Technology is a necessity in today’s generation. The actual
word “technology” comes from the Greek word “technologia”, which means “craft”.
Computers, ipods, game systems, and television would be some examples of technology.
However, the definition "technology" can refer to material objects of use to humanity
such as machines, hardware, or utensils. The most common type of technology used
by today’s youth would be a television set, game system, cell phone, computer, or an
iPod. These examples of technology affect today’s youth in several ways.
IPods are very popular in today’s youth world. IPods are small
hand-held devices that play music. Some people use them to increase motivation and
self esteem. Music from the iPod can refresh you and give you the confidence you need.
Most of today’s youth likes listening to their iPod after school. Music from an iPod has
also been proved to help kids work faster on their homework. IPods have greatly affected
today’s youth by making them cheerful and entertaining them. When kids need someone
to talk to, they go on the “chat rooms”. Chat rooms are online places where you can send
instant messages to a friend or stranger. You may learn the person’s nickname and what
their favorite hobbies are. There is a friend list also. A friend list is people you can chat
with at a given time. Teens love to visit the chat rooms and talk to people about their
day, feelings, etc. Chatting with their friend cheers them up. Sometimes chat rooms can
be dangerous by predators.
Predators can affect teens horribly. They can mess them up for
life. Predators hang out on websites such as MySpace, chat rooms, etc. In late 2007,
NBC created a program called “To Catch a Predator”. NBC’s “To Catch a Predator” is a
reality television show that features a series of hidden camera investigations devoted to
those who contact teens over the internet for inappropriate contact. Hansen (the host)
attempts to interview each one about their intentions. Some exit the home immediately
when they see Hansen, because they recognize the show, or they have seen him in
previous investigations. Hansen, without identifying himself, interviews the predators
about their intentions. After a few minutes of questioning, Hansen identifies himself as a
Dateline NBC correspondent and informs the predator that the entire interview has been
recorded on hidden camera as part of NBC‘s “How to Catch a predator“. Then, crew
members with cameras reveal themselves and the predator is taken into custody.
MySpace is a hotspot for predators. It is a website offering an interactive network of
friends, personal profiles, blogs, photos, music and videos for teenagers and adults
internationally. “A 22-year-old male in San Francisco comes off as a typical college
student on MySpace, professing a love beat poetry, nature and obscure coffee house
bands. His profile didn’t mention that he is a convicted child molester” (Rob Stafford,
MSNBS Date Line, 4/5/06).
A video game is a system that involves interactions to
generate a visual feedback. Video games affect today’s youth in positive and negative
ways. Video game playing introduces children to computer technology. Many games
provide practice in problem solving. Games also can provide occasions for parent and
child to play with each other. Some games can provide therapeutic applications with
parents and children. You have to remember that games are also entertaining and fun!
Studies find a relationship between violent video games and several teens .Practicing
violent acts may contribute aggressive behavior to the normal behavior of teens. Game
environments are often based on plots of violence and aggression. Many games only
offer enjoyment with weapons, killings, kicking, stabbing, and shooting. Most of the time
when the child finishes the game he or her was playing; the child gets confused with
reality and fantasy. Most of the time there is a “victor “or “champion” of the game,
sometimes if the child does not become the victor or champion, it creates tension in the
child. That can cause numerous reactions such as a temper .Video game systems are
usually played on a television set.
A television (or TV) telecommunication medium for sending
images. The images are usually played in color. In its previous production years, the
images were played in black and white. They were commercially available since the late
1930s. The television has evolved since it was invented. Now they are closed-circuit,
high Definition and digital televisions. Today, television has become a part of teen’s life
style. The TV has affected them positively in many ways. Television helps teens learn
about people’s culture. It also gives family members of all ages an opportunity to spend
time with each other while watching it. Parents can use the TV to get kids to read books
on the same subject. If a storm is coming or cold weather is about, it alerts people about
it by the news channel on the TV. That could save people’s lives. There are also some
negative effects that come along with the television. Some kids get addicted to the
television. If you watch it too long; it can distract you from doing your homework or
going to bed for school. It also hurts your eyes and can cause eye problems. You always
need to spend time playing outside and getting some fresh air with your friends. TV will
brain wash you if you stay on it too long. Just like the video games the TV will contribute
aggressive behavior to your normal behavior. Doctors recommend a certain time that you
stay on the TV. Some say if you watch it for more than 2 hours, a head ache will develop.
Technology is used almost every were you look. IPods to TVs are still
a daily doses for today’s developing teens. Just take a look around right know, do you
see any teens using technology? Technology will also still continue to affect teen’s live in
positive and negative ways.
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