The Dumbest Generation Essay

Technology is found in all aspects of the average teen life. From smart phones to social media and computers to television, the technological influences of the modern day never cease to exist in some fashion. While these groundbreaking innovations can be used to access unlimited sources of information in an astonishingly short amount of time, many teenagers choose to overlook and ignore this incredible privilege. In his book, The Dumbest Generation, Mark Bauerlein depicts the circumstances behind the generation of technology and how it can jeopardize the future of America.
Based on a series of research and analyses, modern teenagers have increased knowledge deficits that set them apart from previous decades. Rather than absorbing information

taught both in and out of the classroom, students actively separate themselves from the realities beyond friends, music, work, and social media. For this reason, nationally administered tests reveal the increased ignorance toward history, math, and science subjects as young Americans worry more about television series than learning the basics of the federal government. This reality creates a paradoxical situation for the rising generations; while material gains and educational access continue to expand, knowledge, skills, and intellectual habits continue to diminish. The obvious disengagement from intellectual matters defines the socially-conscious and technology-oriented group of young Americans.
The increase of a-literacy also gives a clear distinction to this new generation.

The refusal to read physical books is largely influenced by peer consciousness and awareness that is common among modern teenagers. With a decline is reading for pleasure, teenagers are seeing striking differences in test scores that are based solely upon the amount of time dedicated to reading. Additionally, the resulting ignorance of foreign languages, world religions, and politics not only affects the intellectuality of young Americans but also transfers into the concerns of their adulthood. For example, education has become so specialized that a decline in general knowledge, like mathematical processes, has ensued. This issue has also reached the political realm that threatens the stability of democracy in the United States due to low political activity and engagement among rising generations. While digital habits have continued to grow significantly, intellectual habits have

suffered.
However, the rise of technology has led to innate ability and cultural knowledge that stimulates this generation. Today’s youth are able to express themselves through technological outlets, like message boards and social networking, and create a sense of connectedness in their lives. As the expansion of media options creates more individualization, the influences of technology in the digital age become integral parts of everyday life. Furthermore, studies claim that with the new lifestyle of these teenagers, technology has introduced unique aptitudes and consciousness that is complemented by increased “screen time”, allowing mental advances. For example, the constant engagement in video games may induce improved problem-solving skills and heighten strategic awareness. With increasing intellect surrounding the modern era, technological advances and intellectual innovations have made the expansion of knowledge readily available.
Despite the claims of technology advocates, the presence of technology in classrooms has failed to produce any significant changes or benefits in the learning experience.

In recent studies, students have proved their abilities to browse the Web and find information but were unable to effectively judge and process materials intellectually. This problem also follows the unwillingness of students to use purchased technology as a method of expanding their knowledge and instead use it for their own pleasure in communicating with classmates and viewing web posts. Unfortunately, the existence technology in the lives of teenagers is inevitable and must be dealt with in an effective manner to improve rather than reduce mental broadening. The new generation needs to adopt standards of using technology to their advantage instead of wasting valuable

opportunities.
With the presence of technology perceived positively and negatively, the new generation has a great responsibility of utilizing its advantages as effectively as possible. Following a loss of common civic, historical, and cultural awareness, the American youth must respond to and combat ignorance that threatens the success of the nation. Working with the opportunities granted from new innovations, teenagers have the ability to truly transform the world for the greater good; they just need shift away from adolescent habits and focus on the future.