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Young and ‘Addicted’ to Mobile Phones

Press release May 3, 2012 Education

How do mobile phones and media affect children of today?

Mobile phones have become extremely popular over the past 10 years, especially with the younger generation; it seems to be “vital” that they have the latest model to keep up with their friends. Parents consider it important for their children to have a mobile phone whether it be in case of emergencies or to be sure they can contact their children whenever they need to. The younger generation think very differently. A mobile phone is now considered to be a ‘fashion accessory’ together with being a method of checking social network sites and keeping in touch with friends.

Recent research suggests that when the younger generation are without their mobile phone they get what researchers refer to as “phantom limb” syndrome, the same feeling suffered by amputees. How is this affecting our nation? Could mobile phones be brain washing our children?

Advances in Technology

Although mobile phones are the essential device among the youth of today, other technologies such as MP3 players, computers and TV’s are also considered to be vital components in their daily routine. Tests and examinations have been undertaken to demonstrate the importance and reliability youth have on such devices. The results show that they feel a variety of symptoms such as distress, addiction and depression when without their “phantom limbs”.

The results of this research show that the younger generation rely heavily on their mobile phones, with huge advances in technology it is now possible to view TV on your mobile phone, catch up with friends on social networks, read books and play games. This all sounds very impressive and it is; the way technology has advanced is mind blowing, but could this have a detrimental effect on the way our children grow up and behave as young adults?

How does the media influence the younger generation?

Media is very important in our daily life and now it is possible to watch TV etc. on a mobile phone, we need to consider the effect too much of a good thing can have on the youth. Media is a very influential factor in how people behave and follow trends.  Heavy television viewing and mobile usage has been linked with attention-deficit disorder, which in turn can affect academic performance in a negative way. Playing violent games is now possible on mobile phones. Research suggests that children who spend a lot of time playing these types of games become conditioned and believe this is an acceptable way to behave. Sleep and mood disorders have been linked to excessive mobile phone usage. As mentioned previously, mobile phones can pretty much do anything you want; children are spending an increasing amount of time on their phones when they should be sleeping in preparation for the day ahead.

Media is a vital component to everyone’s life and is important to keep up with current affairs. Media can be used in a positive way, teaching children to have empathy with others, be thankful for what they have and to have respect for their elders. Media News stories from around the world are used daily in school lessons. Each story gives children a unique quality, such as sympathy towards others; which they can go on and use in later life. This sculpts their personality and behaviour for adult life.

Media and media devices are ever improving with technology, allowing the individual to get more from their mobile device. Currently software and hardware companies such as Apple are at the top of their game, competing with computers and tablets. The British public will find it hard to fight this technology boom in years to come, with resources becoming more readily available, desirable and affordable. In the near future, more people are going to have mobile phones and the age in which people receive their first device will become younger.

Subjects


Education