Technology. It has rapidly taken over our everyday lives. Twenty-first-century technology has improved the way we work, communicate, travel, learn, and many more aspects. With technology right in the palm of our hands, being efficient has never been easier.
However, this wide growth of technology develops a great source of concern, especially for our youngest generation. Generation Z, a term commonly used for the 21st-century Millennials, includes the children born in the late 1990’s—2000’s. This is the first generation to have technology surround them in all aspects of life. Tablets, video game systems, smartphones…it's anywhere and everywhere. Most all devices are compact and absorb youths attention for hours at a time. What does this say about these children’s futures? How much technology is too much? Do we have an unhealthy dependence on technology and social media?
I have always been aware of the effects technology has on people. However, it wasn’t until recently that I realized just how much it has captured our young people. I was at a restaurant the other day, enjoying my meal, when I looked up and saw a family of three eating across from me. However, it was an unsettling scene to observe. The father had headphones plugged into his smartphone, the daughter had her headphones plugged in as well, and the young son was playing on his Nintendo DS. There I sat, in amaze of their complete disconnect from each other, as they ate their food in silence. On a separate occasion, I watched a young boy, seeming to be no older than 10, yell out to his sister while holding an iPad, “Hey! Let’s sit over here. I think there’s better WI-Fi."
For some reason, both those scenarios were very disheartening for me. Now, I know I am part of the Generation Z too, but when I was growing up, smartphones were not a hot commodity nor even a thing yet. Yes, I watched TV and played Mario Cart like every kid does. But, I also played outside more, made crafts, played with friends at parks, and actually socialized.
Kids these days are becoming too comfortable with their social media lives, even preferring to talk virtually than face-to-face. The disconnect between children and the world below their feet is blinded by the little screen between their hands. Socializing with friends through social media has become so impersonal. Though the media is a great source for information, reconnecting, and updates, it has spiraled into a pile of irrelevant and unimportant drama.
My fear is that children are becoming too dependent on smartphones and technology, and this will result in a lack of self-control and straight up laziness. Kids need to take a break from their phones, look up, and see what is right in front of them. Actually looking at the scenery and monuments while on road trips and vacations.
Now I know technology is a wonderful thing. It has opened the doors for many opportunities. It will forever be a part of our world and will only continue to grow. Though it is important for us to grow with it, I believe that it is important to take a break every once in a while. Put the phones away at the dinner table. Stop and smell the roses. Remember to stay personal and connected with real friends, not just online. Use technology in moderation. Find the right balance in your lifestyle between what technology has to offer and your community/world. It is amazing how these simple adjustments can make a huge difference.
