Technology takes over teens’ time

When a typical teenager wakes up, what is the first thing they pick up and want to look at? Most would probably say their phone. What’s next after a phone? Maybe an iPod, iPad or laptop perhaps? This constant checking will continue throughout the day, and high schoolers constantly look at their phone for the latest text messages, Facebook posts, status updates, and other emails. I know that these technological advances aren’t necessarily a bad thing, but how much of a good thing makes a bad thing? When is it just time to take a step back and say enough?

These objects, these impersonal “things,” like smartphones, iPods and laptops seem to have taken over modern life as we know it. One example is Facebook, which was started to link some college students and now spread worldwide, was recently valued at over $50 billion. It’s turned into a $50 billion time pit for teenagers who should be doing their homework. Kids seem to log on to a computer, look up something for their homework, and then find themselves on Facebook talking about their day and checking out what people have to say, playing games like Farmville, or chatting with their friends. Where is the line finally drawn?

When not plugged into the computer itself, cell phones become the portable plug that people rely on. Any time that someone wants to talk or text, people are always reachable. Thus, it seems like everyone spends most of their time plugged into their phone since no one goes anywhere without their cell phone. I admit that texting is a nice and quick way of communicating, but it seems as though it has replaced face-to-face communication.People still need to learn how to communicate by speaking because that is what we will have to do when we start our careers. We will have to speak and work with other people,not rely on texting through a cell phone. Another problem that has happened to us all is that when we are plugged in and in “texting mode”, it is easy to misunderstand or be misunderstood because the words can be taken out of context. Without context, or facial expression no one knows if the person on the other end is serious or just kidding.These misunderstandings can be avoided by having a face-to-face conversation with someone.With the weather changing and the days getting longer, I urge people to unplug and get more fresh air or at least have a face-to-face conversation with a friend. By unplugging ourselves, even for a little bit, we offer our bodies and minds a relief from the stresses of being plugged in. We become more relaxed, and we are more enjoyable to be around.

By: Kyle Schikore