Technology Argument Essay Example

Many readers may wonder, does technology affect teens in a negative or positive way. Researchers have studied this topic heavily over the past few years and have come up with no definite answer. Some will say that technology has more negative effects than positive, while others say that technology has more positive effects than negative effects. Amongst these contrasting points stands a common question: what is the best way to reduce negative effects on adolescent development?  There are many alternatives that parents can use to reduce these negative effects, some of which are more convenient than others.  Initially, parents should take away their child’s devices at night so they can sleep better. The time adolescents spend using social media should be closely monitored in order to keep teens' mental health healthy, and putting limitations on the amount of time available to teens to play video games can benefit their social skills, and help them maintain a healthy social life. As a result, setting limits on children's devices to reduce negative effects of technology on adolescents’ development is a more practical and agreeable approach for both the parent and their child.

Initially, the time adolescents spend using social media should be supervised in order to keep their mental and physical health safe. The possibility of teens viewing explicit content is substantially high and unfortunately, many teens eventually come across that content. Because of that content, teens aquire self doubt, which can then lead to anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts.  In “Teens and Social Media Use”, an article written by Mayo Clinic -a non-profit American Medical Center- a group of specialists did research on the effects social media can have on adolescents’ growth. From their studies, they came to the conclusion that risks of mental health damage correlate to the amount of time teens spend on social media. “The risks might be related to how much social media teens use. A 2019 study of more than 6,500 12- to 15-year-olds in the U.S. found that those who spent more than three hours a day using social media might be at heightened risk for mental health problems. Another 2019 study of more than 12,000 13- to 16-year-olds in England found that using social media more than three times a day predicted poor mental health and well-being in teens" (Mayo Clinic 1).  Teens have better mental when their using their phones under supervision. . From further studies, teens that are monitored on their usage of technology compared to teens that aren't monitored, have a significantly better mental and physical health.

Furthermore, parents should take away their child's devices at night so they can sleep better. An excessive amount of  time spent on devices can lead to lack of poor sleep. A study “Screen Time and Insomnia: What It Means for Teens” by the Sleep Foundation a OneCare Media Company shows the effects of excessive screen time usage. The study concluded that excessive time spent on devices leads to a more difficult time falling asleep and poor sleep in general. “That said, the prevailing opinion is that screen time has a greater effect on insomnia than vice-versa. Studies show that 57% of teens who use technology in the bedroom suffer from sleep problems, and teens consistently report worse sleep when they have a television or small screen, such as a smartphone, in the bedroom.” (Sleep Foundation 1), adolescents get proper sleep when their devices are restricted at night. The evidence conducts that teens that use their devices I their bedroom have a harder time sleeping. A solution is to take their phones at least an hour prior to their bedtime. In contrast, teens that don’t get their phone taken at night have a harder time sleeping. 

Finally, restricting the amount of time adolescents have to play video games will benefit the child’s social life. Playing too many digital games can have a negative impact on not only their social skills, but social life in general. An article “Video Games and Children: Playing with Violence” by the AACAP, did research on the effects of video games. Their research concluded that adolescents who devote the majority of their time to video games lack important social skills.  “However, there are concerns about the effect of video games on young people who play videogames excessively. Children and adolescents can become overly involved with videogames. They may have difficulty controlling the amount of time they play. They may resist their parents’ attempts to limit their time playing video games. Spending excessive time playing these games can lead to poor social skills” (AACAP 1). Teens have better social lives when their time to play video games is limited. The evidence proves  that teens that become overly involved or have difficulty controlling the amount of time they play digital games eventually leads to poor social skills. 

In conclusion, limiting the number of times teens can use their devices daily is the best way to eliminate the negative effects of technology. What is the best way to reduce the negative effects of technology on teens' development? Some people may say that technology has more positive effects than negative effects. Technology has more negative effects than positive effects. Parents should make their teen's phone inaccessible at night so they can get a better quality sleep. Parents should also filter out what their teens can see and what they cannot on social media. Putting a limit on video games is also important so that they can keep a healthy social life. What do you think, is technology bad or good?

Bibliography 

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/monitor-media.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teens-and-social-media-use/art-20474437 

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/teens-and-sleep/screen-time-and-insomnia-for-teens 

https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-and-Video-Games-Playing-with-Violence-091.aspx