Conclusion
In her article, ¨Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation¨, Jean Twenge introduces the idea of how iphones and advanced technology available to kids at all times has affected our behavior and emotions. Although technology is a step in the right direction for person to person connection, she describes it as almost the exact opposite for kids in their teens, known as ¨iGen¨. Twenge discusses how iphones have negatively affected teens’ behavior and mental state and I tend to agree on most of her points. Twenge points out the fact that iphones have created more isolation among teenagers in society. Due to the lack of person to person contact, opposite to that of the previous generation, the Millennials, more and more teenagers tend to develop
Many parents think that by buying their kids a smartphone they are going to be better at school or get a better grade. Some parents buy their children's cell phones in case there's an emergency or
Turkle states that, “the mere presence of a phone on a table between them (two people) or in the periphery of their vision changes both what they talk about and the degree of connection they feel.” While this may be true, along with the other studies on how technology is detrimental to society, there as also positives aspects that contribute to society as well. “It is not about giving our phones but about using them with greater intention” (Turkle). This quote by Turkle embodies how I feel about the technology debate and the more new technology and phones have developed the more we have analyzed whether or not they are good for our society, and at what age kids should use them.
Sherry Turkle’s main argument in “Growing Up Tethered” is that the new generation of teenagers are “tethered” to their cell phones and technology. She states many issues that teenagers have. She talks about how cell phones change our developmental attraction and growth as adults. Turkle states, “These young people live in a state of waiting for connection. And they are willing to take risk, to put themselves on the line” (Turkle 430).
The omnipresence of the smartphone affects adolescents in every section of the United States, regardless of social class and ethnic background. Jean Twenge established ethos when he stated,“he had been studying generational differences for 25 years and that he started when was a 22 year old doctoral student in psychology”(2). Since he has been studying different generations for many years he knows
In recent discussions of smartphones, a controversial issue has been how the excessive use of smartphones are affecting the adolescents of this generation. Jean M. Twenge argues in her article, “Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?” that the redundant use of these gadgets along with social media use is in fact detrimental to the current and upcoming generations. My experience using Snapchat, Instagram, and other applications on my smartphone supports Twenge’s stance because the excessive use of these applications has caused me to feel melancholic. According to Twenge, “Psychologically, however, they (iGens) are more vulnerable than Millennials were: Rates of teen depression and suicide have skyrocketed since 2011.
Getting a phone means that adolescents don’t have to face being as independent as they had to in the past. Taking care of and keeping track of a phone is yet another responsibility for kids. Some parents never give the children complete independence to grow up into being a young adult. Turkle says “parents want their children to answer their phones, but adolescents need separation” (431). Adolescents and parents need to make an agreement when the adolescents get a phone for the first time.
The author does convince readers that children who have phones at such an early age is wrong, but since her audience are probably parents looking for advice on what to do in future scenarios she lacks on what parents actually feel. Her audience might still have many questions after reading Lindsey's article like; How do parents deal and feel about buying their kid a phone and is young really too young? , like her article states. She does continue and talks with experts on what age is the preferred age to own a phone, which then could help parents make a decision. Logos was well distributed throughout this article with multiple examples and statistics of what Consumer experts think upon this issue.
Cell Phones Have you ever wondered why your parents would not get you a phone?. In Today’s technologically advanced world, it is pretty common that you have at least one or two connections between technology. However, most parents disagree assuming that technology is hurting the teen’s Childhood. Nevertheless, having a cell phone is a necessity in today’s modernized world. Some of the reasons are practicality, GPS tracking for parents to know where their kids are, and safety.
Cell Phones: The average teenager who gets on their phone, just for a second, each hour has the same mind as a 30 year old cocaine addict. Teens have their minds tricked into thinking they can’t live without their cell phones and social media. Teens need to be able to talk to and connect with others and learn face-to-face communication skills. Nowadays teens can get harmed very easily, and teens do not really know who is on the other side of the screen. Studies have shown that phones can ruin lives with the blink of an eye.
