Recording 97: technology cuts children off from adults

Document 97 :

 

-          the document is adapted from the Guardian in April 2019. It’s entitled: technology cuts children off from adults.

-          Technology, more precisely  social media, has become ubiquitous in (is now an integral part of ) many people’s lives and the article examines(shines a light on)  the social and psychological effects of technology on the young generation.

-          The whole document is based on the observations of a professor who specializes in child development . He is a world-renowned expert.

-          His first argument is that technology has a negative impact on the relationship between adults and children. Indeed, they spend less and less time together. For example, they don’t often eat together as a family. This undermines the connection between the older and the younger generations.

-          He points out that young people need support from adults but with the rise of technology, they spend most of their time with other youngsters.

-          Consequently, they have to make very important decisions about their future on their own.

-          Moreover, the professor indicates that mental health issues among young people (self-harm, violence) has been soaring. Easy access to pornography also has a harmful impact.

-           To tackle this particular issue, the government has decided to limit access to pornography websites.

-          At this point, having summed up the document, I’d like to go further by raising the following question : to what extent is “the digital world”  harmful to the younger generation ?

-          Exposed to social media younger and younger

-          A sharp rise of the use of these networks due to the pandemic and the lockdown periods

-          Often on their own in front of violent, inappropriate content – doc: lack of parental supervision and parental advice – example: squidgame + Fake News + conspiracy plots + Twitter (Elon Musk) risk : lack of moderation =  violent content....

-          Excessive use of social media = linked to depression among teenagers (doc)- Japan: internet addiction - HIKIKOMORI  - social isolation - they have to be treated

-          Online bullying – cyberbullying

-          Spend a lot of time comparing their lives with the lives of others who seem happier, better adjusted – results in feelings of dissatisfaction ,inferiority, low self-esteem

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-          On the plus side: allowed them to feel more connected ,less isolated  during lockdowns

-          Can find inspiration, join a movement, make their voices heard,

-          Social media can help them develop their identity = positive for mental health...

-          short conclusion - personal opinion - 

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