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Youth speak out on the effects of technology and social media
Today's social world has expanded dramatically for teenagers and this may be interfering with the healthy development of self identity because the more social media is accessed, the more externally driven a child will become.
POLOKWANE – It also limits their physical activities and BONUS set out to hear their opinions regarding technology and social media.
“Learners do not even read books anymore these days. We are always busy with our laptops and smartphones, I think it has become the norm.”
“I still do sports and try to only be on my phone when I’m at home relaxing. That is much easier said than done, however, and i feel physical activities need to be encouraged more.”
“It can be used for good when doing assignments and looking for information. It also makes students lazy, however, as they do not physically use books and encyclopedias as they just search, copy and paste. Personally I like the authenticity of a book.”
“I would much rather be on Instagram or Twitter than on a sportsfield. I think the best would be to limit data, that way social media cannot be accessed but I will be very sad then, I cannot be without my phone.”
“I like technology way more than sport. Why run around in the sun if you can relax with your tablet?”
“Even though I won’t be able to live without my phone, I think it is interfering with most teens’ lives seeing as they would rather be on Facebook for instance than be on a soccer field.”
“Today’s teens like to use their fingers, not their feet. I will rather play something on the iPad than physically playing sports. I do, however, feel it is a bad thing.”
“I think it is a big distraction and even though I also like being on my iPad, I think there should be more pressure on learners to participate in physical activities. I think technology is making us lazy.”
