In the early stages of growing up I was not the most confident kid when it came to communicating with people as I felt overpowered and less experienced. Don’t get me wrong, I had many friends; however as a young girl who had strong aspirations to play every sport possible, I caught myself playing and getting along with the boys more compared to my girl friends. Even though we had access to gaming devices growing up, my generation was always outside and NEVER inside glued to our technology devices; bad weather was the only factor that kept us in from enjoying the fresh air. With that being said, I feel that technology has taken control over society as parents have lost a sense of balance when it comes to disconnecting from the virtual world. More and more kids are growing up without knowing how to converse and hold a conversation without feeling the need to check their mobile devices. Technological advancements are continuing to occur and doing so increased options for internet activity have emerged in recent years (Tackett, 2017). It is scary that 91% of Canadians have used the internet in the past month; no wonder we are spending less time devoting to cultivating deeper real-life relationships (Tackett, 2017). Adults are just as guilty as our younger generation; according to a report that was conducted in 2017, 74% of people aged 65 and older were using the internet regularly in 2016, which has jumped 20% from 10 years ago (Tackett, 2017). After reading this report I found it very shocking that this made the highest growth in any age category, as I felt that the older generation was too stubborn to involve themselves in the latest technological advancements. We all feel that technology allows us to keep up to date with the latest news, to feel connected with one another, and to feel important. It is said young Canadian between the ages of 18 to 34 are spending even more time on the internet which results 34 hours per week, or nearly five hours per day (Tackett, 2017). Without taking the time to take a step back and think how often we are glued to our technology we will never truly understand how addicted we are, and by looking at these statistics we ALL need a reality check!
People! We NEED to hit the reset button when it comes to technology; we NEED to have a clear understanding that relying on technology is NOT a healthy way to live. Yes, we use it to communicate with one another, to perform our jobs, but it should not mean that we spend less time devoting to cultivating deeper real-life relationships with one another. Growing up, I had to earn my screen time as it was never given to me for free; I had to complete a small chapter book which gave me 30 minutes to play my Nintendo 64 or watching TV. One thing is for sure, when I become a parent my kids will have to earn their screen time as it can become an addiction if it isn't monitored properly. Everyone, we need to let our kids be kids; let them play outside instead of becoming robots!
References:
Tackett, B. (2017,
May 03). Social Media and Body Image. Retrieved May 14, 2018, from https://www.projectknow.com/research/social-media-and-body-image/
Great Post Ioana, I agree we spend way too much time on digital devices. I am happy that my daughter would rather play in the backyard then be glued to her screen though. She understands the importance of physical activity and just being able to play. She does enjoy talking to friend on FaceTime and watching YouTube videos but she does not do so in excess. I am not one to spend too much time on digital devices either. I don't know where people get the time to devote to such things? Raising and family and working full time while going to school keeps me very busy!
ReplyDeleteHi Ioana!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your post, as I feel the complete same! People in the 21st century have become to consumed with the virtual world. Everyone is competing to contribute to our world with technological advancement. While this is great and shows how our world is developing, it is ultimately taking away our need for human interaction as we can now bypass conversations and sincere relationships.
I believe that kids need to build character and what is better at building character than creating human connection. To do this kids need to play with other kids, experience who people are, to figure out things other than it being handed to them. Children need to experience what life offers than be trapped in a virtual world. I believe that when I am a parent, I too will make sure my children play out instead stay glued to a screen.
Hi Ioanna,
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with all the points you have made and with both of us being around the same age it's safe to say that we come from a similar technological generation. I had many rules and restrictions on my computer and phone time, whereas now I look and say 9 year old children having a cellphone on their persons at all times in case of emergencies.
After reading your post, I am only left with the thought that as the years go on we will become increasingly dependent on technology, whether we want to or not! I will definitely make the effort as a parent to enroll my children in activities such as sports etc. to balance their time more effectively.
Catherine
Let me preface my comment by stating I am a programmer and therefore spend a lot of time on my computer.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with your post and am shocked by a statistic you listed, but not in the way you are. 91% of Canadians having used the internet in the past month seems shockingly low to me.
Your main argument, from what I understand, comes from your own childhood experience with technology. I would refute that by arguing that the world changes. The way people grow up changes.
There is also the argument that the anonymity that the internet provides allows people to be themselves, and connect with people they never would have given the social pressure that comes with a public identity.
As the article you quote is primarily focused on social media sites, I will agree that those are a bit ridiculous, but I wholly disagree about your blanket statement about technology and the internet.
Ioana,
ReplyDeleteI do agree with the obvious increase in time on screen over the years and the decrease in age at which this is beginning. I am actually quite surprised that 74% of people over the age of 65 use the internet so often, as none of my grandparents do since that is not what they are comfortable with/used to. I do agree that there is an issue with internet/technology addictions (or maybe even more so in the area of dependencies). I try to keep a balance in my life by having a social life and experiences away from technology/the internet but I do find this tends to be difficult sometimes when it’s so prominent and easily accessible. This is especially difficult as it has become a way of feeling connected to the rest of the world, and without it we tend to experience feelings of the fear of missing out (FOMO). I have a cottage up north and I love it because we do not have Wi-Fi up there, so we are somewhat forced to disconnect. I believe this is the time when I always feel the most relaxed as I am not as quick to check my phone and I will often leave it inside when I get out to enjoy the weather which removes the rest of the temptation to check it. I feel like if anyone truly wants to get a technology break and recharge, I would recommend leaving their phone or wi-fi behind once in awhile (if possible) for a nice break as it really helps me.
Lauren