Opinion Editorial #2- Technology Risks- Professor Martin Fall 2021

 Professor Martin

Writing for the Media

11/19/2021

 

 

 

The Technological Generation-

 

Within every generation there comes innovative technology. With innovative technology, there comes the ever-evolving notion that we as humans are getting smarter, and more technical than the previous generations before. But with the ability to harness technology at the touch of our fingertips, there comes a great price. It now seems that it is affecting the youngest of generations through the world of social media. It is an accepted notion that technology, most commonly referred to as social media, is a normal way of life for all people in the modern age. 

It is accepted that adults, young adults, and children alike all have access to technology every day, whether it is a television, a smart watch, a video game system, a radio, or even household appliances. The most ordinary form of technology humans use besides computers, is a smartphone. Studies have shown that adults and children alike spend not over an hour with one another, without being glued to the electronic devices. The internet world has become the new medium of communication.

While the innovative technology is a fantastic tool for businesses, companies, and workers alike, the tech world is a very dangerous place for children and young adults. A study done by NPR.org states that 53% of children in the United States alone, have a smartphone by the time they reach 11 years of age. Already at an early preteen age, children are learning how to disconnect from the reality of life. In prior days, children at this age were playing sports or going out with their friends. But in the current age, children spend more time trapped inside of the smartphone for entertainment. Also, many adults use the smartphone, in the hands of their children, to “baby sit” or occupy them when they are busy.

            The average person may think only children are the generation to focus the concern on. But this practice is very common with adults as well. From personal observation, the younger demographic seems to be very prone to discard elders and adults alike. Children today are not respectful and mindful to adults, as the older generation deems to be unwelcomed in the minds of children and teens today. The younger age group tend to use slanders, and poke fun at the older generation, calling them “Boomers.” This trend originated from Tiktok, a Chinese manufactured social media platform, which is very popular with the younger demographic today.

An article from Fox News stated, “We boomers have to put up with a lot of malarkey from self-congratulatory Gen Z types as they remake the world into something impersonal, intolerant, unrecognizable and all but unlivable, with their heads buried into their smart phones and their misguided conviction that there is an app for everything that matters”

This is a sense of rebellion with younger people, as they mimic anything that is suggested to them on Tiktok or Instagram, because it is what is “trendy” now. Mocking the older generation is a thing that should be taken into consideration, as the younger generation has little awareness that without adults and their knowledge of the past, disappears the past culture, important life lessons, and experiences that in the past were typically passed down by families over the years. 

Another article from Fox News 8 stated that Instagram, “ proliferates new and different ways” for teens to compare themselves, and when combined with constant access increases “anxiety and depression” leading to increased thoughts of suicide in those already suffering from mental health issues”. 

Instagram is a social media platform that is targeted to young teens and children alike. The Royal society For Public Health (RSPH) indicates that Instagram is a leading factor, which contributes to a dangerous mental health level in teens, children and young adults. 

Another article by  Huffington Post stated that, “ It’s interesting to see Instagram and Snapchat  as the worst for mental health and wellbeing- both platforms are very image- focused and it appears they may be driving feelings of inadequacy and anxiety in young people”. This scientific study affirms that children, teens, and young adults are exposed to dangerous adult content, high anxiety, excessive bullying, depression, and the “Fear of missing out.” 

This type of problem not only happens on Instagram, and Snapchat, but it is mainly surfacing on the ever so popular app, Tiktok. In an indirect way by permitting the publishing of dangerous acts performed by people, Tiktok encourages individuals to film themselves, mainly for dance videos, and a showcase on what they can do, but there is also a price to this popular platform. The younger generation aspires to be famous, as some individuals on Ticktock have become, but not everyone can be a star. But we know that not everyone can undo a grave mistake or bad decision that was made after it happens.

An article from The New York Post, states, “ medical experts have plenty to say about millennial and Gen Z fame-seekers becoming addicted to the euphoric sensation of attaining notoriety via hazardous TikTok tactics. They’re concerned that the threat of death isn’t enough to deter young people from the allure of internet infamy.”  This article discusses the high levels of stardom these people wish for, and not the consequences of their actions when being involved with social media.  There have been so many instances of deaths, and accidents that have happened on this platform that need to be addressed and made aware to the public.

There has been a string of trends on TikTok called challenges. As the object is to film oneself while completing these tasks forehand. Some of the names of the challenges include, “The Benadryl Challenge,” which consists of an individual digesting medicated pills and film themselves hallucinating. “The Blackout Challenge,” which entails of an individual choking oneself until they are blue in the face. And “The Freckle Challenge,” which consists of an individual putting tattoo inks in their face with   needles to create freckles. 

These trends made popular by the app have caused damages, sometimes permanent to both young adults and children alike. The question also may or soon be if the platforms or the companies be held accountable. 

In my opinion, I think companies should be aware of the harmful content that is expressed on these platforms. People have lost their lives, have developed anxiety, depression, and mental illnesses from being continuous on these social media apps. 

Parents should be mindful of what their children see, and do online, as this can prevent from these illnesses happening. 

Personally, I do not believe social media is a very efficient place to be anyway. There is a ton of toxicity, bullying, and competition online. The social media world is a place fabricated only to drain an individual’s time and cause stress. The invention of smartphones and social media could very well be either the most abusive thing to our society and well-being, or in the alternative, if used correctly, could be a positive invention or improvement to same. It is all depending on how it is used by the consumer.

            Social media and technology have become part of the new normal of today’s society. With the onset of the pandemic in early 2020, people who were housebound often passed their time communicating with their friends, work or others. Today you will find almost every individual, young or old on a smartphone one way or another. As this happened, there is growing concern regarding the effects this technology has on people short and long term. Has technology evolved for humans to benefit from? Or has technology become too formidable, causing it to consume ourselves.