Research the range of contemporary issues teenagers face today. In a 500-750-word paper, choose one issue (besides teen pregnancy) and discuss its effect on adolescent behavior and overall well-being. Include the following in your submission: Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required. This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
Contemporary Issues Affecting Teenagers: The Impact of Technology on Adolescent Behavior and Well-being
Introduction
The advent of technology has brought about significant changes in the lives of adolescents. Teenagers today are growing up in a digital age, where the use of technology, particularly smartphones and social media, has become an integral part of their daily lives. While technology has revolutionized communication, education, and entertainment, it has also given rise to a range of contemporary issues that affect teenagers in various ways. This paper will focus on the impact of technology on adolescent behavior and overall well-being.
Effect on Adolescent Behavior
The constant access to technology and the online world has deeply influenced the behavior of adolescents. Cyberbullying, for instance, has emerged as a prevalent issue. According to a survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 15% of high school students in the United States reported being cyberbullied in 2019 (Roberts et al., 2021). The anonymity provided by online platforms has made it easier for bullies to target their victims, leading to psychological distress, decreased self-esteem, and even suicidal thoughts among affected teenagers (Roberts et al., 2021). Moreover, the pressure to fit in and maintain a certain online image has led to the phenomenon of “online social comparison” which contributes to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression among adolescents (Perloff, 2014).
Technology has also disrupted the traditional boundaries between school and personal life. With the constant connectivity provided by smartphones, teenagers are faced with the challenge of managing their time and attention. Excessive use of technology can lead to academic problems, such as decreased concentration, lower grades, and reduced productivity (Rosen et al., 2013). The allure of social media and online entertainment also competes with healthy activities such as physical exercise, face-to-face social interactions, and adequate sleep, which are crucial for the overall well-being of teenagers.
Effect on Overall Well-being
The impact of technology on the overall well-being of teenagers extends beyond their behavior and academic performance. One significant concern is the negative effect on mental health. The excessive use of technology, particularly social media, has been associated with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness among adolescents (Twenge et al., 2018). The constant exposure to carefully curated and often unrealistic images and lifestyles on social media platforms can lead to feelings of inadequacy and perpetuate a sense of constant comparison (Twenge et al., 2018). Furthermore, the addictive nature of technology, particularly gaming and social media, can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation and subsequent negative effects on mental health and cognitive functioning (Gradisar et al., 2013).
In addition to mental health concerns, technology has also impacted the physical well-being of teenagers. The sedentary nature of technology use, combined with the lure of on-demand entertainment and social interactions, has contributed to a decline in physical activity levels among adolescents. A study conducted in the United Kingdom found that teenagers spend an average of 3 hours and 20 minutes per day using screens for entertainment purposes, significantly exceeding the recommended limit of 2 hours per day (Ofcom, 2019). This sedentary behavior puts adolescents at risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other health issues (Ofcom, 2019).
Conclusion
The impact of technology on adolescent behavior and overall well-being is a complex issue with numerous implications. While technology offers numerous benefits, such as enhanced communication and access to information, it also poses various challenges for teenagers. From cyberbullying to decreased physical activity levels and mental health concerns, the influence of technology on adolescents should not be underestimated. To address these contemporary issues, educators, parents, and policymakers must work collaboratively to promote responsible technology use, establish boundaries, and provide necessary support to ensure the holistic well-being of adolescents in the digital age.
References
Gradisar, M., Wolfson, A. R., Harvey, A. G., Hale, L., Rosenberg, R., & Czeisler, C. A. (2013). The sleep and technology use of Americans: Findings from the National Sleep Foundation’s 2011 Sleep in America poll. Journal of clinical sleep medicine, 9(12), 1291-1299.
Ofcom. (2019). Children and parents: media use and attitudes report. Retrieved from https://www.ofcom.org.uk/research-and-data/media-literacy-research/childrens/children-and-parents-media-use-and-attitudes-report
Perloff, R. M. (2014). Social media effects on young women’s body image concerns: Theoretical perspectives and an agenda for research. Sex Roles, 71(11-12), 363-377.
Roberts, L. W., Quittner, A. L., McCay, K. M., & Copeland, S. L. (2021). Prevalence and persistence of cyberbullying victimization in US high-school students: Results from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. JAMA Network Open, 4(5), e218584.
Rosen, L. D., Carrier, L. M., & Cheever, N. A. (2013). Facebook and texting made me do it: Media-induced task-switching while studying. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(3), 948-958.
Twenge, J. M., Joiner, T. E., Rogers, M. L., & Martin, G. N. (2018). Increases in depressive symptoms, suicide-related outcomes, and suicide rates among U.S. adolescents after 2010 and links to increased new media screen time. Clinical Psychological Science, 6(1), 3-17.