Technology and its Impact on Teenagers
Technology is highly utilized in the world today. The use of technology is progressing exponentially. Technology, when used in moderation plays an essential role in both marketing and education purposes. However, its overuse results in various adverse effects. There is noted increased widespread use of laptop computers, iPods, cell phones, portable internet and mp3 players among teenagers. Overuse of technology has been reported to have harmful effects especially on the teenagers, who are vulnerable to change. Therefore, it is vital to monitor the use of technology by teenagers to avoid overuse.
The Consequences of Impulsive Behavior
Beyth-Marom et al. (1993) note that teenagers don't give much thought to the consequences of what they do as they tend to be more impulsive than adults. The use of technology by teenagers has changed their mode of conduct. The use of computers at home whether to read or play games has led to detrimental ability to interact and communicate with others.
Misuse of Cell Phones
Use of cell phones has increased over the years. However, teenagers are misusing their use. Sending messages while driving is ordinary among teenagers who put their lives and those of others in danger. The use of cell phones while driving increases chances of accidents. An American journal of public health by Wilson Stimpson (2010) indicates that distracted drivers are likely to cause accidents as compared to impaired drivers.
The Rise of Internet Bullying
Internet bullying is mostly promoted by social networking. Internet bullying has been on the rise as victims are mocked anonymously. Moreover, the spread of humiliating photographs which is made possible by the use of phone cameras has fueled considerable amount of hatred on the internet. The use of cameras and emails has also promoted the transmission of sexually explicit videos and pictures by teenagers online leading to increased risk of sexual predation. Surprisingly, according to Lenhart (2001), 93% of teenagers aged between 12 to 17 years use internet or emails and that 58% believe that posting personal information on the internet is safe.
The Negative Impact on Health
Teenagers spend up to 21 hours a week on television according to Koezuka et al. (2006). Junk food is mostly consumed at that time leading to overweight and more risks to health issues according to Texas Heart Institute. Estimates by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry indicate that 33% of teens are obese. Obesity increases risks in chronic health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and heart diseases.
The Impediment to Academic and Social Life
The ability of the teenagers to multitask while using technology hurts their academics as well as social life as it impedes their ability to focus, Lema Gencer and Koc (2012). Technology offers the teens an easy way of making the students lack interest in the academic elements.
The Influence of Internet Content
The content found on the internet affects the teenager's behavior. The behavior and the body image found online are adopted as the ideal norm by the teenagers. Teenagers tend to mimic the pictures they see on the internet. Moreover, the teenagers have increased access to bombs, drugs, pornography, and obscenities. The content is usually portrayed as 'cool' causing more teens to engage in the activities. Other activities teenagers participate in include hacking school systems, government websites, banks or stranger's computers as a result of too much time on the internet.
The Consequences on Mental Well-being
Most teenagers spend a lot of time on the internet, depriving them physical interaction and denying them quality time with friends and family. Kraut (1998) notes that such teens feel lonely and depressed as a result of the absence of personal contact and necessary relationships that are vital to life. Much time spent on the internet also results in disruption of the sleep cycle. The disruption is caused by phone calls, emails and night texts. A journal of children and media by Maass & Wolf (2010) shows that cortisol, the 'stress hormone' is produced by the user media device during the day. Cortisol prohibits the production of the 'sleep hormone' commonly known as melatonin.
The Impact on Social Interaction
Isolation is another effect of the technology on teenagers. Continued use of the internet gargets robs one the opportunity to interact and meet new faces as well as interact and appreciate the surrounding environment. Teenagers have replaced outdoor events with activities such as online gaming, hence has led to the weakening of the family bonds. Kimberly Young notes that teenagers avoid facing problems such as family issues and would rather spend time on their laptops and cell phones.
The Effect on Communication Skills
Isolation and depression are also witnessed in teenagers with mental health issues. The search for stress relief on the internet can lead to emotional, social and academic problems up to their adulthood. Poor positioning during the use of technology may also lead to sore back and neck muscles.
Influence of Media Content
Apart from increasing sexual activity among teenagers due to increased media exposure, technology has also negatively affected teenagers' communication skills. The latter is indicated by the increased use of instant messaging (IM). IM results in bad grammar, wrong abbreviations, poor punctuations, use of few and informal words as well as the reliance on emoticons to denote emotions. Hence poorly affects their academic writing. Teenagers also rely on the internet for guidance and support and may be risky in some instances.
The Impact of Visual Messages
Advancement of internet and satellite TV has widened the viewed content. Visual messages are said to have a stronger effect on teenagers, affecting their attitude and orientation. Negative content aired on TV ads, movies, and soap operas increase exposure to teenagers like sexuality, smoking, and violence. Most of the TV content today is violent. Teenagers tend to copy the violent content they observe on TV. Some teenagers end up believing that violence is a means to solve problems. Majority of the TV ads also advocate for unhealthy eating habits such as snacks and sugary drinks as they target teenagers through their commercial placements.
The Negative Impact on Academics
An anthropological analysis of television and culture by Kottak (2016) indicates that teenagers who are heavy TV viewers are likely to read low-quality materials as they spend much of their time watching TVs rather than studying. The result is poor grades. On the other hand, video game addicts are unable to eat properly, go to school and exercise regularly.
The Association with Unsafe Behavior
Teenagers are said to mimic unsafe aerobatics aired on the TV shows causing injuries. Furthermore, aggressive behavior is likely to be adopted by teens that spend time watching violent content on the internet. Results are increased arguments among friends and family, further weakening the relationship bond. Technology affects teenagers' self-esteem, depending on how they use it.
Conclusion
Technology can have negative influences if not used moderately. Overuse of the technology often leads to addiction. The addicted teenagers have less time with their friends and families leading to isolation and depression. Firm decisions ought to be made and strictly adhered to protect teenagers from overuse of technology. Technology should be used in moderation so to better the social capability of the current youth.
References
Kraut, R., Kiesler, S., Mukhopadhya, T., Scherlis, W., " Patterson, M. (1998). Social impact of the Internet: what does it mean?. Communications of the ACM, 41(12), 21-22.
Lenhart, A., Simon, M., " Graziano, M. (2001). The Internet and Education: Findings of the Pew Internet " American Life Project.
Beyth-Marom, R., Austin, L., Fischhoff, B., Palmgren, C., " Jacobs-Quadrel, M. (1993). Perceived consequences of risky behaviors: adults and adolescents. Developmental psychology, 29(3), 549.
Gencer, S. L., " Koc, M. (2012). Internet abuse among teenagers and its relations to internet usage patterns and demographics. Journal of Educational Technology " Society, 15(2), 25.
