Impact of Social Media and Technology on Adolescents
Introduction
The current society is evolved technologically and socially. Social media platforms are being used on different levels. For instance, most businesses find it easy to advertise their products through social media. Markedly, the internet has also initiated dating and personal human interactions. People interact more through the internet than personal platforms. The fact is, different individuals can share multiple ideas through the internet. However, for teenagers, social media may have both positive and negative impacts. Studies show that the number of adolescents using social media is increasing rapidly. The frequent use of social media may affect their mental states, social lives, and methods of communication.
Thesis-Although social media can improve intelligence and online communication in teenagers; the negative effects are more than the positive.
Discussion
Studies show that social media improves the technical skills, communication skills, and personal connections among adolescents. Actively engaging in social media platforms is a habit that has been embraced by most teenagers. Furthermore, the rapid improvement of technology has made it a necessity for parents to teach their children basic technological skills. The technological skills has made the internet a part of their social and school lives (Salgur, 2016). Currently, it is part of the curriculum for schools to teach students basic computer skills. Markedly, the growth of the internet and platforms has initiated active communication between adolescents in different online platforms. The platforms offer new and improved means of communication. For instance, some online video games allow the teenagers to communicate while participating in them. Therefore, the internet has improved active communication among teenagers.
On the other hand, the constant use of the internet in interactions may affect the one on one communication skills. The habitual use of the internet for communication makes it hard for most teenagers to participate in physical conversations. Consequently, the negative impact is evident on various platforms of society. For instance, in social gatherings people often appear more drawn and glued to their phones (Salgur, 2016). The same also applies to adolescents, social media has made it hard for them to engage actively in conservations’ in physical set ups. Markedly, the inability to communicate physical makes them more withdrawn from social set ups and events. In the same fashion, adolescents who prefer communication through social media may find it hard to express themselves. Perhaps, it is because they often relate more to online means of communication that does not involve face to face interactions.
Studies show that the internet is useful in improving communication between parents and their children. The use of social media platform such as Facebook as a mode of communication improves interactions between parents and their children. Thus, the use of the internet and mobile phones actually fosters stronger bonds between parents and their children. The use of cellphones and the internet comes with some level of convenience that works for both the child and the parent. Studies also show that up to 70% of adolescents find it easy to communicate to their parents through mobile phones (Maowad & Ibrahim, 2016). The current society is full of busy parents who have little or no time with their children. Thus, the internet and cellphones provides them with an opportunity to actively engage in work while interacting with their children.
In contrast, the same study also confirms the fact parents find it hard to compete with technology sometimes. Correspondingly, the teenagers prefer communicating with their age mates more than their parents. The internet makes adolescents closer to their friends than their parents. Thus, rather than building a strong bond between the parents and their children it may weaken it. The peers are given priority more than parents. Studies show that the current children get little or no close interaction with their parents. Moreover, most of them find it easier to communicate with age mates more than their parents (Maowad & Ibrahim, 2016). Technology and the internet has made it hard for parents to know the events happening in their children’s lives. Equally important is the fact that, the children prefer opening up and communicating with their classmates and online friends. Therefore, teenagers are likely to be honest and open to online friends than to their parents.
Technology offers a chance for students to gather information and improve their cognitive skills through learning. A significant number of adolescents find it easy generate and assemble learning resources from online platforms. The online tools make it easy for teenagers to engage in interactive learning a factor that is useful in improving their cognitive skills. Equally important is the fact that the immediate accessibility of learning resources enables them to interact with multiple scholars. For instance, online platforms helps adolescents gain information regarding identity formation and sexuality. Therefore, it is effective in addressing certain topics that their parents avoid. Studies also show that 43% of students prefer internet homework version whereas 25% find the internet effective in personal learning. Perhaps, the internet is a tool that should be encouraged among kids.
Correspondingly, a global survey shows that internet addiction is a common ailment among children. Children lack self-control and the ability to regulate their use of internet. The internet actively engages children making them glued to their tablet or laptop screens. A survey carried out in Bangalore shows that 19.5% of children in their teens are addicted to online gaming platforms. On the other hand, 15% can spend hours on their cellphones whereas 18% spend most of their time online (Flinsi, 2018). Psychiatrics also share the same sentiments regarding adolescents and the use of internet. According to them, the number of children being diagnosed with internet addiction is high and rising steadily. The percentage of children diagnosed with the ailment went from 75% to 100% in 2018 and statistic shows that the numbers were likely to go higher. Children are unable to control themselves making it easy for them to be attached to the internet.
Technology help teachers’ device new learning experiences for children. The internet has improved the ability of students to learn and adapt to the change in education trends. Markedly, the internet is used to facilitate online learning for student who cannot attend class in person. Furthermore, the recent pandemic is an indication of how useful the internet is when it comes to learning and teaching. The inability of students to physically attend classes has prompted most schools to adopt E-learning (Sivalingam & Subbaiyan, 2018). For instance, students actively interact with their teachers through zoom platforms and other online applications. In the same fashion, the teacher also assess the students through online random tests. The Corona pandemic has proven that anything is possible with technology including improved learning. Thus, the active use of the internet should be encourage encouraged among teenagers.
Notably, although internet promotes learning it also facilitates time wasting among students. It is challenging for students to multi-task when online or on social media. Online platforms not only provides answers to academic questions but also affects the concentration of students on academic work (Flinsi, 2018). When students are tasked with homework, they are prone to spend most of their time on social platform and video games rather than school work. The addiction is harmful since it affects children mental behaviour and performance. Markedly, the most effective way of diagnosing and analyzing the impact of the disease is through an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). The diagnosis shows that there are evident variations in brain performance between normal children and addicted ones.
In my view the internet has a significant benefits among learners. However, it is vital to recognize the fact that the drawbacks are more than the benefits. First, parents find it challenging to monitor the information the children access on social platforms. Some sites may be rated PG (Parental Guidance) and students will still find a way of accessing them. Secondly, adolescents can give too much personal information online making them online bully targets. Online bullying is an issues that can have a significant impact on the mental state of children. For instance, in extreme cases cyber bullying leads to suicide. Thirdly, the internet affects the ability of a student to actively participate in clubs and social events since they are not used to personal interactions. Personal interactions is vital since it helps in building a child’s self-esteem on different levels. Thus, in my view the internet can be considered to be a necessary sin.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the internet has more negative impacts on adolescents on different levels. Although using technology has a range of benefits the parents should monitor the content their children access online. Equally important is the fact most adolescents are addicted to social media platforms and video games. The parents should consider monitoring their children’s activities online to avoid addiction. Perhaps, the active engagement and involvement of parents in their children’s lives is the solution to the problem.
References’
Flinsi. M (2018). Impact of Technology and Social Media on Children.
Salgür, S. A. (2016). HOW DOES THE USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING AFFECT FAMILY COMMUNICATION OF TEENAGERS?. Euromentor Journal-Studies about education, (01), 21-32.
Moawad, G. E., & Ebrahem, G. G. S. (2016). The Relationship between Use of Technology and Parent-Adolescents Social Relationship. Journal of Education and Practice, 7(14), 168-178.
Sivalingam, D., & Subbaiyan, M. (2018). The modern technology are using education for adolescents. Journal of Applied and Advanced Research, 3(S1), 1-3.
Question one
When doing this essay I have learnt that presenting a strong argument needs the collection of facts from different sources. Notably, understanding the facts is vital in building up a strong argument. The skills I have learnt are useful in improving my ability to present my opinions in my profession.
Question two
As a writer, I have leant that generating an interesting topic is challenging. The answer lies in creating a topic that is universal and affects multiple topic. When choosing my topic I realized that the internet can effect different individuals depending on the use. Thus, that is why I settled for a topic revolving around the internet. I have also learnt that research and generation of information is important when creating an argument about a topic.