It started with a text.
After flip phones were introduced to the public in 1989, messaging people
as if it were like drinking water later became the newest trend in ’93. Gone
were the days of kitchen-phones attached to clunky, coiled wires. Gone were the
days of asking Mrs. Smith if he could speak to her daughter. And gone were the days
of awkward calls with your significant other as your parents listened in on the
other line. 20th century America and 21st century America
are like fraternal twins: the two share many similarities, but the rapid growth
of technology has been forever ingrained in the latter’s DNA. Therefore, our
generation is more accustomed to the impersonal <3 or ;) than actual
conversations and physical connections.
I have to admit that I am part of the millions of teens that squeal over
a new iPhone, especially since I love texting an emoji or nine, listening to
music through YouTube, or stalking irrelevant celebrities’ Instagram accounts.
However, it can create problems of disconnection, isolation, and plain
existence as more people, especially teens, become more in love with their
screens versus the potential faces they could be seeing. Technology advancement
definitely has its advantages, like being able to find a missing child quicker,
or contacting a mother you never had the chance to know. Don’t let those perks
fool you! Be aware of the disadvantages just as much as you’re aware of your
best friend’s drama. A good book or outdoor activity usually doesn’t lead to a
lack of sleep, a catfish scandal, or trouble with your parents, anyways. J
