The Influences of Technology on the Childhood Experience

2518 Words6 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Influence that technology has on children

A mere twenty years ago, children played in their neighborhood all day, jumping ropes, riding bikes, and building forts. They were the masters of imaginary games. Children created their own play that didn't require any money or parental supervision. Children would play with sticks. It could become a slingshot, a pistol, a claw, or anything else that they could dream up (Sawyer 1). In the past, family time was often spent doing chores, crafts, and homework. The dining room table was where families came together to enjoy their meals and have conversations about their day. After dinner, the dining table became the center for baking and homework after dinner (Mendoza 1).Today's families are different. Technology's impact on the 21st century family is fracturing and altering its very foundation, and causing a disintegration of core values and breaking down the fabric that held families together long ago. Comparing to this current generation, children have been born into a digital world and grown up with the most advance and updated technology. Children are called “digital natives (Richtel 1).” They are contrasted with the digital immigrants, such as their parents and teachers, who have adapted technology much later in life (Richtel 1). Technology has advanced so rapidly that families have scarcely noticed the significant shifts and transformations to their family structure and lifestyles. According to 2010 Kaiser Foundation, the study showed that elementary aged children use on average 7.5 hours per day of entertainment technology, 75 percent of these children have TV's in their bedrooms, and 50 percent of them have the TV on all day (Mendoza 1). Laptops, phones, and televisions are considered as some of the most popular technologies...

... middle of paper ...

...ity to predict consequences, manipulating different symbols in the world they represent, making successful transfers and performances in real life situations. However, the negative aspects and effects of technology often lead to problems that affect children’s learning and growing process, including short attention spans, poor academic performances and social skills, and health risks. These negative effects lead to greater chances for children to suffer from psychological disorders and possible illnesses. In order to solve these problems, parents and teacher need to set up guidelines and make necessary adjustments to minimize the negative effects of technology. As children learn to manage and balance their time between technology and other activities, they will become more successful in the future and more prepared the children to thrive in this world of technology.

Show More
Related

  • The Digital Parent Trap Summary

    617 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the ratiocinative article, "The Digital Parent Trap" by the respected Eliana Dockterman, the author analytically and convincingly argues that there are benefits to early exposure to technology. Dockterman effectively and steadfastly builds the argument by using a variety of persuasive and argumentative rhetorical techniques including, but not limited to specific quantitative evidence, rhetorical questions, elevated topical diction and syntax and coherence, and the use of logic. In paragraph 1, Dockterman begins the article by providing statistics, “this generation of American kids (ages 3 to 18) is the tech-savviest in history: 27% of them use tablets, 43% use smartphones, and 52% use laptops.” The statistics allow for contextualization in regards to youth usage of technology; the evidence sets the commonality of technology for youth.

    Read More

  • Analysis of Unplugged: The Myth of Computers in the Classroom, Article by David Gelernter

    755 Words  | 2 Pages

    While admitting the power of technology, he also points out the adverse effects of excessive use of technology in the education system. He states, “Computers make our worst educational nightmare come true” (279). According to him, improper or overuse of computers hinders learning ability. He reports that over the past few years, computers have been assumed to be a necessity in America’s classrooms and introduced to children from elementary levels. However, technology can be addictive, and students may overuse it, leading to a drop in educational standards.

    Read More

  • How Technology Effects Children

    3455 Words  | 7 Pages

    In today’s society, we are overwhelmed with technology. Technology is changing everyday, and will forever be a staple in our lives. The effect that technology has on our children has brought some concerns and some praise. Children these days have no choice but to somehow be influenced by the ever growing technology in our society. Our common concern has been that although digital technology has boosted children’s ability to multitask, their ability to process information deeply may be deteriorating (Carpenter, 2010).

    Read More

  • Family Technology Rules: An Analysis

    564 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the midst of the rapid technological advancements, concerns about the effects of the active use of technology have been voiced by parents. Hiniker and et al. conducts a survey to understand the types of technology rules families in the U.S. have established in their homes and the perceived effectiveness of those rules in Not at the Dinner Table: Parents’ and Children’s Perspectives on Family Technology Rules. These rules are divided into two types of groups: activity constraints and context constraints. Children are more likely to follow activity constraints than context constraints, as these require more effort and ask children to disconnect. The research suggests that parents overshare images and information that undermine a child’s image. Another challenge faced by both parents and

    Read More

  • Media Influences on Childhood Obesity

    1279 Words  | 3 Pages

    Times have changed and due to this new technological era that we live in, children are spoiled with various types as well as numerous electronic devices. Although these advances are rewarding, they are detrimental to the youth. From xbox to television watching children spend more time trapped in their house, t...

    Read More

  • Essay On Technology And Literacy

    897 Words  | 2 Pages

    To continue, everyone can agree that children need a healthy environment to develop cognitive, social, emotional, physical and linguistic development. How much technology can improve or distract from these essential skills varies with age. The impact and implications of technology tools on young children has been studied and researched through the Let’s Move Childcare initiative and results concluded that little to no “screen time” is preferred for children under the age of two. For children two years or older, the recommended “screen time” is limited to thirty minutes per week in the classroom setting. (White House, 2011.)

    Read More

  • Technology in Early Childhood Education

    2244 Words  | 5 Pages

    ...ttention and focus to reduce the negative impacts on development of children. Research suggests that technology use and especially computers enhances development of children when properly used. On the other hand, the uncontrolled use of technology in childhood education may produce negative effects and impair development in children. Uses of technology in childhood education range from enhancing social interactions, language development to initial computer use skills. It is important to note that, technology use in children education is a matter of how it can be harnessed for the purposes of learning in children. Research by health professionals argues that technology use in children education can produce detrimental health effects especially obesity. Thus, children exposure to technological gadgets like computers and tablets among others should be greatly checked.

    Read More

  • Technology Negatively Affects Children

    1168 Words  | 3 Pages

    The current generation of children is completely different than the preceding ones. They are living in the digital age. “Technology has blended in with daily activity to become a way of life and children today take for granted all of which is automated. It is hard for kids nowadays to imagine a world that existed without all of the gadgets, electronics and seamless operations that computer technology provides.” (3) “Children in the United States devote some 40 hours a week to television, video games and the Internet.” (12) Many psychologists and researchers are concerned about the impact that technology has on children. Children, tomorrow’s future parents and leaders, are being consumed by the negative effects that technology had on their development (3). The use of modern technology impairs children by weakening social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.

    Read More

  • Technology Should Not Be Taught In Schools

    1168 Words  | 3 Pages

    “Did you know that 92 percent of all children aged 2-17 play video and computer games?” Technology plays a huge role in the lives of all Americans, whether it be, a cell phone used for work purposes, a computer to connect and chat with friends, or a video game to keep someone entertained. The real tragedy is technology has been affecting children for a number of years now, and there really is no way to change or stop that. From the beginning, the whole world revolved around making ones own living, and fixing things on your own, society lived off the land and did not rely on technology.

    Read More

  • Synthesis Essay On Technology In Schools

    680 Words  | 2 Pages

    We are living in a generation where individuals rely on technologies and internet sources. Although these new innovation help us moving forward with our life faster, it drives us to a certain extent that we don’t know how to value our daily routines anymore. The future is lead by the children, before using particular technologies in curriculum and instruction, a school should consider about whether the ideas is effective or not, it could negative influences on student. Technology and internet can only be sources that you need to help you with school work, its cannot control your whole life forever. Although it can a way for you to develop idea, but if you use it so frequently it might remove your previous knowledge on how to do things.

    Read More

  • Technology Affecting Young Children

    1079 Words  | 3 Pages

    The world today revolves predominantly around technology; people use some form of it to get through the day--- cell phone, television, computer, tablet, etc. Just like the technology industry is expanding and growing, so is the human population causing people of all ages use these “smart” products. As people become more reliant on technology, some wonder if its effects could potentially harm the person using it, whether that be a child or an adult. Allowing young children to use technology creates many issues in different areas of children's lives. Technology could potentially create social, psychological, and physical issues for young children that can affect them negatively in both the present and the future.

    Read More

  • Overuse Of Technology On Children Essay

    1013 Words  | 3 Pages

    As a result of technology being a major distraction in children’s lives, they are being taken away from the opportunities that could be given to them. Children are less likely to have the desire to learn new activities, such as hiking or fishing, when they are exposed and addicted to technology at such a young age. The ambition to succeed in school may also be diminished when the overuse of technology occurs. As children succeed from pre-school to fourth-grade, their minds are open to new learning. This learning can consist of sports, schoolwork, or extracurricular activities outside of the classroom.

    Read More

  • New Technology Synthesis Essay

    498 Words  | 1 Pages

    New Technology is constantly being added to a child's life, and can positively affect their learning, but can also hinder their attention span. Schools should consider how beneficial the technology actually is, if the children can still interact without the technology, and if the technology will negatively affect the child in the future. Certain technology is making learning much easier for children, and can help them grow as a person. “Pioneering teachers are getting their classes to post writing assignments online so other students can easily read and critique them. (Source B)

    Read More

  • The Negative Impact Of Technology On Children

    813 Words  | 2 Pages

    There has been a long lasting debate in the resent years on whether or not technology has a positive or negative impact on today’s kids. As the years move on, the negative effects have begun to outnumber the positive. The generations previous spent their childhood making forts, fishing, and using their imaginations, contrary to today’s generations who spend their free time texting, playing video games, and watching videos. Damaging effects such as decreases in school performances, addiction to electronics, and lack of brain development have all been linked to the electronic media stimulation. In order to prevent the future generation from following in the current generations footsteps, one must full comprehend just how much technology impacts

    Read More

  • The Effect of Technology on Children

    1973 Words  | 4 Pages

    Negative Effects of Technology on Children? Personal. Psu. 21 March 2010. Web.

    Read More

More about The Influences of Technology on the Childhood Experience

Open Document