Are Teens Too Dependent on Technology?

It is well known that technology serves a vital purpose in our everyday lives.  But what happens when we become too dependent on technology?  Dependence on technology leads to isolation, obesity, laziness and ignorance.  The point is not to say that technology is ruining prospects of the teens, but rather that nations across the country are losing touch of reality because of their need for a simpler faster way of life.  When we look at all the luxuries that have arose in the last fifty years we can’t help but be proud that we are able to do such great things.  But we rarely look at how this rapid technological revolution has affected us and mostly on teenagers’ social and future prospects.  The obesity rate in children has sky-rocketed, the suicide rate has gone up, and personal time with our families is being replaced with things like the internet and video systems.

Many families in America have decided that it would be cheaper to rid their homes of land lines and adopted cell phones as their family phone line.  This is an example of a positive effect of cell phone use.  There are a number of downsides to cell phones use.  In some cities and states cell phone use while driving has been outlawed.  There have been a number of fatal car accidents due to the use of cell phones by drivers.  Motorists have a tendency to become distracted when talking on a cell phone while driving.  Cell phones distract from families interacting with one another.  The cell phone allows for mothers and fathers to conduct business twenty four hours a day.  Sometimes this cuts into family vacations, dinners, and general nights out.  This type of technology can take parenting time away from the children who need it.  Medically, cell phones are rumored to cause tumors or cancers.  This is not yet proven however the long term effects on the human body are yet to be tested.  This is directly related to the amount of time cell phones have been on the market. 

Cell phones can cause problems in the schools as well.  Some families give their children cell phones at young ages.  This can cause jealousy among preteens and teenagers.  The need for the latest and greatest cell phone model can cause tension and unneeded stress on a parent child relationship.  Stress can also develop in the school and cause children to lose focus of what their job as children and students is. 

So, I conclude to say that it is a two sided coin to be dependent more on the today’s technology. It leads to get benefits and adverse results as well.