Effect of technology to the youth

Modern technological advancements are constantly seen throughout every aspect of life. Mobile phones, internet availability, computers, iPods, mp3 players of every brand, and many other devices, are everywhere. They seem to possess both negative and positive effects to our youth. In some situations, the Internet and iPod prevent sociability, though in others they may be the cause of increased social activity. Overall, modern technology has the capability to bring people together as well as enhance the social abilities of the today’s youth; however, if used without discretion, can also create a less interactive generation, entirely depending on technology for contentment.

The immense capabilities of the Internet today are astonishing, and offer many positive opportunities for our youth. Primarily, the Internet makes sharing information fast and simple, despite factors that in other cases would prohibit such simple distribution. With the Internet, information can be transmitted and received with ease at any time of the day to and from any number of friends. It is possible to send videos, pictures, papers, projects, and a quantity of other things with the click of a button. The transfer can happen in seconds. The amazing capability of modern day Internet simplifies youth life, by providing a way to convey knowledge. Another way in which Internet proves positive is by providing a way to keep in touch with friends and family worldwide, or just across town. Whether it’s a friend that switched schools and is never around, or a family member in Keroka, the Internet makes it possible to email, instant message, and even video chat. Such qualities of Internet communication bring people together with more frequent contact, boosting sociability and relationships. In addition, the Internet also has the capability to; foster openness, self-confidence, and a greater sense of ease, and comfort in dealing with others. Since it is not obligatory to reveal physical appearance or social status over the Internet, it grants an opportunity to be a completely new person, who is entirely open and confident. Internet chats, even with mere acquaintances, can supply a chance for socially challenged teens to experience a form of social interaction, in order to create a sense of composure. Modern day Internet advancements not only offer an easier way to share information, but also contribute to sociability by providing a way to communicate with distant friends and family, as well as giving socially challenged teenagers an opportunity for interaction.

Likewise, another modern day technology, the iPod, may also have a positive effect on some youth, by presenting a different view of the world as well as uniting individuals through musical taste. There are millions of songs out there, one to match every possible mood. Sometimes, turning on just the right song can be motivational and provide a completely new outlook on a certain circumstance. In addition, lyrics are often relatable to personal life and can be significant or simply encouraging. Another way in which iPods and personal musical taste is a positive effect on youth is by uniting people of different backgrounds and diversities through their music choice.

The alternative argument is that the Internet can be a significantly negative influence on youth, if overused. Constant Internet use detracts time that could be spent with friends and family. Hours wasted away typing useless messages is detrimental to personal relationships with the ones who really matter. It was discovered through a study that people who use the Internet most often are “spending less time talking with their families…keeping up with fewer friends”. It is of no use to spend so much time talking to people over the Internet, when one could just as easily walk down the stairs and spend time with family, or go to see friends instead.

Modern day Internet opportunities are decreasing physical interaction and essential quality time. Even though youth are simply using the Internet for “interpersonal communication,” it is causing reliance on brightly lit screens and keyboards, instead of sincere personal interactions with close friends and family members. Investing too much on Internet chats will inevitably produce a sense of deprivation, and a resulting sense of loneliness from a lack of real relationships and personal contact. Obsessive or constant use of the Internet as a social tool deprives youth from necessary relationships that are crucial to life, especially throughout high school and college, which will ultimately result in a damaging sense of loneliness and depression.


Similarly, iPods, much like the Internet, become a negative influence on youth, when in constant use. IPods provide an easy escape from having to interact with strangers in a public situation; because, in just about any situation, pressing play can zone everything out. This portable instant entertainment takes away opportunities to meet new people, or just admire the surroundings and environment of a new place. Although it is a solution to boredom, there are other, more advantageous, solutions such as social interaction. Such disregard to discovering new people and new places leads to isolation. The obvious signal iPods send out is “don’t bother trying to talk to me”. Headphones constantly blasting music often prevent conversations that could prove to be much more worthwhile. The need to continuously be surrounded by one’s own familiar environment results in countless missed opportunities for meeting new people or experiencing “natural sights and sounds”.

The Internet and iPod affect today’s youth in positive ways; however, when not used in moderation, can become negative influences. Modern technologies are positive by providing simple communication, unifying diversities, and deepening the experiences of the world through music. Those same technological advancements can become highly addictive, and like all addictions, have negative consequences. Youth who are constantly engaged in using technologies become so addicted that they spend less time with loved ones, and feel lonely and depressed. Technological addiction is leading to a more isolated generation, overly dependent on technology. Modern technological advances, particularly the Internet and iPod, have many positive effects on today’s youth, yet if overused can lead to addiction, which consequently produces negative influences and over obsession. Although technology can be profitable, it must be used in moderation, as not to damage the social ability of today’s youth.