Since 1876, when Alexander Graham Bell conducted the first full coherent sentence over telephone, communication devices have continued to rapidly evolve and in turn, have changed the way Generations X and Z behave. These changes are evident when we look at the similarities and differences of perspectives and behaviours within both Generation X, born between 1965 and 1984 and Generation Z, born from 1990 to the early 2000’s. This essay uncovers the social changes occuring between Generations X and Z at the age of seventeen and their uses of telephone technology, in particular the changes in communication, behavioural standards, peer relationships and socialisation, and attitudes towards elders. As part of the research, an interview conducted …show more content…
With telephone technology continually changing, teenagers have changed to suit the type of technology each Generation grows up around. Household phones, as of Generation X were communal in a family as they were fixed to a wall and the phone piece was attached to the machine by a cable. Whereas, the mobile telephones available around the time of Generation X’s at the age of 17, put on the market by Martin Cooper in 1973 (Nybergh, 2016), were devices ‘Weighing in at almost a kilogram, costing several thousand pounds and, in some cases’ (Wray, 2010). In contrast to Generation Z teenager’s, who now have access to modern mobile Smart phone technology, placing multiple communication applications and access to all the information on the World Wide Web at their fingertips. Generation X saw the first of these futuristic devises in the hands of businessmen in media and were ‘Synonymous with the yuppie’ (Wray, 2010). It was not a normal belonging as a teenager in the 80’s whereas now they are for Generation Z. The technology available to each Generation determine the way they can be used, are seen and in turn, effect the way each Generation …show more content…
The mobile phone, the main communication device for Generation Z, were associated with wealth and only used for business to Generation X. Telephones were not a normal personal belonging like shoes that they have now become for Generation Z’s. This view on mobile phones has changed and has in turn changed behavioural standards around them and how they’re used. A major issue regarding Generation Z teenagers with mobiles is cyber bullying. As stated in the findings from a British anti-bullying organisation survey of thirteen to twenty-five year olds, ‘62 per cent of young people had been abused through a Smartphone app’ (SBS, 2014). Further, with the ability for anyone to go anonymous, Generation Z’s behavioural standards on how they treat one another has dropped. Leading to bullies stooping so low as to bully another facelessly, let alone their name, behind their words, taking away the guilt or repercussions of bullying. With cyber bullying being a result of the popularisation of mobile phones, this was never a problem faced by Generation X’s. Mobiles have caused a social change in the behavioural standards of Generation Z and is changing what is deemed ‘normal’ behaviour as a
Though she contrasts various age groups’ responses, she centers the majority of her writing on technology’s effect on youth. The ability for her to accurately contrast the behaviors of others depends on her credibility. Sherry Turkle relies on her Sociology and Psychology background in order to analyze the younger audience’s dependence on technology. She is then able to gather that conversation; which has decreased significantly in real life, faces a culprit of smart devices. Dr. Turkle supports this by her observations at a summer camp, which banned smart devices.
In recent discussions of smartphones, a controversial issue has been how the excessive use of smartphones are affecting the adolescents of this generation. Jean M. Twenge argues in her article, “Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?” that the redundant use of these gadgets along with social media use is in fact detrimental to the current and upcoming generations. My experience using Snapchat, Instagram, and other applications on my smartphone supports Twenge’s stance because the excessive use of these applications has caused me to feel melancholic. According to Twenge, “Psychologically, however, they (iGens) are more vulnerable than Millennials were: Rates of teen depression and suicide have skyrocketed since 2011.
As of 2014, 86% of adults over the age of 18 in the UK have access to the internet anywhere (Document 11). Technology is a highly controversial issue in today’s society. With an ever-widening gap in technological knowledge between generations, many like to argue that every flaw present in someone today is due to overuse of smartphones. However, these pocket-sized supercomputers we carry around with us allow us to broaden our horizons and experience the world in an entirely new way. While some say technology is taking away our ability to be human, it actually encourages connectivity, and allows for new forms of discovery and creativity.
This topic by Renee Wilson lifts the minds of a huge percentage of people who have read her essay and that of Gregory Levey. It is seen that when comparing both topics, there is a huge controversy. These two topics talk about their opinions on the changes noticed between two generations and its positive and negative outcomes and go ahead to state if they are for or against the impact of technology on students of this generation. These writers have once been teachers before and share diverse experiences. In Renee’s essay “In Defence of the iGeneration”, the title gives the reader a clear idea of what her essay entails.
There is an ongoing debate to whether this new form of technology is positive or negative to the under thirty generation. In the book “The Dumbest Generation”, Mark Bauerlein claims the under thirty generation is the “dumbest” generation to be known. The under thirty generation is not the “dumbest” generation because they are able to process information in a different creative form, engage in technological games to sharpen their minds, and use advanced technology
There is really no limit to the things that can be done on a smartphone. Yet, with all this information streaming through our population’s mind, no knowledge or substance is gained. The likelihood that a teenager would pick up a book or go outside when they could instantly be absorbed in their phone is doubtful, even though this is often the less mentally and physically fulfilling option. With phones always at our fingertips, society is becoming increasingly immersed in technology and media,
In today’s world electronics are very prominent, making “abuse” (Kids Health) very easy as there are “[n]o longer limits” (Kids Health) to cyberbullying. In the past, a person could simply walk out of a situation but now “cyberbullying can follow [one] home” (Teens Against Bullying). Bullying has changed drastically changed throughout the years, but now a bully can reach someone from anywhere in the world unlike in the
The omnipresence of the smartphone affects adolescents in every section of the United States, regardless of social class and ethnic background. Jean Twenge established ethos when he stated,“he had been studying generational differences for 25 years and that he started when was a 22 year old doctoral student in psychology”(2). Since he has been studying different generations for many years he knows
This demonstrates the primary way to reach the iGeneration, which is through self- actualization. Her personal experiences create an informal tone that the readers can connect with on a personal level and this effectively promotes her argument. These real-life experiences allow the reader to relate to the issue personally and deepen their understanding of the argument. Through Wilson’s experiences, she gains a better understanding of the generation and can appreciate the beauty behind technology. Her change in attitude towards the generation demonstrates that a deeper understanding of the generation is necessary to appreciate the greatness of this generation.
According to the survey, a majority of parents would notify the police if they knew that their child was cyber bullied. Many parents choose not to report cyber bullying to school officials because they are unsure if the school has a policy against cyber bullying and whether the police would be more trustworthy and effective. Today, cyber bullying is becoming increasingly common, seeing that 80% of teenagers use smartphones on a daily basis. Cyber bullying is becoming a major issue for students, and the public should be warned about the severity of the issue, in order to take further steps to protect children from future
Sure, the 80s had CD players, video cassette recorders, and introduced a mobile phone, but the technology of that era simply does not compare to today 's. Only a few days ago did SpaceX and Elon Musk launch the Falcon 9 rocket into space for reliable and safe transport of satellites, as well as organizing a project to develop a colony on Mars. There are vast amounts of advanced technology adolescents are so privileged to have today, such as smartphones, electric cars, drones, and 3d printing. It’s simply the norm (vocab word) to acquire such gadgets. The type of technology we have today furthers medical research and achievements, transportation, and global communication. For instance, cancer nanotherapy uses advanced nanotechnology for precise treatments that are less costly, less invasive, and less complicated.
This is the first century and technology has never been better. It has become so advanced that it has opened up opportunities for jobs, learning, and bullying. It is now easier than ever to bully someone all hours of the day, and to make the bullying follow them wherever they go. Cyberbullying never used to be much of a problem, in fact it didn’t use to exist. But now with all the new technology, and all the freedom online cyber bullying happens everyday.
Cell Phones: The average teenager who gets on their phone, just for a second, each hour has the same mind as a 30 year old cocaine addict. Teens have their minds tricked into thinking they can’t live without their cell phones and social media. Teens need to be able to talk to and connect with others and learn face-to-face communication skills. Nowadays teens can get harmed very easily, and teens do not really know who is on the other side of the screen. Studies have shown that phones can ruin lives with the blink of an eye.
Cell Phones Have you ever wondered why your parents would not get you a phone?. In Today’s technologically advanced world, it is pretty common that you have at least one or two connections between technology. However, most parents disagree assuming that technology is hurting the teen’s Childhood. Nevertheless, having a cell phone is a necessity in today’s modernized world. Some of the reasons are practicality, GPS tracking for parents to know where their kids are, and safety.
Technology Bullying, now known as cyberbullying, has left the problem growing, becoming more difficult to understand, and more difficult to determine. An overview of various case studies, statistical research, legal cases, and news articles