Investigative Journalism

Technology at its worse

By: Kelsey Lynch

Over the last decade, technology has been skyrocketing. Many teenagers are found begging their parents for a cell phone or a computer in order to explore the world from a different angle. Technology has advanced medicines, has allowed us to reconnect with old friends, and most importantly made life a lot easier. Although this is the case, people sometimes fail to see what technology has done to society. So how has technology negatively affected out society?

The Internet and cell phones have become the most popular ways to communicate with friends, family, colleagues, and etc. Although through these devices you are able to keep in touch with so many people it also has eliminated face-to-face interactions.

Before cell phones and Internet people were forced to create relationships and communicate in person. That sounds ridiculous right?

The advantages of face-to-face communication are as follows: being able to read body language, knowing how one presents themselves, and understanding someone’s personality fully.

Technology has forced people to hide and communicate through little devices that will not benefit them in the future. Cell phones are considered to be the “easy way out.” They allow you to dodge obstacles and confrontations that are challenging or awkward in person.

 

When we are put into situations where we are around other people we are constantly on our phones, ipads, and other devices.

For example, when I was traveling on a train with a couple of friends we were all religiously on our phones not paying attention to each other or the people around us. All of sudden, one of my friends looks up and makes a racial comment about a Chinese person. Little did we all know there was a Chinese person right next to us.

If you walk down the street, it seems as though almost every person is on his or her cell phone. As we walk by different walks of life, we miss out on meeting new people and engaging in conversations that could potentially benefit us one way or the other.

Although we miss out on meeting new people face-to-face we make that up by making friends through the Internet. Facebook was created in 2004 and has over eight million active users. Facebook has allowed us to make new friends and reconnect with old ones but it also has caused many issues.

Facebook has broken friendships, relationships, caused suicides, and has ruined the lives of many. Through the Internet you are able to be anyone and speak your mind as freely as you wish even if that involves hurting someone else.

Statistic: “One million children were harassed, threatened, or subjected to other forms of cyber bullying on Facebook in the past year.” Although these websites are created for communicational purposes they are used negatively.

People on the Internet are not entitled to tell the truth about themselves whether it is about one’s age, appearance, or occupation. The Internet gives people a chance to be younger, skinnier, and richer by the click of a button.

Not only are people lying about whom they are but also they are taking advantage of what they have created by putting others at risk.

Most Online predators find their targets in chat rooms, on facebook, and discussion boards. “77% of the targets for online predators are 14 years or older.” Although, these kids are aware of the dangers on the Internet they still continue to put out personal information that is accessible to the world.

As we are continuously dependent on television, computers, and cell phones for entertainment we become lazy and inactive. Instead of going for a jog or simply walking outside people would rather sit on their butt, watch television, and stuff their faces with junk food.

As I sat down with Emily Laurenzi, 18, she gave me her opinion on technologies affect on activeness. “ Staying inside is more convenient and I am really lazy.”

Most teenagers today if given the option would rather stay inside and watch a movie rather than go for a run or ride a bike. The problems with technology and laziness are leading to obesity and other health issues. Obesity in children ranging from ages 10-19 has increased dramatically over the last decade.

As technology becomes more influential in society we will continue to submit ourselves to dangerous habits and pore choices.