A Child In the Technological Era

   Technology, it is a simple word that can take on a number of different meanings. It is a never ending road of discovery and innovation that affects ever aspect of our normal life in our modern civilization. Look at the everyday things you use everyday: cell phones to keep in constant communication with family and friends from a dozen, hundred or even thousand miles away, electricity to give light and power, computers to research and store whatever data we find necessary, and many other examples. But is there a downside to all this rapid technological expansion; my question is what is now happening to the children being brought up in this new age of technology and interconnection?

   Most of my generation was born right at the start of the rise of the internet, a time where the interconnection of people through a computer screen was just becoming a serious reality. So to an extent, we have had the most time to allow this new form of communication to influence us. In my opinion I have mixed feelings on how beneficial this new system of communication is. It helps with saying in contact with old friends who live in far away places, keeping me update on my social plans, and allows me to find information on anything at a given moment. But one of the downsides that I can see is that some people can no longer communicate to others without the help of an electronic. These individuals become nervous and timid around others simply because they have not learned the proper way to carry on a prolonged discussion or learned how to relate to others. Social anxiety levels are on the rise in this country, so much so that now there are special programs you can attend to learn proper "socialization" techniques.

   Given, not everyone who uses a computer will become a paranoid, antisocial shut-in, but the fact that the number of these people, who have this social disorder, is rising is a major matter of concern. People need to learn to not rely of such a false sense of friendship and interact with others in your local community.