Technology
is a part of my day to day life. When I wake up I check Twitter and
Instagram, see if I have missed any messages and
throughout the day I like to be able to check in on my Social media
accounts. Technology has given me a way to communicate with people – who
have similar interest to me- from all around the world. Also I am able
to record moments and memories with just a click
of a button and they are saved for me and my ‘followers’ to see.
Last
year I decided to create a blog. Blogging has given me a lot of
opportunities as well and giving me the chance to learn so
much about coding and design of a website. In the blogging world online
there is a huge sense of community. There are hundreds and thousands of
blogs out there run by teenagers and young adults like myself. It is an
amazing creative outlet that is free and
so empowering. Also there is a really strong sense of community online
between bloggers.
I love having a voice on the internet whether it is sending a tweet with what’s on my mind, posting a photo that shows how I am
feeling in that moment or writing a post on something amazing that has just happened. It gives me an identity.
I am fully aware of the risks and hazards of the digital world but in my opinion I believe that if you know what you are doing
and who you are talking to, the internet is a safe place.
There
is also something else about the internet that isn’t really talked
about but I am sure everyone has done it before. The
internet plays a huge role is allowing young people ( and anyone) to
seek anonymous advice. Whether it be for stress, problems with friends ,
bullying, exams/school or family situations. The anonymity is
comforting because you can find so much advice and help
online without having to go and speak to someone. Obviously it is
preferable to seek professional help if it is serious; however the
internet is a great starting place for seeking advice. I for one have
often sought for advice on the internet and quite often
it has really helped me.
My
dad asked me the other day, after I was talking to Ale about the London
Encounter next year, “Why do you use technology?” and
I simply replied, without even thinking, “Because everyone does.” At
the time I didn’t think much of it but now I realise that we are all
living in a reality where we are expected to use technology and to be
honest we all use it not because we have to but
because we want to. It has made our life easier, more practical and
more rewarding. Instead of having to wait weeks for a letter from you
American friend – all you have to wait is a few hours for an email. It
is just so much easier.
The
internet and digital world is so ‘natural’ for young people because it
is fully integrated in to our lives. I have grown up
with technology and watched as the Nokia ‘brick’ phone has turned into a
sleek touchscreen powerful smartphone that carries your whole life on
it but lives in your pocket. This honestly amazes me and I am excited by
the future of technology and what is to
come.
Here are some quotes I have find that I find really interesting:
“Technology is supposed to make life better” – Veronica Roth, Insurgent (Divergent Trilogy Book 2)
The
PC has improved the world in just about every area you can think of.
Amazing developments in communications, collaboration
and efficiencies. New kinds of entertainment and social media. Access
to information and the ability to give a voice people who would never
have been heard. - Bill Gates
Technology
is supposed to make our lives easier, allowing us to do things more
quickly and efficiently. But too often it seems
to make things harder, leaving us with fifty-button remote controls,
digital cameras with hundreds of mysterious features and book-length
manuals, and cars with dashboard systems worthy of the space shuttle. -
James Surowiecki
Some
facts that I can’t quite believe; but at the same time it doesn’t
really surprise me because I do and agree with all of these:
Young people use a number of digital devices and different modes of communication, at the same time.
◾45% of young people said they felt happiest when they were online
◾75% of young people claimed that they couldn’t live without the internet
◾86% loved how new technology helps them communicate with people
◾96% of 16 to 24 year olds say they use another media device whilst using the internet
Some articles I found interesting:
http://old.digizen.org/cyberbullying/fullguidance/understanding/context.aspx
(this is about cyberbullying but I think it is really good the way they
explain about why young people use the internet and why it is so
important for adults and teachers to understand this.)
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