Many people tend to speak ill of modern technology.

They say that it is hindering the new generation's way of interacting with each other and that it is unnecessary.

"Back in my day, we didn't have cell phones. Learn to live without it."

"Kids are always on their phones and won't play outside. It's a damn shame."

"Well, I got through school without the Internet, so why do you need a laptop?"

Listen, the world has changed since you've been in school.

The world has changed since you were young.

Modern technology, such as cell phones, laptops, iPads, etc. are so ingrained in our society. You honestly need these things if you attend school now. This is sad for those who can't afford such things, yes, but it has changed learning drastically in the last few years. Grants have been written to provide classrooms with tablets and computers to enhance their learning, so why do you think that these devices are hindering the newer generations?

Is it because you don't understand modern technology? After all, fear is sparked from ignorance. And it's okay to not fully understand these modern "miracles," essentially. They're so complex and fascinating. How these tiny hand-held devices can allow you to communicate with someone on the other side of the world in moments or even seconds is incredible. It's amazing how something so extraordinary is looked down upon with such disdain.

Your children can learn from people of different cultures in seconds and talk to people all over the world. Yes, this can be frightening. Children have to learn about a different sort of safety, but this is not necessarily negative. Learn to appreciate modern technology like you learned to appreciate television or an oven.

Just because things are different does not mean that things are worse. Show your children the joys of the world. Show them the beauty of nature and the beauty of the internet. Tell them how amazing things have progressed since you were young. Tell them how they get to learn more now than you ever could. Play outside with them. Send them to school. Learn from them. Don't put them down because now they can talk to their friends in moments.

Appreciate how far we've come. It's that easy.