GROWING UP DIGITAL
Have you ever imagined what the world would be like now without technology? Probably individuals would not believe how hectic life is going to be; communication would be a mess; you will be sending a message and wait for a week or so to get the feedback. Therefore, if these questions are internalized, it can be concluded that technology has brought a positive impact on society. How much of this positive impact is satisfying to parents now complaining that technological advancements such as Apple are eroding moral values from society? That their children are adversely affected by overdependence on this technology eroding fundamental social values. Therefore, what is the corporate social responsibility strategies are these big tech companies employing to ensure that the social environment is preserved and protected? This essay explores the impacts of technology on growing children and teens.
The issue of digital technology in the context of children has become controversial as many critics establish their different perceptions of the item. The arguments raise a challenge in deciding who to point the finger at for these problems. However, non of these critics draw a line that links overdependence on social media the parenting style. Some would argue why children, especially younger ones, would be able to acquire iPhones at their parents’ expense. As a result, the parents are the determinant factor in this problem, therefore, to some extent, high tech companies need not be blamed, but the parents. Chamath Palihapitiya, as a parent, supports the notion that parents should be held responsible, saying, “I can control my kids’ decisions, which is that they’re not allowed to use that shit” (Stevens 2).
Some critics also argue that Apple, as a company should be responsible for the social, economic, and political impact, it creates. This is what business fanatics would describe as corporate social responsibility. As a company, it is supposed to ensure that their goods and products meet the customer’s needs and that their product should create customer value. As a result, some critics and parents have proposed the need for the company to pay “special attention to the health and development of the next generation is both good business and the right thing to do” (Gibbs 1).
Since the release of iPhones, the growing popularity of Apple devices has brought more problems among teenagers and school children (Stevens 1). Increased usage of social media is an imminent danger in today’s society now regard teenagers. Teenagers spend most of their time on their phones and social media than they spend on their educational activities. According to the “Center on Media and Child Health and the University of Alberta, 67% of the over 2300 teachers examined observed that the number of students who are negatively engrossed by digital technologies in the classroom is growing and 75% say students’ capacity to concentrate on educational engagement has decreased” (Stevens 1). Some students visit their social media platforms regularly than they visit their portals for essential matters.
Another effect of increased use of technology among school children and teenagers involves behavioral disorders. According to research conducted by professor Twenge, the US teenagers who spend 3 to 5 hours on digital devices are more likely to develop suicidal behavioral disorders (Stevens 3). Self-destructive behavior patterns emerge as a result of depression and stress, which may be influenced by social media platforms that teenagers use. For instance, once privacy may be violated by exposing inappropriate pictures or videos of another teenager. In case such a situation occurs, a child may develop stress and depression that may prompt them to think or commit suicide. Besides, professor Twenge’s research also outlines that 27% of 8th-grade children who use social media are more likely to develop depression. At the same time, those who spend most of the time playing and hanging out with their buddies are critically at lower risks of depression (Stevens 3).
Moreover, apart from the issue of addiction, digital technology has influenced behavior disorders such as violence and the use of violent languages. For instance, most of the games are highly developed and coded with language features. Two players can play PC games that use violent language. As a result, research has shown that game lovers tend to be violent or use obscene language more often. Addiction to social media also facilitates peer pressure, which one of the issues that affect teenagers. Peer pressure, on the other hand, may lead to low self-esteem, which at extreme levels may cause stress and depression. For these reasons, Samwel Gibbs (2018), proposes that Apple need to allow parents to set the required age for using a phone and implement limits on screen time.
Finally, according to Meagan Trewin, “Technology undeniably brings both benefits and disadvantages or potential threats” (Trewin 1). For this reason, companies that produce these digital techs should, first of all, implement measures to mitigate behaviors such as depression, peer pressure, and other behavioral disorders such as addiction. However, there’s a bigger need for parents and companies such as Apple, to collaborate in ensuring that a consensus is reached, regarding the control measures and strategies to mitigate the impact of technology on children and teenagers.
Works Cited
Stevens, Casey. Open Letter from JANA Partners, and Calstars to Apple Inc. Think About Kids.com. 2018. https://thinkdifferentlyaboutkids.com/
Gibbs, S. (2018, January 8). Apple investors call for action over iPhone “addiction” among children. Retrieved from the Guardian website: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/jan/08/apple-investors-iphone-addiction-children
Trewin, Meaghan. Growing up in a digital world- the good, and bad, impacts of technology on children. University of Alberta. 2017. : https://www.ualberta.ca/extension/about-us/news/2017/january/growing-up-ina-digital-world