I often hear so many people, especially teachers and parents, say how much time teenagers spend on their cell phones and other electronics; time that, they say, could be spent doing something productive, like focusing on school work or physical activity. As one of these teenagers, although it is hard to admit, I am starting to believe that they are right. So many recent studies show that technology has made a negative impact on the IGen generation and it is putting future generations in danger because the excessive time spent on electronic devices is turning into a vicious, never-ending cycle. It is damaging the generation in many different ways, both physically and mentally. For example, we are much more likely to sit on the couch with a phone in the left hand and a coke in the right when it is a perfect day outside because we cannot seem to get away from the constant bombardment of new Instagram posts and snapchats. Computers keep us company and feeling engaged as we hear about YouTube videos and Netflix shows that must be watched in order to keep up with our friends, and then to text about with friends on snapchat or iMessage…again, a vicious and never-ending cycle. As a result, as this kind of behavior continues, it limits the amount of physical activity we are getting because of being “glued to our screens,” making it harder to burn calories and easier to store fat. I recently read an article titled, “Your Smartphone Reduces Your Brainpower, even if it’s Just Sitting There,” and it was really interesting because it explained that even if you are not physically on your phone, you are still thinking about everything that is happening on it while you are away. The majority of the IGen Generation seems to have fallen victim to the never-ending barrage of ‘reasons’ to stay prone on the couch with a phone and computer in both hands. The effect of this, outside of poor health, is that teens are not learning the social skills that are needed in order to work through issues and problems with people because people who are tied to their cell phone don’t see the expressions and feelings behind the words, nor are they experiencing life and what makes it so great. Further, in trying to create what looks like a full and fun life, teens are becoming anxious and stressed with no real outlet to relieve it. Accepting this and beginning to see myself in the subjects of many of the studies and papers that I have read has not been easy, but what is even harder is putting down my own phone. However, I have begun to see that when I do spend more time living outside of my electronics, the more I begin to create a real life of learning and experiences that give me things to talk about, and not just text about.
The Effects of Technology on the ‘IGen’ Generation
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