Have you ever heard of the phrase “you teens and your phones?” How has that made you feel? Annoyed? Shameful? Nothing? The list of descriptors expands past the few I’ve suggested and to be honest? I have felt all three of these as time passes. Unfortunately, I normally fall into the middle of the road shame that comes with the comment being directed towards me.
I don’t believe there should be a stigma against those that have their hands on technology more often than others. The reason isn’t always as simple as “these darn kids addicted to technology and silly mobile games” and to believe so would be a disservice to several types of people.
For example, I know of people that fiddle with their phone and check notifications often out of anxiety. It keeps them relaxed as well as focused and who am I (or anyone) to fault them on what keeps them functioning?
On the other hand, maybe people just like to use their phones. They spent money on them, found fun or useful apps to use and can easily contact friends. E-books exist and can be downloaded for long trips and can be read even when no light is around, giving it an advantage over normal books.
To knock down anyone that utilizes technology more often than they themselves do is going against progress in a sense. The future is technological and every new invention that comes out or advancement made is proof of that.
So, really… why is there such a phrase being thrown around often?
It’s a generational gap situation, in my eyes. The elder generation didn’t grow up on cell phones or iPads and what not, and thus hold their heavy belief that no one else needs them either.
While this could fundamentally be true, the world had problems in the past that have since been solved or at least somewhat improved due to technology. Information spreads faster and we become more knowledgeable at a faster rate than ever.
To some extent, maybe I can understand, though only when comments such as this applies to children. Seeing kids under the age of six wielding an iPad and playing games gives me an odd feeling in my stomach, which may be due to the fact I personally did not have devices like that as a child.
While I may not agree with the elder generation’s general attitude on this issue, I can understand their point of view at minimum.
The internet is a strange place, especially on YouTube: the algorithm there has very strange videos labelled for children appearing in the safe search while the content is… not child friendly. For young children to be on electronics, I only hope the parents keep a close eye on what they are finding and watching.
Overall, technology is relevant and is going to continue to be used endlessly. Getting bent up on progress is going to help no one and might even damage someone’s mood. To shame someone for a harmless activity they enjoy is quite simply mean spirited and unnecessary.
Erika Brandenburg
Arts and Entertainment Editor