It’s not unusual today to hear about kids getting in trouble in class for text messaging . Or for sending instant messages through the computer. And when Christmas rolls around, parents are lined up to buy their kids the newest video games and electronic gadgets.
Face it; we are a society that is dependent on technology. Adults are well aware of the crucial role technology plays in our every day lives. However, if we are so dependent on it now, what will it be like for our children? More importantly, is what they are walking into an addiction?
According to a survey done by Disney, 81 percent of parents set up an email account for their kids, 59 percent have allowed their children to send IMs and 48 percent started letting their kids use a cell phone at age 5 or under.
Eight and a half hours a day – the average time a young person spends around digital technology. Dr Gary Small, author of “iBrain: Surviving the Technological Alteration of the Modern Mind” says that the constant exposure to such technology as videogames and blackberries not only alters a person’s life, but their brain as well. While it can produce a positive effect on the brain and useful computer networking skills, it also can possibly worsen attention, contribute to slothfulness, decrease social skills and ultimately – evolve into an addiction.
Can it be stopped? I doubt it. It looks as though we are breeding generations of intelligent but potentially socially awkward, detached, obese members of society. But perhaps the addiction can be curbed. Parents need to encourage creativity and outdoor play. Families need to spend more time together, and books need to be read once more.
Technology can do almost everything; it connects you, gives you answers, and does your budget. It can almost even think for you. When our children are running this country, what if it finally does?
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