Raising a Teenager in the Digital Age

Suddenly, the Internet happened and it changed everything, including childhood. Whether this change was for the better or for worse depends on how you look at it.

This is the first generation that cannot imagine life without the Internet and the various devices that connect us to it, and to one another, by extension. Our electronic gadgets have become extensions of our bodies, like crutches. On the other hand, you might also say that these powerful tools give us wings. Some people believe that the Internet and its various social networking options affect us negatively while others beg to differ, and parents who cling to their pre-Internet way of life are scrambling to make sure they have the right answers to guide their kids.

Social Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet

One of the most obvious negative aspects of social networking is losing face-to-face contact with other people. Teens are sitting around with their gadgets in their hands all day long, tapping messages onto screens instead of communicating with real people. Many teenagers feel more comfortable with virtual friends than with real ones. The majority think that it is easier to chat on the Internet because they lack communication skills.

Various reports suggest that about eighty-three percent of American youth use their phones for email, mobile internet, and texting [...] these American teens send and receive text messages 144 times a day. [...] Researchers have found that the middle-school, high school, and college students who used Facebook at least once during a 15 minute period get lower grades overall.

However, shifting the locus of social connection to the gadget in the hand has its positive side. In her piece describing the positive effects of social networking, Melissa Page cites eight:

1. It educates. (Answers to any question at your fingertips. You can connect with teachers, coaches, and experts, and collaborate with peers.)
2. It facilitates communication (updates, chats, debates, discussion) and gives access to real-time understanding.
3. It breaks down physical, geographical, and cultural barriers. (Even if you're in a wheelchair, you can make friends with Minnesotans, Nigerians, and even your favorite authors.)
4. It strengthens relationships. (You never have to lose touch with old friends. Who has time to write or wait for letters, anyway?)
5. It helps people find and connect with their community. (They can easily discover when, where, and what is happening and how they can participate.)
6. It boosts confidence. ("Likes" and nice comments are positive feedback.)
7. It can help fight depression. (Page: "Recent studies show that many teenagers have not chosen the path of suicide, thanks to these tools. Blogging can be therapeutic for teens who are confused, down, or need to vent frustrations.")
8. It's a tool for claiming identity. (The personal profile and comment box are opportunities to be, say, and figure out who you are.)