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Youth Technology Usage and its Impacts Over the Course of the last two Centuries
It has been two centuries since technology first came into existence, and its impact on society, particularly youth, has been both positive and negative. Technology has drastically changed the way we communicate, access information, and interact with each other, since the inventions of the telephone, the telegraph, radio, television, and the internet. A significant development in the history of communication occurred in the 19th century with the invention of the telegraph. Communication speed was revolutionized by its ability to send messages across long distances in a matter of minutes, which allowed people to send messages across long distances in minutes. Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876, and it soon became one of the most popular forms of communication. In real time, people could converse with others, no matter where they were. Additionally, telephones helped facilitate business transactions as well as communication with friends and family. The introduction of radio in the early 20th century became a staple in American homes during the 1920s, a time when technology continued to advance. The new form of media increased the availability of news, entertainment, and educational programming. Radio allowed advertisers to reach a broader audience, which led to the development of targeted advertising campaigns.
Children's programming in the 1930s featured a marketing campaign for Ovaltine, a popular chocolate drink. Little Orphan Annie, a character featured in the campaign, promoted drinking Ovaltine for its nutritional benefits. This serves as an example of the positive impact that technology and targeted marketing can have on youth. However, not all marketing campaigns aimed at youth have been successful. Children's advertising was a new form of advertising when television was introduced in the 1950s. A number of advertisers realized children were a lucrative market, so they began developing commercials geared toward their interests and desires. For instance, Camel cigarettes had a marketing campaign in the 1950s and 60s that targeted a younger audience with cartoon characters like Joe Camel. This resulted in an increase in teenage smoking rates.
The introduction of the internet in the late 20th century brought a new wave of communication and access to information as technology and targeted marketing continued to advance. This is an example of how technology and targeted marketing can negatively affect youth. While cyberbullying and inappropriate content became more prevalent among youth, it also brought new challenges. US teens have experienced cyberbullying in 59% of cases, according to a study by the Pew Research Center in 2018. This highlights the negative impact technology can have on mental health and well-being. Social media has also led to an increase in pressure among youth to present a particular image online, causing issues like low self-esteem and body image. In addition to increasing access to education and social opportunities, technology has also had positive impacts on youth.
Online learning has made it possible for youth worldwide to connect with teachers and students from around the world and gain access to educational resources. As a result of social media, youth are also able to connect with others who share similar interests and hobbies on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. A key aspect to consider is the impact of technology on youth's health. Social media has provided a platform to youth to speak out about social issues and connect with others who share similar beliefs. As video games and smartphones become more and more prevalent, youth are spending more time in front of screens than ever. It has led to concerns about the impact on their eyesight, posture, and overall health. Youth are also less active due to the increased use of technology. Only 20% of American youths meet the recommended levels of physical activity, according to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Youth are more likely to suffer from obesity, diabetes, and heart disease because of this, but technology has also given them new opportunities to be active. Youth can now track their activity levels and set their own goals with fitness apps and wearable technology. Additionally, video games such as Wii Fit and Just Dance provide youth with fun ways to engage in physical activity and stay active.
Technology's impact on the cognitive development of youth is another important aspect to consider. As technology stimulates young people constantly, some experts are worried about how it affects their attention spans, critical thinking skills, and creativity. However, technology has also provided new opportunities for learning and cognitive development. A growing number of educational apps and online resources allow youth to access information and learning opportunities previously unavailable to them. The impact of technology on youth over the past two centuries has been both positive and negative. Video games and other forms of technology can foster problem-solving skills and foster creativity in youth. In addition to improving communication, access to information, and social connections, technology has also created new challenges, such as cyberbullying and a decline in physical activity. Parents, educators, and others need to be aware of the potential impact technology has on youth and take steps to mitigate any negative effects. Young people need to learn how to use technology safely and responsibly, as well as how to engage in physical activity and social interaction.
Over the past two centuries, technology has impacted youth greatly. It has enabled many opportunities for communication, learning, and social connection, but it has also created new challenges and concerns. Youth will thrive in a technology-driven world if we consider both the positive and negative impacts of technology as it advances. Establishing guidelines and boundaries around screen time is important to promote healthy technology use among youth. Among children between the ages of 2 and 5, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than one hour of screen time per day and that children and teens from the ages of 6 to 18 should maintain a consistent limit on their use of electronic media. Providing opportunities for outdoor activities, sports, and community events can also be a good way for parents, educators, and policymakers to encourage youth to engage in physical activity and social interaction in person. The curriculum can also include physical education classes and recess breaks that encourage physical activity. Education on responsible and safe technology use is also important for youth in today's world. Among the topics included are cyberbullying, online privacy, and the dangers of sharing personal information online. Digital literacy skills can also be taught in schools, including how to evaluate online sources and use technology to learn and research. Technology trends and developments need to be kept up-to-date by parents and educators. It is important for technology companies to recognize how they shape youth's technology use, so that they can anticipate potential issues before they become widespread. This can help them anticipate and address potential issues before they become more harmful.
Designing products and services that are safe, age-appropriate, and promote healthy use is the responsibility of tech companies. In conclusion, technology has profoundly impacted youth over the past two centuries. They can also play a role in educating youth on safe and responsible technology use. Despite providing many opportunities, it has also presented new challenges and concerns to youth. The use of technology by youth can have an adverse impact on their mental health. It is important for parents, educators, policymakers, and technology companies to be aware of the potential impacts on youth and to take steps to promote safe and responsible technology use, physical activity, face-to-face interaction, and education. The impact of youth technology usage on mental health is a concern. According to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics, adolescents who spend more time on screens are more likely to be depressed. Thus, promoting positive mental health outcomes requires monitoring and limiting screen time. Furthermore, social media usage has been shown to increase youth anxiety, loneliness, and low self-esteem. Educating youth about social media risks is one of the most important things we can do. Also, there is concern about its impact on academic performance. Technology is a valuable tool for research and learning, but excessive use can harm academic performance. High levels of multitasking media (using multiple forms of media simultaneously) were associated with poorer academic performance, according to a study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology. Having a distraction-free learning environment and limiting technology use are crucial. Aside from this, excessive screen time among youth can also have physical health implications due to the increased sedentary behavior associated with it. In addition, blue light emitted by electronic screens can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation and health problems. To reduce these risks, we should always promote physical activity and good sleep habits among youth.
Youth can also benefit from technology on the positive side. For example, technology can be a valuable tool for learning and research, supplying access to vast amounts of information and resources. As well as providing opportunities for social connection and community building, technology can also provide opportunities for youth who may feel isolated in their offline communities to feel like they belong. In addition to teaching problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills, video games such as Minecraft and SimCity can also have a positive impact on youth. Youth's academic performance and motivation were found to be improved by playing educational video games, according to a study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology. The potential of technology to improve youth education and learning outcomes is highlighted here. In general, technology use among youth has both positive and negative effects. Our nation must be aware of these impacts and take steps to promote healthy technology use, physical activity, and social interaction, as well as teaching young people about responsible and safe technology use. Then, we can ensure that youth have access to technology's many benefits while minimizing its risks.
One episode of "Black Mirror," which explores the impact technology can have on society, including youth, features a mother monitoring and controlling her daughter's emotions and experiences through a technology implant. While the implant initially gives the mother a sense of security and control, it ultimately leads to negative consequences for her and her daughter. It emphasizes the importance of developing trust and communication between parent-child relationships and the dangers of over relying on technology when parenting. The TED Talk by educator Sugata Mitra, titled "The child-driven education," is another example from a YouTube video. Mitra discusses his research on how technology impacts education in low-income communities. Children were able to teach themselves and learn quickly without having to receive traditional classroom instruction when they were given access to technology and the internet. Technology can provide equal educational opportunities to youth while empowering them to take control of their education. These examples from "Black Mirror" and the TED Talk by Sugata Mitra illustrate technology's potential positive and negative impacts on youth.
Technology offers valuable educational and social opportunities, but it's important to be aware of the risks and take measures to mitigate them. To ensure that youth are able to benefit from the many opportunities technology offers while minimizing the potential risks, we must promote healthy technology use, promote physical activity, and encourage face-to-face social interaction.
About the Author
About the Author
Brody Firestein was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He is the middle child of 3 and grew up with his two parents. He enjoys playing Lacrosse and watching sports. In his free time he mainly likes playing video games or hanging out with his friends. He is a big time foodie and really enjoys watching movies. His main goal in life is to find a profession that brings him complete happiness and freedom all while being able to support for his loved ones.
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