The rapid technological changes in our culture and their effects on minds and relationships are currently being studied and debated. Most of us cannot imagine life without our cell phone, the internet, texting, or social media. What effect is this having on all of us?
If you’ve ever spent time with a video game, you’ve probably noticed it’s rapid addictive nature. Technology has immediate gratification, we don’t have to go to the library to look something up, or buy the correct map to get somewhere, we just type what we want to know into our smart phone. We also are less likely to try to figure out an issue or problem on our own when we can so easily access so many opinions and information with a click. We’ve all heard about the soaring rates of childhood obesity and diabetes and increasing rates of attention deficit disorder. The social skills of kids and teens are affected by the lack of face to face contact. Rather than being able to read and participate in the subtle nuances of emotional expression conveyed through body language, tone of voice or facial expressions, kids and teens are carrying all the relationships through a screen. Time will tell as further studies are completed, but I suspect the lack of personal connectedness may be shown to foster relationship and marital problems, depression, and anxiety as our brains are continually overstimulated. I recently heard from a mom whose teenager applied for a job and was hired on the spot. The employer made the comment that the teen was the first one he had interviewed who was able to make and hold eye contact throughout a conversation. The mom commented that her kids had always had their technology use monitored and limited.
So what are we to do? Technology will not go away, it will undoubtedly advance and provide us with a new generation of faster, smaller and attractive devices. As in all things, moderation is key. Maintaining family dinner times, outdoor play, exercise, and limits on games and technology is important. Let’s learn to embrace the benefits technology provides us and avoid the pitfalls and teach the same to our children.
Here’s a link to an article that contains further discussion on the topic if it interests you!