The Impact of Technology
We live in the age of the Internet and many people know that technology has already become an inseparable part of our lives! We are always in touch with our electronic devices, phones, ipads, laptops and everything gives us unlimited information. But when we see so many people distracted, glued to their phones as if it were the most beautiful thing in life, we often wonder: “Why all this addiction to the phone? How is technology serving man? What are its negative and positive impacts?
You don’t need to be a technology expert to get these answers, as we have the answers around us at every moment. As the telephone was invented to reduce the distances between people, it put a great wall between those in the same room. Immersed in the world of the Internet and endless news, we forget that above all we are people, we are surrounded by people who love us and who need our attention. Information has increased, but laziness too. Today, very few young people meet in libraries! A lunch, dinner with family or friends is often not enjoyed as it should be. The focus is to “take beautiful photos and share on social media” and the chain continues by focusing on the “likes” this photo will receive.
A major concern raised by technology among parents is related to information security and control. While surfing social media, children can come across inappropriate, harmful websites that can affect their thinking processes. Addiction can manifest itself in a series of symptoms, which can affect the physical health of children.
But, beyond what we consider negative, the internet and technology also have their advantages:
- It helps to keep in touch with relatives and friends.
- They influence the development of perspectives on various issues and provide the opportunity to exchange ideas.
- It motivates children to become part of different discussions and encourages freedom of expression.
Interview 1
Me: How much time do you spend on the Internet? And which of the social networks do you spend more time on?
E.M: I spend about 2 to 3 hours on the internet, and the application I use the most is YOUTUBE and NETFLIX.
Me: As a good student at school, do you use the Internet for homework?
E.M: Yes, I use, for example GOOGLE and MY AI.
Me: Can the world function without the Internet? Why?
E.M: On one hand, it can, on the other hand, not! Since everything these days is connected to the Internet!
Me: Do you like reality more or the things published on the Internet?
E.M: I like reality more, because we are more real and we don’t lie to ourselves.
Me: A message for your peers?
E.M: We can use the Internet by being careful about how much and how we use it.
Interview 2
Me: How much time do you spend on the Internet? And which of the social networks do you spend more time on?
O.R: I don’t spend much time on the phone, I can spend up to 2 hours, and I mostly use SNAPCHAT.
Me: Why is technology so important in your opinion?
O.R: I think that technology has become important because it helps us with any task that we do not know and also helps us to communicate with family and friends.
Me: Do you think that social networks influence positively or negatively?
O.R: Social networks affect more negatively because teenagers can watch inappropriate things!
Me: If you could change anything, what would it be?
O.R: I would have removed the social networks and returned the old phones like NOKIA.
Me: A message for your peers?
O.R: You should do more sports and other activities and not waste time on the phone!
Interview 3
Me: How much time do you spend on the Internet? And which of the social networks do you spend more time on?
R.D: I spend about 13-14 hours on the Internet and mostly use SNAPCHAT.
Me: Has it happened to you that someone bullies you on the Internet?
R.D: Yes, it has happened to me, there were times when I was bullied on the Internet, but I didn’t do it!
Me: What do you use the Internet mostly for?
R.D: I use it more to talk with family and friends.
Me: Does the Internet inspire you to perform activities in real life?
R.D: Most of the time, yes!
Me: A message for your peers?
R.D: Use the Internet with care.
Get off social media, everything you’re looking at is at least 90% fake and you have no idea what’s behind the photo, you have no idea what’s actually going on! All you have is who you are, take breaks and just enjoy what’s actually around you. Believe it or not everything in this little tiny device does not define you, does not make you a human, it’s simply a device you can put down and be a part of the world again, try to do that…