Children growing up in today's society probably cannot even remember a time when the internet did not exist, when cassette players were used to listen to music, or when the Sega Mega Drive was the must-have Christmas gift. Technology changes extremely quickly, so that as soon as a person has bought the latest model DVD player or computer there is a new, more advanced version available for double the cost. However, it is because technology is moving so fast that prices are being driven down, making such items more widely available. This is not always good news, though, particularly where children are concerned.
It may be a good thing that children are so technologically savvy that they are able to get online with greater ease than their parents probably can, as the economy is very much dependent on computer technology. Children are therefore potentially better placed to find a job when they are older, as using technology will come naturally to them. However, it also means that when they are suddenly without technology it can be difficult for them to cope. If there is a power cut or something breaks children often don't know what to do with themselves, as they are so used to playing computer games or watching television that they don't know how else to keep busy.
Much of children's spare time is dominated by technology. When they are at school children are often expected to use computers, but even when they come home they usually have to go online to do their homework, and as soon as they have done that they play computer games or watch DVDs. In the past children would have spent their free time reading books, and thus taking an active role in processing information, rather than taking a passive role by taking part in activities such as watching television.
If children weren't reading they would have been playing outside with their friends, and it is no coincidence that as technology has dramatically improved, obesity has started to become more of a problem for youngsters as they are not doing enough exercise.
As owning a particular technological innovation becomes the norm, there is more pressure on children to possess such gizmos, or else feel like an outsider amongst their peers. However, not everyone can afford to have the latest mobile phone or mp3 player, even as prices are tumbling, which can affect children. Children whose parents cannot afford to buy them a phone can feel like outsiders and find that they are picked on for being poor, which is clearly not good for their self-esteem. It also demonstrates that technology has become so entrenched in people's everyday lives that it sets those who do not have access to this technology apart, whether they are children or adults.
Technology has a positive role to play in society, but it can also have a detrimental impact on children if they fail to realise that owning the latest gadgets and gizmos is not the be all and end all of life, which it is clearly up to their parents to relay to them.
No comments:
Post a Comment