The Effects Of Technology On The Adolescent Brain Essay

Overview Technology is everywhere. Americans are surrounded by it on a daily basis. Although, we seem to be fully immersed in the technological world, we really aren’t. Most Americans believe that they are knowledgeable when their actual knowledge of technology is limited. Specifically, today’s youth, ages eight to eighteen, use technology a staggering eleven and a half hours a day, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. â€Å"Their brains have become ‘wired’ to use their tech gadgets effectively in order to multi-task. . .often exposing their brains to shocking and sensational images and videos. Many people are desensitizing their neural circuits to the horrors they see, while not getting much, if any, off-line training in empathic skills. And the effects may even reach young people,† says Dr. Gary Small. The effects of technology on the adolescent brain include a decrease in empathy; Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another . A study done by the Harvard College of Education states that 80% of the youth surveyed stated that personal achievement and happiness was more important to them than caring for others. In the new age of technology empathy has taken a backseat to self-centeredness. The same survey by Harvard College of Education found that 30% of middle schoolers reported being bullied, more than 50% of girls between seventh and twelfth grade reported being sexually harassed, and more than 50% of high schoolers admitted to cheating. ThisShow MoreRelatedNegative Effects Of Social Media On Adolescents1586 Words   |  7 PagesSocial Media and the Negative Effects on Adolescents Social media seems to be changing how we communicate through society. Adolescents are consumed with media for an estimated 7.5-8.5 hours per day (Georgia, 2014; Giedd, 2012). Instead of interacting with each other face to face adolescents are socializing through their phones (George, 2014). 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