Bewildered by technology

CEBU, Philippines — Once upon a time in the past, the computer got everyone excited. At the time, though, no one had yet the idea about the mind-boggling possibilities it would bring. Then the internet came, which made the computer look like just a preparation for things to come.

In the last 10 years or so, the computer has become miniaturized. The set of machines that used to fill a room as one unit now fits the palm of the hand. Amazingly, the now tiny gadget can do much more than its roomful elder.

Technology has expanded and evolved so much since. It’s a new phenomenon that many adults today weren’t taught how to manage as children, because it didn’t exist in those times. And even the kids that are growing up with modern technology are not all able to keep up with the recent pace of advancement.

Parents are especially bewildered. Generally, they find it hard to know how to handle technology in their own lives, let alone in the lives of their children. They know, for instance, that cyberspace is a precarious place for the kids, and yet they don’t know for sure how to protect the young ones.

The future looks rather scary for the older generation. Today’s parents are scared to think of what technology is yet forthcoming from much younger minds. Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and others who helped create major technological advances are products of a generation that did not grow up in an electronics age; they belong to a time that observed more precaution.

Studies reveal that many of the young people who have grown up in a tech-savvy world do not have the same level of emotional maturity of those in their parents’ generation. They are likely to use their electronic gadgets inappropriately. Children, for example, do not yet have the skill to figure out the long-term effects of digital footprints they leave behind from their internet engagements. 

Experts also cite the addictive aspects of incessantly checking electronic gadgets and obsessions with video games. They say 8- to18-year-olds spend over seven hours a day using entertainment media. And during that time they’re not exercising, meeting with friends, talking with family or negotiating in-person relationships.

Unfortunately, it’s not only the kids. It’s not rare to see a parent pull out his or her cell phone during family dinner to check a text message or email, or take a call. People nowadays would spend time capturing a moment on their phone camera over fully experiencing the moment.

A family of internet and social media addicts may experience feelings of isolation from or abandonment by one another. When family members are obsessively using these modern technologies, they may become quickly disengaged with their surroundings. They may withdraw from family activities and conversations.

People who struggle with internet and social media addiction may experience depression and anxiety. These mental health problems can have negative impacts on their relationships. When depression and anxiety are not properly treated, these can worsen and have devastating effects.

While there is not one clearly defined method for treating the popular addiction to gadgets, perhaps therapy and counseling will help. But will entire families submit themselves to therapy and counseling? It may seem like a funny idea for now, but it sure is the way to go for the population to be delivered from the worsening internet and social media addiction. (FREEMAN)