By Divna Encheva
The New Technological Generation It is the year 2012, and just as our ancestors believed, this generation is very technologically advanced. With new technology being introduced constantly, there is no way that the current generations are not influenced by it.
Nowadays, some kids get their first cell phones well before their teen years, and quite some time is spent in front of the television or playing video games in a child’s life. Older kids use the internet constantly, and it is now even available to read books while looking at a screen, like with the Nook.
Board games, CD’s, and books are a thing of the past; with them gone came a feeling of nostalgia from some individuals. iNews interviewed a few of this generation’s witnesses, asking how they believed this generation has been influenced by technology.
Troy Stilwell started by pointing out how often technological devices were used, and what kind of effect it will have on this generation as adults: “We’re used to having it and our lives are just easier. We depend on them too much to the point where you can’t function right if you don’t have that stuff.”
Malin Evertsz Mendez pointed out another negative side to the use of technology. “Bullying has increased immensely because it’s easier to bully with all this technology.” Brittany Muscat spoke about the social networking site used by millions of people, including adults, Facebook. “When you’re surrounded by adults, you want to grow up too, like ‘She posted a trashy kind of picture, why can’t I?’ It influences behavior.”
Expanding on Brittany Muscat’s comment about influenced behavior, Malin Evertsz Mendez said, “The morals are different now. Children’s parents would teach the morals of their parents which wouldn’t work because we’re in the 21st century.”
She also said “social norms have changed, and style has changed; it’s trashier now.”
With social networking sites, online shopping, and contact with one’s friends at their fingertips, things like behavior, social norms, and style are bound to change over time. An interview was conducted with an adult of the iSchool community.
A teacher at NYC iSchool commented on the subject saying “When I was growing up, I didn’t have everything I wanted at my fingertips. I learned quickly how to have patience. That makes the current generation smarter and more independent.”
With dozens of different types of computers and phones with touch screens and cameras available today, the world is a different place. Some argue that the morals and behavior have changed. It is undeniable that information is received faster and easier everywhere in the world. However, some may express a fear that things like bullying have changed for the worse, and the world may never be the same again.
