantly and recently, social

networking websites such as MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter.

To begin with there are a lot of reasons why social networking causes cyber

bullying. Social networking has been used as a platform for bullies to say things they

might not usually say to someone in person. This is because they do not have the

feeling of fear anymore since there is anonymity and no physical proximity on the

victims. Bullies could just easily contact or attack their victims.

Attacks include receiving threatening messages; having their private emails or

text messages forwarded without consent; having an embarrassing picture posted

without permission; or having rumours about them spread online. Another, bullies can

come in online contact with their victims anytime, anywhere, day or night and not just

in a school yard; making online bullying more accessible.

 Also, bullies have this feeling of confidence whenever they are online due to

the lack of fear already, enabling them to do what they want and it has a very wide

audience who can be able to witness the whole bullying events.

In addition, cyber bullying has also turned the usual image of "the bully" on its

head; it's no longer only the "tough kids" who may act aggressively – it can just as

easily be the shy, quiet types, hidden behind their computers making victims of cyber

bullying.

Personal fraud or identity theft refers to a person obtaining personal

information and using another’s personal data without the consent of the rightful

owner. This is used through fraud or deception usually for personal gain. Sites such

as MySpace, Facebook and Twitter facilitate personal fraud in two mains ways.

First, is that sites encourage you to ‘edit your profile’ this includes adding your

interests, full name, where you live, who your top friends are, your email address and

even personal details like your phone number and relationship status.

This information disclosure causes a huge problem as the more information

you have on your profile the easier it is for posers to verify themselves as being you.

The second main issue is the privacy settings on these social networking sites also

help facilitate personal fraud.

While there are built in features that allow users to change their privacy

settings and not allow other users to view such personal details, these settings are

never default, so that users are usually unaware how much information they are

sharing not only with their friends, but with the rest of the world.
 Due to the easy accessibility of one’s information, scammers could easily steal

the identity of a certain victim and use it for personal gains like using the information

they got to get money from your friends list since your friends would think of the

person asking money from them as “you.”

With all these, it can threaten one’s relationship in the community. Once

someone has your password they can use it to destroy your profile or send out spam

messages and viruses, which could do irreparable damage to your online reputation.

Another case is when status updates posted on Twitter, Facebook and many

other social media sites can be used by criminals. Another is with the trending style

today of telling people through social networking sites almost everything they've done

like updating posts like out of town or on vacation, this just opened themselves up for

burglary.

If it was also mentioned that they're away for a business on a weekend, it may

leave family open to assault or robbery. When it comes to stalking or stealing an

identity, use of photo- and video-sharing sites like Flickr and YouTube provide deeper

insights into the victim, his or her family, friends, properties, favourite hobbies and

interests.

And these are all vital information that when gotten into the hands of a poser

or scammer could result to even more grave problems on the victims’ part and the

people surrounding him or her.

In a world where people have become so consumed and adapted to social

networking on a daily basis, it is often overlooked that a person’s shared information

on these sites can be used in ways to hurt or ruin their lives, and there’s no taking it

back.
 Social Networking has become a major trend for teenagers and young adults.

With these sites becoming more popular and issues concerning cyber bullying and

personal fraud rising by the day, it is important to raise the awareness of the site's

users about the consequences that can come from sharing too much personal

information with others.

But how does it invade one’s privacy? One example is that sites like,

Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and many others have morphed themselves into every

teenager’s daily routine, and not always to better his or her lifestyle.

Sites like these encourage its users to upload photos and videos and share

personal information with their friends and family. The problem with these

applications is that this information is not always used in a positive manner.

Teenagers don’t understand the consequences that come from posting

personal information and how their posts can increase exposure to people that

sometimes have less than friendly intentions.

That is why, each user needs to be careful about what he or she posts on their

site profiles, and they need to know how to properly protect their privacy and security

to avoid invasion of one’s privacy. It also sets as an example of how accessible it is

nowadays to trespass the personal space of a victim.

It also promotes plagiarism of personal information of the victim. Weighing the

situation, many people have come to analyse that despite the beneficial effects social

networking does to the society especially among teenagers, behind it are the

important negative effects it does to the society especially to the teenagers. Lack of

awareness on the negative effects can harm not only the victim but also the bully

itself and the people surrounding them.

 Are you interested in Facebook, MySpace or Twitter? These are just some of

the social networking hat are popular nowadays. Social networking hit the

mainstream when many of the social networking was launch from 2003 onward.

Currently, there are no reliable data regarding many people use social

networking ,although marketing research indicates that social networking are growing

in popularity worldwide but, what really is social networking?

These are using social web pages, which allow an individual to construct a

public profile that could because to interact with other people online.

A major component of the use of social networking is to browse other people’s

profile pages. It typically provide general biographical information, photos, statements

out one’s views and interests as well as detailed description of the person’s social

environment through friend lists and comments or guestbook entries.

In addition, some social networking users provide more narrative information

about their lives by maintaining weblogs embedded in their profiles. Meanwhile,

some sites cater to diverse audiences, while others attract people based on their

common language or shared racial, sexual, religious, or national-based identity.

As social networking become phenomenon in the status quo, the rise of

negative social effects within our society also rises. We would have increasing

instances of cyber bullying and further cases of personal fraud that could affect not

only the victims themselves but also the perpetrators and the people surrounding

them.

This could also result to even more grave problems on the victims’ and bullies’

parts. We will also see our strong ties relationships weaken to a shallower and
‘convenient’ type of affairs and conversation among teenagers due to some issues

that may hinder interpersonal skills. It could cause depression among the individuals

involved may bring traumatic experiences to them.

In addition, it could also affect privacy issues and may be crucial when it

already has become illegal. Furthermore, social networking has had a huge negative

impact on our psychological and social aspect and will continue to do so into the

future if it would not be prevented. It is also evident that social networking facilitates

all these issues and concerns.

Therefore it is undeniably true that Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and the like

do in fact cause more harm than good in our society.

 Addiction

People are not only dependent on technology they are also addicted to it.

Studies have shown that when cell phones are taken away subjects heard or felt

vibrations, continuously reached for phones that weren’t there and became restless.

These are some of the same withdrawal symptoms you would expect from doing

drugs.

Teenagers specifically, who spends most of their time with their computers or

phones, will have tendency not to “let go” of their addictive tools for a short period of

time. They will continue searching for it and demand for the item to be present with

them all of the time, making the item as a basic necessity in their daily lives, which is

irrelevant because humans should only have 5 basic necessities, which are shelter,

water, clothes, energy and security.

Hand phones and laptops are just an optional items used to assist humans in

order to accomplish certain tasks, or in other words “tools” to be used to finish a job.

So to be addicted by it, is an irrelevant and irresponsible act of cruelty towards the

teenager’s own life.

Teenagers should have other healthy addiction such as admiring a football

club or devoted to a certain hobby such as gardening, making stamp collection or

dancing. This will benefit them by having a healthy lifestyle and making their healthy

addiction a meaningful one for their future.

 Isolation

Social isolation is characterized by a lack of contact with other people in

normal daily living, such as, the workplace, with friends and in social activities.

Teenagers who isolate themselves by walking around in their own little world,

listening to their Mp3 player and staring at their computer screen most of the times in

their daily basis, have problems mingling and blending themselves with people

around them.

They have friends that share similar traits as them, sharing information

through the tap on the keyboard without having to be present or physically meeting

each other in person.

Study shows that by cuddling and interact with each other physically can

trigger a positive hormone that channels throughout the whole body making a person

happier and increases their life span. Studies also have shown that people who are

socially isolated will live shorter lives.

The use of online social media outlets causes us to meet face-to-face with

much less frequency resulting in a lack of much needed social skills. We lose the

ability to read body language and social cues in other people.

Creating a lasting bond with other people requires face-to-face interaction. The

more we isolate ourselves with technology the fewer bonds we will form. People are

expected to do more work at home which takes away time they would be spending

with their families.

 Also, younger people prefer communicating online versus face-to-face. When

people are in the same room and communicating via text or instant messaging

instead of speaking to each other, there’s a problem.

Technology creates the perfect recipe for depression with the lack of human

contact, overeating and lack of exercise. There is a reason the use of

antidepressants are on the rise and the blame can’t be completely dumped on the

pharmaceutical companies.

They aren’t carting people into the doctor’s office and force feeding them the

pills. This isn’t to say that depression isn’t a real problem, but some people could

cure their depression by living a healthier lifestyle.

Using the internet as an escape from real life is very easy to do. In real life you

only speak to a few people each day, doing normal routines and being an average

student studying in a high school.

However, in the social network you are a famous rock star! You have enough

“friends” to form a small country, you look great in your picture, plus you get rewards

for saying clever things. Unfortunately we must live in the real world whether we like it

or not.

Teenagers need to socialize in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle and

relationship with other people around them. Self-isolation can result in health

problems, social-awkwardness and inability to maintain a solid relationship with

everyone, including family members.

More violence

After people lose empathy and are accustomed to violence, it becomes the

social norm. Teenage girls are videoing themselves violently beating another girl; the

number of school shootings are rising and videos of people attacking homeless

people are a few examples of violent behaviour caused by media.

The ease of access to violent and graphical content videos will cause drastic

changes towards a teenager. An innocent teenager who is exposed to violent videos

may acquire repulsive behaviour that will enable him to mimic the violent actions

showcased throughout the video in daily life causing injury to other people and

turning the teenager in to a criminal.

This will lead to a more serious and deadly matter that need to be end

immediately. Study shows that teenagers exposed to violent and graphic videos will

prone to do criminal activities and will injure other in the process.

To avoid this from happening, parents need to observe their children’s

behaviour and ensure that they are not exposed to graphical content videos or

materials.

Teenagers will and try to experiment themselves in learning new things. If they

have not been warned about the dangers of watching those violent and graphic

videos, they will try to mimic and follow the acts of violence. This will scar their lives

forever.
SOURCES

Parents have good reason to feel overwhelmed by the digital revolution consuming their teenagers. As
far as the physiology of our brains goes, we adults will never keep up.

The adolescent brain is a natural wonder forged by evolutionary forces which have differentiated it
from both the child and adult brain. Although “adolescence” was barely acknowledged before the
1900s, and teenagers are often referred to as a modern social invention, our brains suggest otherwise.
The teenage brain is distinct in its extraordinary capacity to adapt to the environment around it.

Imagine, then, what might be happening inside the heads of the first generation of “digital natives”? In
the United States, teenagers are averaging 8.5 hours a day of learning, playing and interacting via
computers, mobile phones and other screen based devices (which jumps to 11.5 hours if you allow for
multi-tasking). In Australia, the comparable average screen time was 7 hours and 38 minutes in 2009.

Digital communication has ushered in more changes in the past 15 years than in the 570 years since
Gutenberg’s printing press. And teenagers are the world’s stand-out “early adopters” as the pace of
technological change accelerates. It took 38 years for radio to reach its first 50 million people, 20 years
for the telephone, 13 years for television, four years for the World Wide Web , 3.6 years for Facebook
and even less for Twitter. For Google + it was 88 days.

In terms of evolutionary adaptation, even 10,000 years is merely a blink of an eye. So, our brains did
not evolve for reading, which dates back about 5,000 years, let alone spending most of our waking
hours sitting down dealing with words and symbols. Today’s remarkable adolescent brain was honed
to cope with the demands of learning to survive independently while securing food and shelter, which
required rapid, efficient adaptation.

We know this largely because of the relatively recent insights offered by magnetic resonance imaging
which show that both the decision-making and reward circuitry of the human brain undergo dramatic
changes around puberty.

From then, until the mid to late 20s, human brains are especially “plastic”, which means they can
enhance certain pathways and related abilities, and eliminate, or “prune” others depending on what
they need to achieve. After the late 20s, however, we do tend to get more set in our (neurological)
ways.

Teams of researchers all over the world are currently poised, watching for signs of various technology-
driven adaptations, such as the superficial “mile wide, inch deep” thinking of multitasking sidelining the
persistence, patience and focus required for in-depth scholarship.

We already have decades of scientific consensus about the perils of multi-tasking; talking on a mobile
phone while driving, for example, is as dangerous as driving drunk. That’s because we cannot truly
multi-task. The brain is actually constantly switching backwards and forwards between tasks, for which
we pay a toll in speed and efficacy.
But, will the “plastic” teenage brain adapt by learning to switch more rapidly and effectively to enable it
to do lots of things at the same time with less impairment?

And what of the digital content our teenagers are consuming? Ninety-nine percent of US teenage boys
and 94 per cent of girls play online games and the burgeoning global industry is engaging our brain’s
rewards system with ever increasing intensity, mostly through violent and sexual themes.

From a neurological point of view online games are stimulating the teen brain’s reward circuitry mainly
via the brain chemical dopamine just as puberty is ushering in profound changes in the brain’s reward
system driving sexual interest and aggression, evolutionary necessities for survival.

Could such easy access to online games, then, raise the threshold for what our brains deem
rewarding? Could the instant gratification available in virtual worlds stunt the next generation’s
capacity to work towards long term relationship, work and life goals which do not offer such quick,
dopamine-rich returns?

Much current discussion is seeking to characterise the digital revolution as either good or bad when it
is probably both. We already know teenage brains are wired to take risks; the neural circuitry involved
in impulse control, judgment and long term planning undergoes dynamic changes well into the 20s.
That gives parents reason to fret. But, on the other hand risk-taking is an essential launching pad for
young people to forge their own paths with optimism, creativity and a sense of the endless possibilities
of life.

As one counterintuitive recent trend suggests there isn’t much point in making premature judgments.
Teenagers may already be working through powerful emotions online, without potentially negative real
world consequences. The soaring popularity of increasingly violent and sexual explicit online games
has coincided with a decline, not an increase, in the juvenile murders and violent crime and teen
pregnancies.

However, the ways in which the “plastic” teenage brains do adapt to the most ferociously paced
change humanity has even seen will certainly define our future.

It could be that we are coddling a generation of shallow thinkers obsessed by superficial Facebook
friendships who are too busy staring at screens to bother with saving the world. But, technology is also
offering phenomenal educational opportunities, great entertainment and expanding social interactions
which will certainly change the world—in ways that those of us with older, less “plastic” brains cannot
even imagine.

Source: UNSW Australia

http://www.parenthub.com.au/news/parenting-news-news/effects-technology-teenagers/
On March 4, 2012, the “Victoria Times Colonist”, published an article about how technology
is affecting teenagers. Over 1000 technology insiders, critics and students were asked by the
Pew Research Center if always being plugged-in to technology was going to be a benefit or a
detriment to the teens that are now called “Generation Y”. Fifty-five percent agreed that in
2020, current teenagers will be “wired differently” than those over the age of 35. Forty-four
percent did not view this “different wiring” as a good thing because they believe that
technology will keep teenagers distracted, prevent them from thinking deeply, and encourage
an attitude and mindset of instant gratification.

Recently, the Otago Daily Times ran a story entitled, “YouTube phenomenon has teens talking ugly”.
The story begins by referencing a teenage girl in a video asking people if they think she is ugly. The
video was posted in December of 2010 and since that time, over four million people have responded;
many of them have been hateful and negative.

This is becoming a popular trend. Somewhere between 300-1000 similar videos have been found and
many child psychologists are concerned with how this will affect a young person’s self-perception
during some of the most critical times of their development. Taking into account the first article,
shouldn’t this be something that we ALL should be concerned about? Bullying and negative
comments are nothing new, but before children had daily access to laptops and cell phones, parents
had more control; they were more aware of a child’s social level of interaction. Now teens can ask
millions of random strangers their opinions and base what they think about themselves on those
people’s opinions; people that don’t know them and will probably never meet them.

Although some of the teens interviewed for the story claimed that they didn’t care what people
thought, why would they spend so much time posting up such videos if they didn’t? A parent,
Gibson, whose child posted a similar video, brought up a valid point: “Hopefully it will open up the
eyes of the parents,” Gibson said. “The kids aren’t letting their parents know what’s wrong, just like
Faye [her daughter] didn’t let me know.”

Technology makes life more convenient, but when it comes to a young person’s personal
development, problems can arise with teens being always “plugged in”. Just like those people who
were polled stated, if we don’t monitor their usage, when it comes to having a good self-image, many
teens may end up being distracted, not thinking deeply, and eventually looking for instant ways to
satisfy the voids within them.
Until next time…

Traci

Source : http://traciscampbell.com/negative-effects-of-the-internet-on-teenagers/

Technologies negative impact on Teens

By Ashley M., Moraga, CA

More by this author

Email me when Ashley M. contributes work

Technologies negative impact on Teens Image Credit: Treza R., Kalispell, MT

Everyday an average teenager spends up to 8 hours on electronic devices, which is more than 56 hour
in one week (Schulten). How much is too much? Technology is advancing every minute of everyday.
New phones, computers and other electronic devices are improving and outshining last year’s or
even last week’s devices. Teens are obsessing over having the newest and best phone, computer or
Ipod. Since teens are using technology devices everyday, they are beginning to isolate themselves
from family and friends while limiting their communications skills. Technology is continuing to
advance; however it is consequently affecting teenagers.

Teens are becoming addicted to technology, making them isolated from the real world. Teens mostly
communicate through texting, online chatting or facebook. Teens have stopped picking up the phone
to call a friend or family member. Without verbal communication skills, what will happen to the
future generations? Not only are cell phones and computers negatively isolating teens, Ipods are too.
About 86% of teens own an Ipod or MP3 player (Reinburg). Ipod and MP3 players also isolate teens
by putting them into their own world instead of communicating with others. The appearance is also
isolating because the head phones in teen’s ears hints that they just want to listen to music. While
headphones are on it is hard to get a good conversation going. These electronics are isolating teens
and causing their verbal communication skills to hinder.

Teens argue that cell phones are a quick easy way to contact family and friends. However teens are
becoming “glued” to their phones. 75% of teens own a cell phone and 87% of them send and receive
text messages everyday (Reinburg). Teens are constantly receiving messages and texting back
whether it is at a family dinner, a movie or while driving a vehicle. They just cannot put their phones
down. California has enforced a law to prohibit using cell phones while driving due to the numerous
amounts of accidents. Even in school, teens are texting during class distracting them from the
teacher’s lecture. Electronics result in spending less time with family and friends. They also can be
dangerously distracting from schoolwork and driving. While cell phones can be an easy way to
contact someone, teens are using them in an obsessive manner.
Not only are teens not paying attentions during class; they are also taking the “text language” into
their real writing assignments. 38% of teens say that they have used text shortcuts in schoolwork
such as “LOL” (which stands for “laugh out loud”)(Lenhart). Abbreviations and slang created for
texting does not follow proper English grammar. Since teens are constantly texting, they
subconsciously use this language in schoolwork. The teen texting language is limiting teen’s
vocabulary and written communication skills.

Although technology advancements are improving the world, teens need to be careful to avoid the
negative consequences. Teens need to avoid addiction to electronics and isolation from family and
friends. Instead, teens should engage in verbal conversation more frequently. To avoid electronic
distractions, teens must follow school rules and state laws. Phones should be put away during class or
while driving. Finally, teens need to utilize proper English grammar as much as possible during formal
writing assignments. Awareness of the consequences and trying alternatives will help teens enjoy
technology advancements in a positive manner.

Source : http://teenink.com/hot_topics/all/article/179836/Technologies-negative-impact-on-Teens/

Technology's Negative Effects on Teenagers

ekjaer
November 20th, 2012 12:27 pm (GMT-6 DST)
 http://www.salisburync.gov/Departments/InformationTechnology/PublishingImages/InformationTechnology.jpg

Technology has done and can do many great things, it allows us to communicate with
people across the world instantly, we can also capture precious moments that otherwise would
have been lost, and technology can both teach and entertain us. However, in recent years
technology has become a hindrance to many people, especially teenagers. Technology hinders
teenagers the most, it distracts them while they are learning, it prevents teenagers from having
the social interactions that are necessary to survive in the business world, and in some cases
technology can completely hinder teenagers by killing them.
Teenagers today crave technology. In fact, most teenagers would rather be on their
phones than learn. Even if teachers prohibit the use of cell phones or other electronic devices in
their classroom, many students will try harder to use their electronic device and not get caught
than they would if they were working on a school project. The teenagers that do not attempt to
use their phones or various other electronic devices during class are still being distracted by
those that do. For instance, one day, I was diligently working on an assignment before, while the
person next to me was playing “Temple Run” on his phone instead of doing something
productive. It was immensely annoying when this happens; it became even more annoying when
my table partner (for we were sitting at the same table,) decided to play music through his phone.
Thankfully he put headphones in; however, all they seemed to do was make the music a tiny bit
quieter. That day I could have completed my assignment, but because my table partner was
distracting, I neither understood my assignment, nor did I complete it. Despite all these negatives,
technology can help teenagers learn. Technology can aid in research and various other
assignments. However, being a teenager, I know for a fact, that this is not how teenagers use the
technology that they are given. Most if not all teenagers will use the in-school technology to surf
the web, look at clothing or playing online games. Technology takes away the opportunity to gain
the precious knowledge that teenagers will need to survive on their own. Unfortunately,
technology also prevents teenagers from having the necessary social interactions that they will
need in their career.
Most if not all jobs today require a certain level of social interaction. Whether it is talking
to customers, running a meeting, or simply interacting with customers, the social experiences that
people have as teenagers prepare them for these situations. However, today’s teenagers are not
having those necessary interactions that prepare them for their future. Because of technology,
teenagers do not personally interact with one another. They would much rather be on “Facebook”
or “Twitter.” Social media sites, along with video games and television, do more than just prevent
teenagers from personally interacting with one another; they keep teenagers from going outside
and being active. The more attractive social media sites become to teenagers, the more they will
stay inside being lazy, which is in no way, shape or form beneficial to them or the world. Most
teenagers will argue that they do interact socially and intimately while online. For instance, many
websites have a feature that allows them to video chat with a friend. While this is true, it is not the
best way to prepare teenagers for the workplace. Teenagers often end up doing inappropriate
things while they video chat, and because they are video chatting, their inappropriate actions are
permanently recorded and could be used against them in their future. Those teenagers that do
not video chat, but merely use the chat function on a website are preventing themselves from
learning how to appear as if they are sincere, how to look interested, and how to make eye
contact, all of which are necessary for most, if not all jobs. Technology can do more than prevent
teenagers from having certain social interactions; it can also take them away from their
surroundings.
All the states within the United States have some sort of restriction on using technology
while driving. In some states it may simply be no texting while driving; whereas in others it may go
as far as to prohibit the use of all technology while driving. All of these restrictions have been
placed because state legislatures have realized that technology can distract drivers and make
them unaware of their surroundings. For some odd reason, teenagers refuse to realize this. While
driving, teenagers are easily distracted anyway, but when you throw in the temptation of
something like a cell phone, they become even more distracted. Even though, many teenagers
know it is wrong they will still text and drive anyway. Texting and driving has caused a number of
crashes over the years, and that number is swiftly rising. Nearly one-third of all crashes that
teenagers are involve in, happen because they are distracted by technology. Even if a teenager
refrains from using their technology while they are driving, they are still prone to being hit by
another teenager that is using his or her technology. Some might argue that technology can
actually save lives when an accident takes place. The teenagers involved in the accident could
call for help if one or both of them were injured in the accident. However, there would have never
been an accident had they not been using technology, thus eliminating their injuries and their
need to call for help. Also, if the accident happens out in the middle of nowhere, chances are the
teenagers will not be able to get cell phone reception, and will be unable to call for help, which
renders their technology useless.
Technology has had both positive and negative effects on the world. However, its effects
on teenagers are for the most part negative. Technology hinders teenagers the most, it distracts
them while they are learning, it prevents teenagers from having the social interactions that are
necessary to survive in the business world, and in some cases technology can completely hinder
teenagers by killing them. Without the distraction of technology teenagers would learn more, be
more ready for their future, and would be less likely to be killed in car accidents. The proper or
improper use of technology is a major for teenagers. Many teenagers do not know how to use
their technology to enhance not only their school work, but their lives. This can all be changed by
teaching teenagers how to manage their time wisely. If this is done technology will no longer be a
hinderance to teenagers, but an enhancer.
1980 Visitors | Updated on January 28th, 2013 2:52 pm (GMT-6 DST)

Source : http://www.classpress.com/blogs/ekjaer/637173

Exposing the Negative Effects of

Technology on Kids
by Erica Loop, Demand Media




Technology can have ill-effects on your child.

Related Articles

 Technology As an Influence on Teens

 How to Help Kids Turn Negative Behavior Into Positive Behavior
 What Are the Positive & Negative Effects of Music for Kids in School?
 Positive & Negative Effects of Assessments in the Workplace
 How to Identify the Negative Effects of Peer Pressure on Your Preteen
 The Negative Effects of Extending School Days

Using technology as an educational tool has a primary impact on the way

that teachers help kids to learn, according to the Pew Research Center.
Although technology, the media and electronic devices can help kids to
gain new knowledge, interact on a social level and access educational
resources, there are also negative effects that come along with the
positive ones. While tech-time can help kids to learn, it can also contribute
to obesity, lack of physical fitness, inaccurate or warped thinking and
other negative consequences.
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Obesity and Physical Fitness
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry notes that
obesity -- or having a body weight that is at least 10 percent more than
the recommended number of pounds for the child's age and height -- has
multiple causes, one of which is a lack of exercise. Spending hours in front
of screen, whether it is a television or computer, can quickly contribute to
a serious decrease in the amount of physical activity that a child gets
during the day. Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity each
day to maintain a healthy weight and level of fitness, according to the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The more tech-time that a
child engages in, the less likely it is that he will get in his daily dose of
physical activity. This can, in turn, contribute to negative effects such as
weight gain.

Knowledge and Learning

Along with advances in technology comes an ever-growing ability for kids
to get in touch with information and educational resources. Although this
seems, on the surface, a positive when it comes to a child's learning and
development, there are times when it actually has negative consequences.
While trusted sources such as universities or major educational
organizations have websites that contain real, verifiable information, other
websites may not have the same authority. Technology and the Internet
allow almost anyone to post information and call it an authoritative source.
As an adult, you may know that Mr. Bob's bio facts are far from true, but
that doesn't mean that your child has the same understanding. She may
take everything that she reads online as fact, leading to misinformation or
even a slightly skewed way of thinking.

Social Media
Social media can help your child to connect to his friends, develop
interpersonal skills and come out of his shy shell, but it also has a much
more destructive side. Adolescents who use social networking sites
regularly demonstrate narcissistic tendencies more often than those who
don't use this type of technology, according to the American Psychological
Association. Additionally, children who use social media may not fully
understand how the anonymity of the Internet allows predators to pose as
kids, putting them at risk in the event that they give out personal
information or plan an in-person meeting.

Media Images
Between the TV, laptops, tablets, cell phones, iPods and all of the other
technological devices that your child uses, he is constantly inundated with
an array of media images. These often include, and glorify, negative
behaviors such as underage drinking, drug use or risky sexual situations.
Additionally, the media may portray an idealized image of the child or
teenager when it comes to weight and appearance. Your child can develop
a warped sense of reality and what is, and isn't, acceptable when it comes
to his actions. The American Academy of Pediatrics, on its Healthy Children
website, recommends that parents screen what their kids are watching
and discuss negative media images.

Source : http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/exposing-negative-effects-technology-kids-14909.html
The Effects of Technology on
Teens
By jzeal, houston, TX

More by this author

Email me when jzeal contributes work

Modern day technological advancements are constantly seen throughout every aspect of
life. Cell phones, portable Internet availability, laptop computers, iPods, mp3 players of
every brand, and many other devices, are everywhere. They seem to possess unending
possible detriments, but, along with such issues, technology also has positive impacts on
today’s youth. In some situations, the Internet and iPod prevent sociability, though in
others they may be the cause of increased social activity. Overall, modern technology
has the capability to bring people together as well as enhance the social abilities of the
today’s youth; however, if used without discretion, can also create a less interactive
generation, frequently depending on technology for contentment.

The immense capabilities of the Internet today are astonishing, and offer many positive
opportunities for teens. Primarily, the Internet makes sharing information fast and
simple, despite factors that in other cases would prohibit such simple distribution.
According to Jean-Francois Coget in Source C, “With the Internet, information can be
transmitted and received with ease at any time of the day to and from any number of
friends.” It is possible to send videos, pictures, papers, projects, and a quantity of other
things with the click of a button. The transfer can happen in seconds. The amazing
capability of modern day Internet simplifies teenage life, by providing a way to convey
knowledge. Another way in which Internet proves positive is by providing a way to keep
in touch with friends and family worldwide, or just across town. Whether it’s a friend that
switched schools and is never around, or a family member in London, the Internet makes
it possible to email, instant message, and even video chat. Such qualities of Internet
communication bring people together with more frequent contact, boosting sociability
and relationships. In addition, the Internet also has the capability to, “foster openness,
self-confidence, and a greater sense of ease, and comfort in dealing with others” (Source
C). Since it is not obligatory to reveal physical appearance or social status over the
Internet, it grants an opportunity to be a completely new person, who is entirely open
and confident. Internet chats, even with mere acquaintances, can supply a chance for
socially challenged teens to experience a form of social interaction, in order to create a
sense of composure. Modern day Internet advancements not only offer an easier way to
share information, but also contribute to sociability by providing a way to communicate
with distant friends and family, as well as giving socially challenged teenagers an
opportunity for interaction.

Likewise, another modern day technology, the iPod, may also have a positive effect on
some teenagers, by presenting a different view of the world as well as uniting individuals
through musical taste. In the eyes of Kelly Doyle-Mace, in Source D, “music deepens the
experience of walking through the world, rather than detracting from it.” There are
millions of songs out there, one to match every possible mood. Sometimes, turning on
just the right song can be motivational and provide a completely new outlook on a
certain circumstance. In addition, lyrics are often relatable to personal life and can be
significant or simply encouraging. Another way in which iPods and personal musical taste
is a positive effect on teens is by uniting people of different backgrounds and diversities
through their music choice. Lisa and Johnny Rocket, hosts of “iPod DJ nights,” describe
that one night a month they invite guests to bring their iPods to a London bar. Where
they can play whatever songs they choose (Source D). “Even more diverse than the
music are the members… the iPod acts to bring people together,” Lisa explains (Source
D). These gatherings prove that as diverse as music can be, it is also unifying. The
multitudes of people attending these parties, from every race background and belief, are
united through their assorted music taste. IPods have the potential to positively affect
today’s youth by matching any and every mood with music, resulting in a deeper walk
through life, as well as bringing people together by means of musical interest.

The alternative argument is that the Internet can be a significantly negative influence on
teenagers, if overused. Constant Internet use detracts time that could be spent with
friends and family. Hours wasted away typing useless messages is detrimental to
personal relationships with the ones who really matter. It was discovered through a study
in Pittsburgh that people who use the Internet most often are “spending less time talking
with their families…keeping up with fewer friends” (Source B). It is of no use to spend so
much time talking to people over the Internet, when one could just as easily walk down
the stairs and spend time with family, or go to see friends instead. According to Source F,
Internet users participate in approximately 244.8 minutes per day spent with friends and
family, while non-Internet users spend on average 381.6 minutes per day with friends
and family. Modern day Internet opportunities are decreasing physical interaction and
essential quality time. The Pittsburgh study also determined that such teens are “feeling
more lonely and depressed” (Source B). Even though teenagers are simply using the
Internet for “interpersonal communication,” it is causing reliance on brightly lit screens
and keyboards, instead of sincere personal interactions with close friends and family
members (Source B). Investing too much on Internet chats will inevitably produce a
sense of deprivation, and a resulting sense of loneliness from a lack of real relationships
and personal contact. Obsessive or constant use of the Internet as a social tool deprives
teens from necessary relationships that are crucial to life, especially throughout high
school and college, which will ultimately result in a damaging sense of loneliness and
depression.

Similarly, iPods, much like the Internet, become a negative influence on teenagers, when
in constant use. According to a university student’s study of iPods, “the main appeal of
the iPod is that it preoccupies you so you are no longer obligated to interact with the
uncontrollable factors of everyday life” (Source E). IPods provide an easy escape from
having to interact with strangers in a public situation; because, in just about any
situation, pressing play can zone everything out. This portable instant entertainment
takes away opportunities to meet new people, or just admire the surroundings and
environment of a new place. Although it is a solution to boredom, there are other, more
advantageous, solutions such as social interaction. Such disregard to discovering new
people and new places leads to isolation. The obvious signal iPods send out is “don’t
bother trying to talk to me” (Source E). Headphones constantly blasting music often
prevent conversations that could prove to be much more worthwhile. The need to
continuously be surrounded by one’s own familiar environment results in countless
missed opportunities for meeting new people or experiencing “natural sights and sounds”
(Source E).

The Internet and iPod affect today’s youth in positive ways; however, when not used in
moderation, can become negative influences. Modern technologies are positive by
providing simple communication, unifying diversities, and deepening the experiences of
the world through music. Those same technological advancements can become highly
addictive, and like all addictions, have negative consequences. Teens who are constantly
engaged in using technologies become so addicted that they spend less time with loved
ones, and feel lonely and depressed. Technological addiction is leading to a more isolated
generation, overly dependent on technology. Modern technological advances, particularly
the Internet and iPod, have many positive effects on today’s youth, yet if overused can
lead to addiction, which consequently produces negative influences and over obsession.
Although technology can be profitable, it must be used in moderation, as not to damage
the social ability of today’s youth.

Source : http://www.teenink.com/hot_topics/all/article/161989/The-Effects-of-Technology-on-Teens/
Teens' obsession with technology: harmful or beneficial?

Ohr Chadash October 2010

Posted: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 11:08 am | Updated: 6:45 pm, Mon Oct 18, 2010.

by Kyla Gersten and Haley Abramson | 0 comments

Pro

By Kyla Gersten

Simchas Ad

These days when talking about technology, most people will inevitably mention teenagers. It is true –
teens are obsessed with technology, but there are definitely benefits to this obsession.

Technology greatly helps a number of people. Teens use computers constantly – for school work,
communication, sharing pictures and for entertainment purposes. Computers continue to change the
world every day, opening countless opportunities for teens. They hold an immense amount of
information; anything teens want to know is right at their fingertips. People often run errands and
even shop without ever leaving home.

Teens also use the Internet to communicate effectively with others around the world. Social
networking websites have mushroomed in popularity over the past several years and now represent a
main line of communication for young people. Teens use sites such as Facebook, Skype and Twitter to
stay connected with friends and have a good time.

However, while some might argue that the Internet provides a means for procrastination, teens also
use it for schoolwork. Computers allow teens to complete work faster and more easily. Typing an
essay is easier and more enjoyable than writing a report by hand or researching a subject in a book.
With the speed and power of search engines, online dictionaries and encyclopedias, teens can find
information anywhere and at any time.

Another method of receiving information is through the cell phone. Despite their bad reputation, cell
phones are vital to teens’ lives. The most common way that teens use cell phones is for ease and
convenience. Like the Internet, cell phones help teens stay in contact with friends and family
everywhere.
Even more than calling, people stereotype teens as constantly texting. However, texting is not the evil
that many adults portray it as. Texting saves time when teens are in a hurry and allows them to
multitask.

In addition to texting though, teens use their phones to send pictures, listen to music, play games and
access the Internet – all of which represent the great opportunities technology offers.

Many technological advances benefit not only teens, but adults, too. Items such as electronic book
readers save paper and money. Although the initial cost of this gadget is high, after about a year the
savings on book prices usually pay for the eBook reader. Teens want everything fast and on the go so
these electronic books are perfect. They are another way that technology provides us with instant
gratification and enhances peoples’ lives.

Technology in general has a positive effect on teens. Technology’s benefits far outweigh any
drawbacks created by fast, modern gadgets. It gives us a way to relieve stress and escape from reality,
improves our tools for learning and helps us communicate with anyone around the world.

Con

By Haley Abramson

As technology seeps into the life of today's teens, many begin to question how healthy these devices
truly are. Forty years ago, kids spent their free time outside playing in the park with their friends.
Now, we sit inside playing video games and watching the "Real World."

Some recent technological developments have affected many aspects of life, from learning methods
to how kids spend their free time. Many schools have forbidden cell phones and discourage the use
of computers in classrooms. These educators rightfully claim that technology introduces distractions
rather than enhancing class discussions. When kids text in class, they pay no attention to the learning
at hand and can even distract others when keys click and phones buzz. Soon, everyone will be
focusing on their thumbs rather than on the teacher.

Screens, as we all know, are very hard to look away from. Although technology can make homework
easier, the temptation to go online is yet another diversion teens use to procrastinate. Instead of
getting ahead, teens waste time chatting or updating. While teens see no harm in spending hours on
their Facebook or MySpace pages, they do not realize the danger they could be in.
The Internet, while expediting communication, also makes any ideas expressed public. Potential
stalkers, kidnappers or bullies are just a click away from a home address and phone number.
According to the Post Dispatch, in 2007, 13-year-old Megan Meier committed suicide because a boy
she liked started saying nasty things about her on the Internet. Little did she know, the cyberbully was
actually a mother in her neighborhood who had invented this boy. Megan Meier's story stresses how
troublesome and misleading the Internet can be, and that the less time spent online, the better.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, teens spend more than 53 hours a week on technology;
teens currently spend about nine more hours a week on technology than five years ago.

When children and teens spend more time on technology, they exercise less. Using this information,
one can deduce that too much time on the computer and watching TV contributes to child obesity, a
larger chance of danger, and even a possibility of worsening eyesight. If these teens are the future,
what will future look like? And if the average time teens spend on technology continues to increase at
this rate, teens will be spending an average of 558 hours, more than 23 days, on technology in 10
years.

Although technology can provide benefits, the downsides are overwhelmingly clear. As technology
asks for greater amounts of personal information, the risks increase exponentially. Without a firm grip
on reality, teens may soon find themselves in a place they wish they weren't. As teens, we need to
learn to use technology in moderation or risk spending our entire lives in front of a screen.
The Impact of Technology on Teenagers

Exploring Media Saturation and Its Effects

An article from Jonathan McKee at TheSource4YM.com

4/29/2011

Face it. We’re saturated with media.

Yesterday when I got up, the first sound I heard was the music oozing from my girls’ iPods through
their docking stations. Moments later, as my 15-year-old daughter Alyssa came downstairs to
breakfast, she was texting a friend about homework. Meanwhile, my 13-year-old Ashley quickly
jumped online to check the weather. Five minutes later, we were in the car and Ashley routinely
plugged her iPod into the car’s system so we could all benefit from hearing her music on the way to
school.

I’ve read all the reports about media saturation. Our family doesn’t leave the TV on, my kids don’t
have Internet connections in their room, and I’m very proactive about monitoring our home’s level of
media saturation. But the fact remains, it was only 7:32 a.m.… and we were already soaked.

Just how media saturated is the average home in America?

Getting to the Truth

Nielson, Kaiser Foundation, Pew Internet, The American Academy of Pediatrics… they’re all doing
research about media saturation and the effect of media in the lives of young people. Lucky for us,
they all seem to basically agree with their conclusions. But the funny thing I’ve noticed is how
newspapers, magazines and TV reports filter the data. After all, the news has to be interesting… even
shocking, right?

Here’s how it usually works. One of these groups of experts will release a study followed by a press
release. Journalists read the studies and write their opinions, quoting the numbers that leap off the
page. The common folk begin reading these articles and listening to the findings on the Today Show
as they get ready for work. Pastor Jones stands up on Sunday morning quoting the most shocking of
those numbers, and at lunch that afternoon, a group of elderly ladies in a booth at the local diner say,
“Did you hear that 98% of teenage girls are prostitutes and drink a gallon of alcohol per hour?”

So don’t pay any attention to those email “forwards” and don’t believe the gossip. Check your
sources (I wrote about this in detail before). That’s why you will always see us link our sources, so you
can 1.) Know the validity of what you’re reading, and 2.) Take a look at the research with your own
eyes.

Here’s some of the latest research on media in the lives of young people.

How Saturated Are We?

This month, Pew Internets’ researcher Amanda Lenhart released a helpful little presentation about
the Impact of Technology on the Lives of American Teens. (I told you we linked our sources!) In this
little slideshow, Lenhart tries to cut through the hype and get straight to the facts about exactly how
media saturated Americans are.

Here are some of the specifics you might find noteworthy from her study—a great summary about
how plugged in teenagers are today:

93% of teenagers 12-17 are online—the largest percentage of any age group.
Only 8% of families with teens have no computer, and only 4% of homes with computers don’t have
access to Internet.

80% of teens 12-17 own a game console.

75% of all teens have a cell phone.

A typical teen sends about 50 texts per day.

Most teen cell phone users make 1-5 calls per day.

31% of teens who take their phones to school send text messages every day during class time.

73% of teens are on social Internet sites (like Facebook).

Only 8% of teens use Twitter (compared to 37% of 18-24 year-olds—the largest percentage of any age
group).

14% of teens now blog, compared to 28% in 2006.

I encourage you to check out Amanda Lenhart’s slideshow on the subject. It’s readymade for you, a
great tool you can use to educate parents or leaders about media saturated teenagers today. Amanda
is sharp, a trustworthy researcher (some of you might remember when I talked with her in December
of 2009 regarding her study about sexting among minors).
As thorough as Amanda’s report was, it didn’t deal with the amount of time kids are actually
simmering in front of the TV, the computer, or listening to music. There are several good sources to
find this data, the most thorough being the 2010 entertainment media consumption report from
Kaiser. We already wrote quite a bit about this report when it was released, but here is a chart
revealing exactly how many hours per day students are absorbing entertainment media in recent
years, compared to the past:

According to this sobering report, kids are now soaking in 10 hours and 45 minutes per day of media
in a mere 7 hours and 38 minutes. (This requires multitasking. In other words, they are listening to
iTunes while browsing the web, all while the TV is on in the background.) You probably noticed that
this is an increase of over 2 hours of daily entertainment media saturation since 2004.

Whenever I show this chart at my parenting workshops, parents are always surprised that kids spend
more time watching TV than they do browsing the Internet. But the numbers don’t lie (I’ve blogged
about this before), TV still rules the media war. For now, American Idol, Glee and Jersey Shore are still
snaring more time from teenagers than Facebook is.

Our Response

So how do we respond to this kind of media saturation?

As parents, we should take the advice from the experts. The American Academy of Pediatrics released
a report in August of 2010 titled, Sexuality, Contraception, and the Media. The doctors in this report
shared some pretty shocking facts about the effects of media on young people. Here’s just a glimpse:

More than 75% of prime-time programs contain sexual content.

Only 14% of these incidents mention any risks or responsibilities of sexual activity.

Talk about sex on TV can occur as often as 8 to 10 times per hour.

Between 1997 and 2001 alone, the amount of sexual content on TV nearly doubled.

Listening to sexually degrading lyrics is associated with earlier sexual intercourse.

Out of nine longitudinal studies seeking to answer whether sexy media contributes to early sexual
activity, seven of these studies have shown that exposure to sexual content in TV and other media in
early adolescence can as much as double the risk of early sexual intercourse.

Early exposure to sexual content doubled the risk of teen pregnancy.

Bedroom TVs are associated with greater substance use and sexual activity by teenagers.

Research is clear that parents need to take an active role in talking with their kids about media
guidelines, and setting up realistic media guidelines. This report actually offers some great advice to
parents, including limiting screen time, prohibiting media in bedrooms, and “co-viewing” media with
kids. (Jonathan discusses these guidelines and what they might look like in his book, Candid
Confessions of an Imperfect Parent.)

Where do you draw the line?

Do your kids have a TV in their bedrooms? Do you know what’s on their iPods? Like I said earlier this
week in my blog about the connection between listening to pop music and depression, “The iPod is
the window to the heart.”

On the proactive side: Have you made an effort to “co-view” programming with your kids? Have you
tried using media as conversation jump-starters? Check out some of the resources we provide on our
webpage to help you dialogue with young people about media. Parents, you can use our MOVIE
REVIEWS & QUICK Q’s page to co-view films with your teenagers and then ask them questions at the
end of the film. We provide you with our two cents about the film and some discussion questions to
provoke conversation. Also consider using our MUSIC DISCUSSIONS page, using current songs to talk
with your teenagers about important issues.

Youth workers, we provide the same resources, customized for a youth ministry setting on our youth
ministry page www.TheSource4YM.com. Just use the FREE RESOURCES & IDEAS dropdown menu on
the top left hand side of the page.

However you choose to do it, become familiar with the media your kids are immersed in daily. Talk
with them about the content they are absorbing, and don't be afraid to set media guidelines. Saying
no–while not always popular–is usually pretty healthy. Too often, the parents at our parenting
seminars are on the brink of throwing in the towel. Don't do that; there are lots of tools at your
disposal to help you help your teens make wholesome media choices.

We can't give up because the only thing beyond "media saturation" is "media drowning."

SOURCE : http://www.thesource4ym.com/youthculturewindow/article.aspx?ID=181
Effects of Technology

Listen with webReader

By karina.g, Houston

The majority of people living in America use some sort of technology. Some of the most technological
inventions include iPods, computers, and cell phones. This type of technology is said to be resourceful
and helpful in meeting new people, and basically in developing social skills. However, I believe it does
the opposite of what most technology users think. Although technology is resourceful, it is time
consuming and it negatively undermines face-to-face social skills with family and friends.

Non-internet users have been tested to see how using the internet influenced their lives. According to
Alfonso,”They also reported spending less time talking with their families, experiencing more daily
stress, and feeling more lonely and depressed. These results occurred even though interpersonal
communication was their most important reason for using the internet.” This experiment showed
how much of a negative impact Internet had on their lives. The excessive usage of the Internet
stocked up these people’s lives. Quality time was taken over by typing something to someone instead
of talking to the person face-to-face and spending valuable time. According to Nie and Hillygus the
difference of the time spent with family and friends between internet users and non-internet users is
tremendous. The Internet is resourceful, but the time usage should be limited, because it consumes
time that matters, when one should be doing more important things.

Another technological social blocker is the iPod. For example,”Oh, I was listening to my iPod. My bad”
(Song 1). The truth is the moment one person places headphones in their ear, it is the moment they
create a “don’t talk to me” bubble around themselves. It deteriorates conversation and social
interactions that could have caused a good relationship. Instead of creating a relationship one
chooses to listen to that special song that could be done on one’s own time.

Those for Internet usage believe,” The Internet can foster openness, and a greater sense of ease and
comfort in dealing with others...can even provide opportunities by those who are too depressed to
conduct a social life in the real world” (Coget, Yutaka 1). In my response, this isn’t completely true. If
someone has low courage and they build this “relationship” on the Internet, when the time comes for
in-person interaction, they would be extremely nervous. The reason for this is on the internet you
don’t really see how one looks or how one responses to actions. Internet interaction don’t really
mean much, those face-to-face interaction are the ones that count for something.
Several people believe that iPods bring people together more than anything. According to
Harris,”Once a month, Playlist host iPod Dj nights at a London bar. On these nights, the guests are the
entertainment...and make it a social event.” I believe this contains logical fallacies, selective sampling
and hasty generalization. Not everyone goes to a bar and gets together jamming to the music from
iPods. ONe of the main qualities about an iPod is one can listen to tunes with one’s self. When one
does this in public places it limits social interactions, so iPods generally divide people more than bring
them together.

In conclusion, although technology is resourceful, it is time consuming and it negatively undermines

face-to-face social skills with family and friends. Overall computers and ipods waste valuable time.
This is so important because technology detracts from important things in life, like family and friends
relations, which are the most important things in a person’s life.

SOURCE : http://easy2learnesff.blogspot.com/2011/05/effects-of-technology.html
Teenagers and their sleepless lives

Teenagers

Teenagers have never been so tapped into technology - but how much is it taking over their lives? As
part of BBC School Report's News Day, three teenagers describe the impact technology and social
media have on their sleep, relationships and free time.

Heather, 15, Priory School and Specialist Sports College, Portsmouth

Continue reading the main story

Start Quote

Heather

Being online is a lot more interactive and stimulates your brain in a different way than a book”

On sleeping patterns

More from School Report

I'm on Facebook every day, probably for between one and three hours - but that's probably a lot less
than some of my friends.

Sometimes you see online arguments blow up on Facebook and go on and on, and I just think to
myself "How do you have enough time to spend on here arguing?"

I think in some cases social media does make teenagers less active.
But if I'd been born 30 years ago, and there wasn't social media and technology around everywhere, I
still wouldn't have done any more sport. I'd have probably just been in the library a lot more.

In the evenings, I'm often in my bedroom using my laptop to revise using BBC Bitesize or finding old
exam papers. But I usually have other tabs with social media or other websites running, and it's very
tempting to just give yourself a few minutes off to check on those.

I think being online in bed is very different to reading a book. Being online is a lot more interactive
and stimulates your brain in a different way, but I think I actually prefer books.

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If anything, my dad - who's 47 - is more competitive about having the latest technology than I am”

On gadget one-upmanship

My parents trust me to manage my time online, and I try to finish by 11.30 at night, but it's very easy
to lose track of time and suddenly realise it's way past then. But that can happen reading a book too.

I don't think what phone I've got is an issue for me. Half the time my phone doesn't have credit, and
if I'm just calling my parents to tell them where I am, that can be done on my old "brick".

If anything, my dad - who's 47 - is more competitive about having the latest technology than I am. He
gets really excited about having a new phone, and I just tend to wonder what does it really do that
the last one didn't.
I do think that having brand-new phones is an issue for safety, but a lot of my friends tend to plan
ahead and leave expensive things at home if they're going somewhere they think is risky.

My friend was pick-pocketed on a school trip to Germany and had her money stolen, but she'd
deliberately left her phone in her room.

Sadia, 11, Our Lady's Convent High School, Hackney

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Sadia

When I go to bed and I'm supposed to be asleep, I sometimes talk to friends online or text them ”

On sleeping patterns

I've got a laptop, a TV and an iPod Touch in my bedroom and I also have a Blackberry, which is one of
the old ones.

When I go to bed and I'm supposed to be asleep, I sometimes talk to friends online or text them but
it doesn't really affect my sleep because I like to wake up early. Sometimes I might read a book at
night. I like doing both, because reading a book gives you education, and going online means you can
talk to family members abroad and stuff like that.
I usually have four hours to go online and at about 6pm, my mum says I have got to read a book. Then
I watch TV and go to bed, but sometimes I bring my iPod with me and listen to some music.

Modern technology does stop you playing outside so much because it's really addictive. Sometimes
when I'm doing my homework, I just get carried away with talking to my friends online but my mum
comes and tells me when it's time to stop.

I don't really have time to always see my friends face to face, so I'd rather message them - but we
definitely have more fun when we meet up.

Olivia, 14, Tarporley High School, Cheshire

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Olivia

My mum being on Twitter makes me self-censor what I write”

On social media

Your phone becomes a statement - you have to be able to access your social media on your phone,
otherwise you can't stay in touch with what's going on.

And you really notice that lots of people's profile pictures show them holding their smartphone or
looking into the mirror with their phone in hand - it's almost like the phone is part of them.
There is a hierarchy of the different brands of phone, and people who don't have a decent phone
would probably be teased at least a little bit. I think you'd have to learn to laugh at yourself a bit, to
be honest.

Sometimes I look at my friends' phones and think "I want that". I think lots of teenagers think that
way too.

I'm unusual in that I'm not on Facebook, but I do like using Twitter and my mum and my auntie are on
there too. I think that makes me self-censor what I write, but that's probably a good thing.

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I tend to count to 10 before I tweet, as sometimes arguments happen on social media and get blown
out of all proportion”

On relationships

I think they feel I'm mature enough to deal with social media pretty responsibly. But if I was to tweet
something inappropriate, I know it would be that would have to face up the consequences.

I tend to count to 10 before I tweet, as sometimes arguments happen on social media and get blown
out of all proportion.
I often find myself thinking "why are you tweeting this?" The things that some people want to share -
effectively with the whole world - could have a big impact on the rest of their life, for things like
finding a job in the future.

I'm actually very disciplined, but I think the older you get, the longer you will probably end up staying
up for, as that's when you spend more of your time online. If you're multi-tasking by tweeting when
you're watching a soap earlier in the evening, that's different to being on Facebook or Twitter later on
in your room.

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The problem with being online late at night is that there's always more to read or find out about”

On sleeping patterns

I see a lot of people tweeting "I can't sleep" late at night or in the early hours. It shows you that
people really are just spending their time on their phones, but sometimes I wonder why they want to
share that information with me.

I don't have a curfew set by parents as such, but I think that I kind of have one anyway that I impose
on myself.

The problem with being online late at night - rather than reading a book or something - is that there's
always more to read or find out about. Teenagers are naturally curious and if you see something
someone has retweeted, you want to click on their profile to see who they are. And then you find
more things to click on, and so on - it's never ending. For some people, their phone is like another
limb. They really can't be without it.

I like to think I don't fit the anti-social teenager stereotype - I'm just as happy talking to people face-
to-face socially, not hiding away behind a screen.

SOURCE : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21876118
Writing, Technology and Teens

Apr 24, 2008by Amanda Lenhart, Sousan Arafeh, Aaron Smith, Alexandra Macgill

Teenagers’ lives are filled with writing. All teens write for school, and 93% of teens say they write
for their own pleasure. Most notably, the vast majority of teens have eagerly embraced written
communication with their peers as they share messages on their social network pages, in emails
and instant messages online, and through fast-paced thumb choreography on their cell phones.
Parents believe that their children write more as teens than they did at that age.

This raises a major question: What, if anything, connects the formal writing teens do and the
informal e-communication they exchange on digital screens? A considerable number of educators
and children’s advocates worry that James Billington, the Librarian of Congress, was right when
he recently suggested that young Americans’ electronic communication might be damaging “the
basic unit of human thought – the sentence.”1 They are concerned that the quality of writing by
young Americans is being degraded by their electronic communication, with its carefree spelling,
lax punctuation and grammar, and its acronym shortcuts. Others wonder if this return to text-
driven communication is instead inspiring new appreciation for writing among teens.

While the debate about the relationship between e-communication and formal writing is on-going,
few have systematically talked to teens to see what they have to say about the state of writing in
their lives. Responding to this information gap, the Pew Internet & American Life Project and
National Commission on Writing conducted a national telephone survey and focus groups to see
what teens and their parents say about the role and impact of technological writing on both in-
school and out-of-school writing. The report that follows looks at teens’ basic definition of writing,
explores the various kinds of writing they do, seeks their assessment about what impact e-
communication has on their writing, and probes for their guidance about how writing instruction
might be improved.

At the core, the digital age presents a paradox. Most teenagers spend a considerable amount of
their life composing texts, but they do not think that a lot of the material they create electronically
is real writing. The act of exchanging emails, instant messages, texts, and social network posts is
communication that carries the same weight to teens as phone calls and between-class hallway
greetings.

At the same time that teens disassociate e-communication with “writing,” they also strongly
believe that good writing is a critical skill to achieving success – and their parents agree.
Moreover, teens are filled with insights and critiques of the current state of writing instruction as
well as ideas about how to make in-school writing instruction better and more useful.
 Even though teens are heavily embedded in a tech-rich world, they do not believe that
communication over the internet or text messaging is writing.
The main reason teens use the internet and cell phones is to exploit their communication
features.2 3 Yet despite the nearly ubiquitous use of these tools by teens, they see an important
distinction between the “writing” they do for school and outside of school for personal reasons,
and the “communication” they enjoy via instant messaging, phone text messaging, email and
social networking sites.
 85% of teens ages 12-17 engage at least occasionally in some form of electronic
personal communication, which includes text messaging, sending email or instant messages,
or posting comments on social networking sites.
 60% of teens do not think of these electronic texts as “writing.”

Teens generally do not believe that technology negatively influences the quality of their writing,
but they do acknowledge that the informal styles of writing that mark the use of these text-based
technologies for many teens do occasionally filter into their school work. Overall, nearly two-thirds
of teens (64%) say they incorporate some informal styles from their text-based communications
into their writing at school.

 50% of teens say they sometimes use informal writing styles instead of proper
capitalization and punctuation in their school assignments;
 38% say they have used text shortcuts in school work such as “LOL” (which stands for
“laugh out loud”);
 25% have used emoticons (symbols like smiley faces :-) ) in school work.
For more information on teens and electronic communication, please see Part 4: Electronic
Communication starting on page 21.

The impact of technology on writing is hardly a frivolous issue because most believe that
good writing is important to teens’ future success.

Both teens and their parents say that good writing is an essential skill for later success in life.

 83% of parents of teens feel there is a greater need to write well today than there was 20
years ago.
 86% of teens believe good writing is important to success in life – some 56% describe it
as essential and another 30% describe it as important.

Parents also believe that their children write more now than they did when they were teens.
 48% of teenagers’ parents believe that their child is writing more than the parent did
during their teen years; 31% say their child is writing less; and 20% believe it is about the same
now as in the past.

Recognition of the importance of good writing is particularly high in black households and among
families with lower levels of education.

 94% of black parents say that good writing skills are more important now than in the past,
compared with 82% of white parents and 79% of English-speaking Hispanic parents.
 88% of parents with a high school degree or less say that writing is more important in
today’s world, compared with 80% of parents with at least some college experience.
For more information on this topic, please visit Part 6: Parental Attitudes toward Writing and
Technology starting on page 36 and Part 7: The Way Teens See Their Writing and What Would
Improve It on page 42.

Teens are motivated to write by relevant topics, high expectations, an interested audience
and opportunities to write creatively.

Teens write for a variety of reasons—as part of a school assignment, to get a good grade, to stay
in touch with friends, to share their artistic creations with others or simply to put their thoughts to
paper (whether virtual or otherwise). In our focus groups, teens said they are motivated to write
when they can select topics that are relevant to their lives and interests, and report greater
enjoyment of school writing when they have the opportunity to write creatively. Having teachers or
other adults who challenge them, present them with interesting curricula and give them detailed
feedback also serves as a motivator for teens. Teens also report writing for an audience
motivates them to write and write well.

For more on why teens write and what motivates them, please see Part 8: What Teens Tell Us
Encourages Them to Write, which starts on page 51.

Writing for school is a nearly every-day activity for teens, but most assignments are short.

Most teens write something nearly every day for school, but the average writing assignment is a
paragraph to one page in length.

 50% of teens say their school work requires writing every day; 35% say they write several
times a week. The remaining 15% of teens write less often for school.
 82% of teens report that their typical school writing assignment is a paragraph to one
page in length.
 White teens are significantly more likely than English-speaking Hispanic teens (but not
blacks) to create presentations for school (72% of whites and 58% of Hispanics do this).

The internet is also a primary source for research done at or for school. 94% of teens use the
internet at least occasionally to do research for school, and nearly half (48%) report doing so
once a week or more often.

For more information, please visit Part 3: Teens and Their Writing Habits on page 10 in the main
report.

Teens believe that the writing instruction they receive in school could be improved.

Most teens feel that additional instruction and focus on writing in school would help improve their
writing even further. Our survey asked teens whether their writing skills would be improved by two
potential changes to their school curricula: teachers having them spend more time writing in
class, and teachers using more computer-based tools (such as games, writing help programs or
websites, or multimedia) to teach writing.

Overall, 82% of teens feel that additional in-class writing time would improve their writing abilities
and 78% feel the same way about their teachers using computer-based writing tools.

For more on this topic please see Part 7: The Way Teens See Their Writing and What Would
Improve It starting on page 42.

Non-school writing, while less common than school writing, is still widespread among
teens.

Outside of a dedicated few, non-school writing is done less often than school writing, and varies a
bit by gender and race/ethnicity. Boys are the least likely to write for personal enjoyment outside
of school. Girls and black teens are more likely to keep a journal than other teens. Black teens
are also more likely to write music or lyrics on their own time.

 47% of black teens write in a journal, compared with 31% of white teens.
 37% of black teens write music or lyrics, while 23% of white teens do.
 49% of girls keep a journal; 20% of boys do.
 26% of boys say they never write for personal enjoyment outside of school.
 For more on non-school writing, please see Part 3: Teens and Their Writing Habitson page 10
and Part 8: What Teens Tell Us Encourages Them to Write starting on page 51.

Multi-channel teens and gadget owners do not write any more – or less –than their
counterparts, but bloggers are more prolific.
Teens who communicate frequently with friends, and teens who own more technology tools such
as computers or cell phones do not write more for school or for themselves than less
communicative and less gadget-rich teens. Teen bloggers, however, are prolific writers
online and offline.
 47% of teen bloggers write outside of school for personal reasons several times a week
or more compared to 33% of teens without blogs.
 65% of teen bloggers believe that writing is essential to later success in life; 53% of non-
bloggers say the same.
For more on teens and electronic communication, please see Part 4: Electronic
Communication on page 21 in the full report.

Teens more often write by hand for both out-of-school writing and school work.

Most teens mix and match longhand and computers based on tool availability, assignment
requirements and personal preference. When teens write they report that they most often write by
hand, though they also often write using computers as well. Out-of-school personal writing is
more likely than school writing to be done by hand, but longhand is the more common mode for
both purposes.

 72% of teens say they usually (but not exclusively) write the material they are composing
for their personal enjoyment outside of school by hand; 65% say they usually write their school
assignments by hand.
For more on the technologies teens use for writing, please see Part 3: Teens and Their Writing
Habits starting on page 10.

As tech-savvy as they are, teens do not believe that writing with computers makes a big
difference in the quality of their writing.

Teens appreciate the ability to revise and edit easily on a computer, but do not feel that use of
computers makes their writing better or improves the quality of their ideas.
 15% of teens say their internet-based writing of materials such as emails and instant
messages has helped improve their overall writing while 11% say it has harmed their writing.
Some 73% of teens say this kind of writing makes no difference to their school writing.
 17% of teens say their internet-based writing has helped the personal writing they do that
is not for school, while 6% say it has made their personal writing worse. Some 77% believe this
kind of writing makes no difference to their personal writing.

When it comes to using technology for school or non-school writing, teens believe that when they
use computers to write they are more inclined to edit and revise their texts (57% say that).

For more on teen attitudes toward technologies’ influence on their writing, please seePart 7: The
Way Teens See Their Writing and What Would Improve It, which begins on page 42.

Parents are generally more positive than their teen children about the effect of computers
and text-based communication tools on their child’s writing.

Parents are somewhat more likely to believe that computers have a positive influence on their
teen’s writing, while teens are more likely to believe computers have no discernible effect.

 27% of parents think the internet writing their teen does makes their teen child a better
writer, and 27% think it makes the teen a poorer writer. Some 40% say it makes no difference.

On specific characteristics of the impact of tech-based writing, this is how parents’ and teens’
views match up:
For more details on parent and teens attitudes toward writing, please see Part 6: Parental
Attitudes toward Writing and Technology on page 36 and Part 7: The Way Teens See Their
Writing and What Would Improve It on page 42.

Teens enjoy non-school writing, and to a lesser extent, the writing they do for school.

Enjoyment of personal, non-school writing does not always translate into enjoyment of school-
based writing. Fully 93% of those ages 12-17 say they have done some writing outside of school
in the past year and more than a third of them write consistently and regularly. Half (49%) of all
teens say they enjoy the writing they do outside of school “a great deal,” compared with just 17%
who enjoy the writing they do for school with a similar intensity.

Teens who enjoy their school writing more are more likely to engage in creative writing at school
compared to teens who report very little enjoyment of school writing (81% vs. 69%). In our focus
groups, teens report being motivated to write by relevant, interesting, self-selected topics, and
attention and feedback from engaged adults who challenged them.

For more details on teen enjoyment of writing and writing motivations, please see Part 8: What
Teens Tell Us Encourages Them To Write starting on page 51.
NOTES

1 Dillon, Sam. “In Test, Few Students are Proficient Writers,” The New York Times,
April 3, 2008. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/03/education/03cnd-writing.html?
em&ex=1207454400&en=a866a90118b1f389&ei=5087%0A

2 Analysis of daily communications choices is based on all teens, regardless of

technology ownership.

3 Lenhart, Amanda, Madden, Mary & Hitlin, Paul. (2005) “Teens and Technology:
Youth are Leading the Transition to a Fully Wired and Mobile Nation,” Pew Internet &
American Life Project, Washington, DC, July 27, 2005.

SOURCE : http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2008/Writing-Technology-and-Teens/01-
Summary-of-Findings.aspx

Teens and Mobile Phones

Apr 20, 2010by Amanda Lenhart, Rich Ling, Scott Campbell, Kristen Purcell

Adverse “side effects” of teen cell phone use.

Of course, with new opportunities come new problems, and the cell phone puts new twists on old
ones. This section examines some of adverse ramifications of cell phone use by teens, including
distracted driving, so-called "sexting," mobile harassment, and unwanted text messages. The chart
below shows that among these concerns, distracted driving and receiving unwanted or spam text
messages stand out as most prominent among teens who use cell phones.

The cell phone has become an additional source of distracted driving among teens (and their
parents!)

One of the most serious concerns about teens and cell phones is their use of the technology while
driving.42 Over half (52%) of teens ages 16-17 who own cell phones reported that they have talked on
a cell phone while driving. Over a third (34%) have texted while behind the wheel. Boys and girls were
equally likely to report both talking and texting while driving.

Nearly half (48%) of all teens ages 12-17 say they have been in a car when the driver was texting, and
40% say they have been in a car when the driver used a cell phone in a way that put themselves or
others in danger. While filling out the focus group questionnaire, several teens expressed serious
concerns about safety when this happens. As one middle school boy explained, "I do worry about it
because what if you’re driving and not paying attention to the road. You can hit someone or make
them hit you." Some of the teens differentiated between the risks of talking and texting. Another
middle school boy wrote, "People texting worries me more than people calling people, because
texting is more distracting than talking on the phone because you can pay more attention to the road
when talking than texting."

Other teens were more blasé about cell phone use while driving. Some even described tactics they
employed in order not to get caught doing it, such as a high school boy who admitted, "I wear
sunglasses so the cops don’t see [my eyes looking down]." Participants also discussed tactics to
mitigate the hazard it poses to driving. For example, some explained they would only text when the
car was not moving, such as at a stop sign or traffic light. Others would read but not send texts while
driving. "There’s a difference, I think," said one high school boy. "Because just reading a text isn’t that
bad, it’s just reading and then moving on. If you’re texting, it’s going to take more time when you’re
supposed to be driving, and that’s when most people get in accidents."

Many of the teens stated their parents use the cell phone while driving with them and others in the
car. In addition to voice calling, parents are also texting. As one high school boy explained, "[My dad]
drives like he’s drunk. His phone is just like sitting right in front of his face, and he puts his knees on
the bottom of the steering wheel and tries to text." This type of comment was echoed by several
other teens during the sessions.

“Sexting” is a growing concern, but teens tend only to be aware of it rather than involved with it.

Sexting, or the distribution of sexually suggestive nude or nearly-nude images, has garnered
increased media attention in recent years. 43 While this is a topic of concern, results from the survey
show that the vast majority of teen cell phone owners have not sent or received messages of this
nature. Only 4% reported that they have sent these types of images or videos of themselves, and 15%
said they have received a "sext" from someone they know. Older teens were more likely to report
receiving sext messages than younger teens, with 18% of those 14-17 as opposed to 6% of the 12 and
13 year-olds reporting this. There were no differences between boys (15%) and girls (14%) in receipt
of sexts. Furthermore, teens who are more frequent users of cell phones are more likely to receive
sexually suggestive images.

Focus group findings show that sexting occurs most often in one of three scenarios:

1. Exchanges of images solely between two romantic partners

 2. Exchanges of images between partners that are then shared outside the relationship

3. Exchanges of images between people who are not yet in a relationship, but where often one
person hopes to be.

Teens explained how sexually suggestive images have become a form of relationship currency. These
images are shared as a part of or instead of sexual activity, or as a way of starting or maintaining a
relationship with a significant other. They are also passed along to friends for their entertainment
value, as a joke, for revenge or for fun.

Some teens also described the pressure they feel to share these types of images. One high school girl
wrote:

 When I was about 14-15 years old, I received/sent these types of pictures. Boys usually ask
for them or start that type of conversation. My boyfriend or someone I really liked asked for
them, and I felt like if I didn’t do it, they wouldn’t continue to talk to me. At the time, it was
no big deal. But now, looking back, it was definitely inappropriate and over the line.

Although this is not a pervasive teen practice, sexting can create serious problems for those involved
in it. The desire for risk-taking and sexual exploration during the teenage years, combined with a
constant connection via mobile devices, creates a "perfect storm" for sexting. Teenagers have always
grappled with issues around sex and relationships, but their coming-of-age mistakes and
transgressions have never been so easily transmitted and archived for others to see.

The cell phone has become a new venue for harassment and bullying of teens.

Over a quarter (26%) of teen cell phone users reported having been harassed by someone else
through their cell phone. Girls are significantly more likely to experience this (30%) than boys (22%).
This trend is more common for those teens whose parents are under 40 and low in educational
attainment.

Responses in the focus groups were split with regard to how serious of a problem this is. Some teens
clearly believe this is major problem with serious social and psychological consequences, while others
feel that it is "not really a big deal."

Respondents discussed how harassment can occur through voice calls and text messages. In a voice
context, it is often in the form of prank calls. Both voice and text are used to deliver threats and
insults. In addition, sexual harassment was mentioned by some, which may help explain why girls
reported higher incidences of cell phone harassment overall than boys in the survey. Several teens
also reported that cell phones are used to indirectly harass others behind their back, for instance by
spreading false rumors.

While these are old problems that young people have always had to deal with, the cell phone gives
rise to new concerns about harassment. In their written responses during the focus group sessions,
teens explained that it is particularly difficult to escape harassment when it happens over the cell
phone. One high school girl wrote: "I think it’s terrible. You can’t escape the hatred. Even when you
go home someone can still pick on you." Although the anytime, anywhere nature of the technology is
a major draw for teens to stay in touch with their peers, it also provides new opportunities for bullies
and harassers to stay connected to their targets.

Another characteristic of the cell phone, especially the lean channel of texting, is that it lends itself to
uninhibited behavior for some users. One girl in high school explained that "many people use texting
as a way not to do it face-to-face," indicating that some feel less accountable when texting. As a high
school boy put it, "People have bigger mouths through text," making it easier for them to deliver
threats and insults.

Although they embrace text messaging, many teens also regret messages they have sent.

As this report has detailed, text messaging has become a primary resource for maintaining contact
with peers and coordinating social life among teens. While most young people in this study (and
overall) embrace the utility of text messaging for anytime, anywhere private exchanges, many
experience feelings of regret about their use of this channel. Almost half (47%) of teen cell phone
owners reported regret over a text message they have sent. There is a notable trend by age, with 12
year-olds reporting a much lower occurrence of feelings of regret (28%) than the rest. Regret over a
text message was particularly high among girls 14-17, with 54% of them reporting this, compared
with 39% of 12-13 year-old girls and 42% of boys ages 14-17. Another trend from the survey shows
that teens with unlimited text plans were significantly more likely (52%) to express regret than those
with limited (21%) and pay per text (19%) plans. And not surprisingly, the more text messages a
person sends on an average day, the more likely they are to say they have regretted a message they
have sent.

Responses in the focus groups illustrate characteristics of text messaging that can lead to situations of
regret. One of the themes from the sessions points to misunderstandings that can arise from trying to
express oneself with 160 characters or less of text. Several of the participants mentioned how it can
at times be difficult to establish shared meaning through texting, especially with the tone of a
message. For example, one high school girl from the interviews stated, "I think that 50% of the
arguments I have with friends are that reason. I rarely fight but whenever I do have an argument,
someone will send me a text message and I’ll be like, well that was rude, and they didn’t mean
anything by it. I was like, ‘Oh, OK, my bad.’" These types of misunderstandings can emerge from
simple punctuation use, or in this case the lack of it: "It’s usually if they say something and put a
period at the end. It’ll be, like, really abrupt, and you’ll be, like, ‘Oh, that sounded like they are mad.’"

Participants also discussed how sending a text to the wrong person is a common problem that can
lead to regret. This can happen as a result of confusion from trying to maintain multiple threads of
text-based conversation with multiple partners at once. A high school girl explained, "It’s confusing
though, cause somebody will text you and you’ll text them back and they will, like somebody else will
send you a text message and you’ll be like, ‘Wait what?’ And I text the wrong thing and it causes a lot
of drama."

Some of the regrets expressed in the sessions were not about the content of messages, but rather
the setting in which they were exchanged, especially when it violated school rules. Some of the teens
were caught texting and had their handsets confiscated by teachers or administrators, leaving them
without a phone or forcing them to activate another one. One boy in middle school explained how
looking at an incoming text is almost like a reflex, which can be a problem in school: "[I] just did the
natural thing to pull it out and see who it was, and then the teacher took it."

Not all messages on the cell phone are welcome.

Over half (54%) of teen cell phone owners say that have received spam or other unwanted text
messages on their cell phone. There were no meaningful differences with regard to age or sex.

The focus group participants indicated that these messages tend not to be from commercial sources.
Instead, there were many complaints about "spamming" from other individuals. At times, this can
border on harassment when individuals persistently send unwanted text messages as a prank,
causing some to react by turning their phone off, sometimes for hours. This is noteworthy,
considering turning the phone off is otherwise unthinkable for many teens. Indeed, it is one of the
only reasons teens provided for turning their phone off. Some individuals went so far as to describe
this problem as "the worst" of owning a cell phone. Participants were also annoyed by chain
messages that are forwarded in viral fashion. As one high school girl explained, "Those drive me crazy.
I just got one, and it’s like, ‘Oh, send this to ten people and then God will love you forever.’"

Parents and regulation of the mobile phone.

More details about how parents are monitoring and regulating the mobile phone and how those
actions relate to teens cell phone behaviors may be found previously inChapter Four, starting in the
section "Cell phone plans and parental regulation of the phone."

SOURCE : http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2010/Teens-and-Mobile-Phones/Chapter-5.aspx?
view=all
SOURCE : Source: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/228029