- The advent of information technology-driven initiatives, innovations, inventions, developments, and growth have completely altered the way the universe functions would be tantamount to an understatement. The spectacular consequences of the digitalization endeavours around the world need no further elaboration either. The all-pervasive presence of the digital world in our daily lives has been well documented with nothing left to be encroached upon. As you are aware, one of the most ubiquitous outcomes of the digital world is the increasing acceptance of social media platforms as a defining part of our lives where nothing appears to be left untouched. Such is the power of digital platforms that everyone is increasingly becoming dependent on them.
PC: Buckner International
- Mind you, the generation before the present one was still coming to terms with information technology, the internet, and the fledgling social media platforms. However, this generation is largely brought up on digital media at every step of their growth. Many old-timers would recollect how their parents brought them up in a traditional manner without the advantages of the technology-controlled environment. Where physical activities defined our existence a couple of decades back, helping us grow organically, the modern-day world is largely driven by smart electronic gadgets rendering us couch potatoes and addicted lot. Not only that, but one’s absence in social media platforms is being viewed as uncool leading to peer pressure being built up.
PC: Euronews
- So much so that even primary school children are claiming to be a part of the social media platform like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram reveals the true side of where modern societies are headed. Not only their presence in these platforms, validation from friends, peers, and other unknowns from the digital world are being viewed as unavoidable/prerequisites for acceptance. The counterproductive effects of the psychological, emotional, and physiological development of a teenager actively being part of social media platforms are raising alarming signals in society. Teenagers look for likes, dislikes, comments, and some such validations from their peers over social media platforms is a reality that is also leading to traumatic experiences.
PC: LinkedIn
- As is their wont, teenagers are bound to act in an age-appropriate manner where taunts, pulling legs, calling names, forming groups, gossiping, condescension, ridiculing, and rumour-mongering are a given characteristic trait. Apart from getting hooked on smartphones with numerous gaming applications and other options available for consumption, some children failing to obtain due acknowledgement from their peers are leading to distressing episodes. Smartphone addiction is a real issue that cannot be brushed under the carpet anymore. Parents, elders, teachers, counselors, and society in general must recognize this factor and help children strike a balance between present-day reality and the necessity to embrace traditional developments.
