The Influences of Technology on the Childhood Experience

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A mere twenty years ago, children played in their neighborhood all day, jumping ropes, riding bikes, and building forts. They were the masters of imaginary games. Children created their own play that didn't require any money or parental supervision. Children would play with sticks. It could become a slingshot, a pistol, a claw, or anything else that they could dream up (Sawyer 1). In the past, family time was often spent doing chores, crafts, and homework. The dining room table was where families came together to enjoy their meals and have conversations about their day. After dinner, the dining table became the center for baking and homework after dinner (Mendoza 1).Today's families are different. Technology's impact on the 21st century family is fracturing and altering its very foundation, and causing a disintegration of core values and breaking down the fabric that held families together long ago. Comparing to this current generation, children have been born into a digital world and grown up with the most advance and updated technology. Children are called “digital natives (Richtel 1).” They are contrasted with the digital immigrants, such as their parents and teachers, who have adapted technology much later in life (Richtel 1). Technology has advanced so rapidly that families have scarcely noticed the significant shifts and transformations to their family structure and lifestyles. According to 2010 Kaiser Foundation, the study showed that elementary aged children use on average 7.5 hours per day of entertainment technology, 75 percent of these children have TV's in their bedrooms, and 50 percent of them have the TV on all day (Mendoza 1). Laptops, phones, and televisions are considered as some of the most popular technologies... ... middle of paper ... ...ity to predict consequences, manipulating different symbols in the world they represent, making successful transfers and performances in real life situations. However, the negative aspects and effects of technology often lead to problems that affect children’s learning and growing process, including short attention spans, poor academic performances and social skills, and health risks. These negative effects lead to greater chances for children to suffer from psychological disorders and possible illnesses. In order to solve these problems, parents and teacher need to set up guidelines and make necessary adjustments to minimize the negative effects of technology. As children learn to manage and balance their time between technology and other activities, they will become more successful in the future and more prepared the children to thrive in this world of technology.

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