Impact of Technology on Youth

Today’s youth is called GenTech, and for good reason. Technology has become a part and parcel of almost everyone’s lives, especially the youth’s. In general, each one of us wishes to keep abreast of the latest trends and gadgets. While technology has done wonders for the world, the debate is still on as to how good or bad technology is for us.

Technology has connected the world. Messaging applications, social media, broadcasting systems- the technical world is crucial to our knowledge of people around us. It has also made our life easier- we can pay bills and shop online, create and forward official data, and secure our knowledge for the future generations. Unfortunately, the world has now become obsessed with technology. Our dependence on technology has made us dumb, rather than more self- aware. Uncontrolled usage and ease of such usage has led to technology becoming a bane to us all. The consumption of technology amongst teens and youngsters is now equivalent to gluttony.

The youth today has become severely and unapologetically attached to technology. This situation is worsening day by day with the arrival of new gadgets and new applications by the scores. The phones keep buzzing all day long, gaming consoles never rest, and a touch screen has become the modern age genie. With everything easily available through a 5- inch screen, the world is literally in your hands. It becomes extremely convenient to get all your work done without walking even one step. Such a lifestyle is adversely affecting the physical, mental and emotional health of India’s youth.

While technology provides a world of opportunities, it has constricted our time. Even 24 hours are no longer enough to get everything done. We don’t have time to do physical labour or to give ourselves a break. Even free time for youngsters entails checking YouTube and scrolling through Facebook news feed. While all this is satisfying to the eye, none of it is nourishing our souls. Technology has handicapped us so much that we now require a Kindle to simply read a book. The natural charm and essence of activities and originality of thoughts has died a tragic death. Since Google has all the answers, no one wishes to check Encyclopaedias. People talk to Siri, but not their own parents. 300 likes on a profile picture validates an individual’s self- esteem, and youngsters would rather spend 70 thousand on a phone rather than investing the same.

Technology has captured all- offices, homes, relationships, and academics. No sphere remains untouched by technology. Unabashed usage of the same in each sphere has led to hazardous consequences. Cyber-crime is ever on the rise, families are turning dysfunctional, and psychological issues are creeping into youngsters’ minds. There is something known as ‘too much’ information, which confuses more than it teaches. Youngsters act naïve and gullible, as they end up believing anything they come across on the Internet simply because it suits them. The obsession with technology has turned fatal in many cases- we see road accidents occurring regularly because people drive and text simultaneously. A few weeks back, a girl fell off a cliff as she tried to take a selfie, and met a tragic end. It is quite ridiculous as to how paranoid and wild technology has made us. Frustration and animosity is common as youngsters are becoming stressed with excessive use of technology.

Our dependence on technology needs to be curbed, not technology itself. We need to control our own selves and limit the usage of gadgets and the Internet. Why must we let data and machines control our fully functional brains? It should be the other way around. Customise your routine and persevere to break against the shackles of technology. The aim is to build as well as maintain a healthy relationship with technology; it is our responsibility to let it remain a boon, and not turn into a bane.