Digital Electronic Environment

Teenagers and the Digital Realm In today’s technology, smart devices are everywhere, in our living rooms, in our vehicles, even in our kitchen appliances. The daily interaction of electronics is becoming, as some people would say, a necessity. The interaction, adherence, and dedication of electronics in our routines are present though not without cost. The importance of relationships is paramount to the successful upbringing of any adolescent. These are the values in which we obtain from our guardians, grandparents, parents, and family friends. These values are becoming obscured and if allowed to continue the effect will be during the transition from adolescent to adult. Regular and over use of electronics are negatively impacting teenagers

Often adolescents are being sent to their room and have been for a very long time. Only now the young society members may be enjoying the extra time in their rooms as they find themselves being sentenced to their “…connected cocoons…” (Hanman, 5). These types of punishments are supporting the immediate fulfillment of consumers and their eventual dependent availability of these easy to access smart devices. This type of punishment is only effective when combined with strict governance of electrics and their use. If this association of the so-called punishment is joined with the ability to socially defend themselves finds its way to the local bully, there is very little, if any, positive outcomes that come to play. Bullying is no new concept when it comes to the school aged children of any society. Everyone has experienced or observed some form of bullying and we are taught that though the correct upbringing, raising, and teaching of what bullying is and in turn, how to defend against it. There are many factors that come into play with bullying, social, psychological, and unfortunately

The actions are the same of a traditional bully however, the aftermath is not rational to that of traditional bullying. Often times the victim has been emotionally, and with a period of prolonged exposer, mentally ransacked. This plays a role and takes a tole simultaneously on the teenager’s lifestyle. A portion of the time the victim never learns to socially defend themselves. This process has always been in place since long ago, way before the digital realm exploded in size. The ability to defend themselves when socially threatened has decreased with the prolonged use and exposure of today’s smart devices. While these skills are very necessary, on a vast range of need though necessary, they are becoming less and less prevalent in the current generations. This can directly affect confidence in self, and become decreased in peer confidence as well though not as common. A study covered by an array of authors in Israel that concluded in 2007 tested the ability of seventh and eighth graders and their ability to emotional and social experiences. (Passig, Eden, Heled, 1-2). The authors further analyzed their ability to perceive emotions initialized by the digital realm. Their findings were astonishing; over 79% of tested subjects perceived a level of negative emotional or social afflictions that are a product of this digital bullying (Passig, Eden, Heled,