Digital Literacy in Teenagers - Essay Example

16 February Digital Literacy and Teenagers Introduction: The developments in information technology andcomputer science have made a great impact in the way people live and work in the 21st century. This is the digital age where people live in an information society and digital literacy is essential to take part in this society .The twenty first century also marked the start of a new era of technological advancements. The “concept of digital literacy was introduced by Paul Gilster, in his book of the same name Glister” (Bawden p 2). In simple terms, Digital Literacy is defined as “the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills” (Visser par.1). Internet plays a major role in the lives of adults and teenagers alike and the significance of the internet in a teenager's life increases with every day. Teenagers use internet in numerous ways. Internet and digital devices serve as a main source of entertainment to the teenagers. The need for internet becomes vital as long as there is a need for getting faster and in-depth information. The progressively growing internet and computers has become mandatory for teenagers in day to day life. Educators need to keep this in mind and give them a “head-start” (Thelen par.6) in school. Digital devices are a rage among young people today. Tablets, laptops and smart phones top the teen’s wish lists. MP3 players and other digital gadgets like play stations, palm tops are also widely used by many of today’s students. Digital literacy is a must for the present day teenagers. It is the wave of the future. Today's teenagers will be tomorrow's leaders and working members of the society. Teenagers who do not have digital literacy will find themselves far behind in the future. Activities of Teenagers on the Internet A new “Pew Internet Project” survey reveals “that 93% of teenagers 12?17 go online” (Teen and Young Adult Internet Use. par.1). The frequent activity on the internet by teenagers is the use of social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. Estimates suggest that “73%” of teens have “profiles on social networking sites” (How are Online Issues Affecting Children? Par.7). Social networking sites are forums where information can be posted, shared and uploaded. Teens use these sites to chat with their friends all over the world. Similarly, every teenager with access to computers has an e-mail account. E-mails make communication easier. Commercial sites are used to buy things online, such as books, clothing, or music. To have a video chat conversation with other people chatting tools like Skype and Google Talk etc are used by teenagers. Internet is also used by teens to gather information about “health, dieting, physical fitness information” (Trends Data (Teens) Par.1) for homework and assignments. Teenagers use internet also to publish journals, articles and research papers. Movies, games and songs are downloaded easily using the internet. Teens also use internet to play online games and watch movies online, using YouTube. Cell phone is the other major characteristic of the present day. It is estimated that “75% of teens have cell phones” (How are Online Issues Affecting Children? Par.7). Smart phones, which have GPS tracking enable the parents to know the whereabouts of their teens. “58% of teenagers send “Instant Messages (IM) or text messages using the site” (Facts and statistics on Teens and Technology par. 3). The student’s curiosity to gather and know more information is quenched by popular search engines like Google, AskJeevs etc. Digital readers and other devices reduce the need for carrying heavy books and notebooks to schools and colleges. Data stored on a computer as reports and assignments can easily be manipulated into a number of different formats, making it easier to study. Communicating and downloading content are two primary uses of the internet by young people. The digital technology also promotes education and “80% of teenagers state that they use the Web to do research for school assignments” (The Secret Online Lives of Teens p.4). Advantages of Digital Technology: Today’s younger generation are “digital natives” (The Secret Online Lives of Teens p.3) who grow up with the internet “and use it more skillfully, comfortably” and critically than many adults for communication, education and entertainment. The positive effects of digital technology empower the teenagers to seek information and figure out solutions independently. Teenagers feel that “I can be anyone I want online,” (Social Networking Advantages and Disadvantages from the Mouths of Teenagers p.1) having full freedom when they are online without any pressure. Teens can become famous within a short span of time by uploading their talents related to singing dancing, sporting, movie making – short films, creative artwork etc. Using digital devices and internet also enables them to keep in touch with people from across the globe, which promotes cultural exchange. The use of information communication and technology in the field of education in schools and colleges is helpful in enhancing the learning processes in terms of convenience, flexibility and ability to share information. Teenagers can learn easily and cost effectively in the e-learning age. In online discussion forums, teenagers have the opportunity to “develop critical thinking and argumentation skills” (Benefits of Online Interaction for Teens Outweigh Danger, Professor Says par.1). Teenagers feel free to ask questions about “sensitive issues, explore questions of Identity” (Benefits of Online Interaction for Teens Outweigh Danger, Professor Says par.1). and build up skills in understanding things in the perspective of others. The social world of adolescents is transformed by the use of Internet. It serves as a community building tool where youth are given the opportunity to exercise their management skills. Internet communication is particularly an appealing choice for shy, socially nervous youth enabling them to develop social skills devoid of the risks associated in person –to – person interactions. Online communications provide necessary social support for otherwise lonely adolescents. The internet serves as a platform for adolescents to freely voice their opinion without fear. The internet also serves as an effective source for learning and development besides facilitating learning to an international scale. Disadvantages of Digital Technology: While digital devices provide a lot of benefits to teenagers, they have some disadvantages also. Teenagers are forced to look for all “sorts of topics as a result of modern-day pressures” (Teenagers ‘Spend an Average of 31 hours Online par.8). Exposure to inappropriate and disreputable sources is always possible in internet. Most parents of teenagers are apprehensive about what their teenage children do online. Teenagers, who indulge in extraneous activities, try to minimize their browsers when parents enter. Many suggest that the internet and other digital gadgets are not only time consuming, but have an addictive effect. Addiction to Internet and digital gadgets can have negative impacts among teenagers. They lose track of time and think frequently about the computer even when not using it. Addiction to social network working and messaging substantially reduces their study time. Many teenagers tend to use internet as a means to getaway from the society when they feel dejected. There is always the danger of online predators when engaging on social net working. Frequent use of digital devices poses a serious threat to health, like weight gain due to sedentary lifestyle. Cyber dangers of online bullying and illegal downloading can lead to serious consequences. Texting and instant messaging have replaced existing modes of casual conversation. The present day video games, PS3 etc are designed to play for hours to reach the end. On the other hand, social networking sites, cell phones, iPods, portable media players and other gadgets also take up much time. Technology encourages instant gratification. With technology enabling things to be delivered instantly, teens become easily impatient if they do not get what they want right away. Teens can gain access to adult chat rooms, pornographic websites, and websites with violent content, which may lead to overall change of character. The internet makes it easy for any person to be anyone else in the world. There is always a chance of starting online relationship while communicating with an unknown person online. A study reveals “Excessive internet use may cause parts of teenagers’ brains to waste away. Scientists discovered signs of atrophy of grey matter in the brains of heavy internet users that grew worse over time” (Harris par.1). “Cyber bullying” and cyber-pranking remains problem for teenagers. “It is clear from the research that cyber bullying is not something that will go away anytime soon without increased education and prevention” (The Secret Online Lives of Teens p.7). An Evaluation of the Situation: Considering the problems associated with the use of a relevant question emerges whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Technology opens up an incredible world of learning and productivity to today’s youngsters. On the flipside, there are dangers and legitimate concerns surrounding the use of digital gadgets and the internet. These tools are here to stay so we should keep an eye on their use and educate teenagers on how to use them wisely and critically. Teenagers turn to digital devices for entertainment and schoolwork. The concept of education is changing as well. The key to balancing the pros and cons of the effects of digital tools on teenagers is to practice moderation. Educators and parents need to tactfully teach the youngsters on the use of digital technology to maximize the advantages and minimize the drawbacks. Monitoring by parents is also an effective tool Even though the Internet has “consistent positive impacts on modern society”, it has “also caused various societal concerns about privacy, security, pornography and Internet crime” (Louge p.2). The easy accessibility of web content “poses a greater risk and danger for youth as compared to other forms of media” The study by Oxford University, projected about 10% of the teenagers was without online connectivity at home with “most living in poorer households” Teenagers said they “felt shut out of their peer group socially and also disadvantaged in their studies” (Prigg par7). One must look for possible ways to encourage safer and more optimistic operation of this system like including federal law, incorporating internet filters and by including media literacy in curriculum‹. Teens need to be taught “how to be good digital citizens” (The Secret Online Lives of Teens p.8). Conclusion: It is hard for youngsters today to perceive a world that existed before cell phones, internet, iPods, cable TV, video game consoles and a multitude of other gadgets. Essentially, Teenagers have to survive in this digital age. With much broader approach to digital literacy teens can understand the risks involved in using internet and digital gadgets and ascertain the security of personal information and avoid scams and problems. This definitely will be one way forward for teens to be good digital citizens. The internet is a useful tool as long as the intention remains positive. According to “Tynes”, a professor of educational psychology and of African American studies at Illinois believes that“ educational and psychosocial benefits of this type of communication can far outweigh the potential dangers” (Benefits of Online Interaction for Teens Outweigh Danger, Professor Says par.1). Teens can be taught to implement security setting while on the internet and social networking sites to avoid potential dangers. Digital gadgets and Internet to teens is not a threat if used wisely and critically. Online social environments should be rather considered as a “training ground for teens preparing to enter the adult social world” (Benefits of Online Interaction for Teens Outweigh Danger, Professor Says par.14). Works Cited Bawden, David. Chapter 1: Origins and Concepts of Digital Literacy. 1997. Web. 16 February 2013. http://www.soi.city.ac.uk/~dbawden/digital%20literacy%20chapter.pdf Benefits of Online Interaction for Teens Outweigh Danger, Professor Says. News Bureau Illinois. 2007. Web. 16 February 2013. http://www.news.illinois.edu/news/07/1106tynes.html Facts and Statistics on Teens and technology. Web Wise Kids. n.d. Web. 16 February 2013. http://www.webwisekids.org/programs-facts-statistics-beseen.html How are Online Issues Affecting Children?. Net Smarts Workshop. 2001. Web. 16 February 2013. http://www.netsmartz.org/safety/statistics Harris, Sarah. Too Much Internet Use ‘Can Damage Teenagers’ Brain. Mail Online. 2011. Web. 16 February 2013. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2015196/Too-internet-use-damage-teenagers-brains.html Louge, Nathalie. Adolescents and the Internet. ACT for Youth Center of Excellence Research Facts & Findings. 2006. Web. 16 February 2013. http://www.actforyouth.net/resources/rf/rf_internet_1006.pdf Prigg, Mark. Teenagers Who don’t have Internet Access at Home are ‘Missing Out Educationally and Socially’. Mail Online. 2012. Web. 16 February 2013. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2255366/Teenagers-dont-internet-access-missing-educationally-socially.html Teen and Young Adult Internet Use. Pew Research Center. 2013. Web. 16 February 2013. http://www.pewresearch.org/millennials/teen-internet-use-graphic/ Thelen, David. The Importance of the Internet for Teens. www 4 Teachers. 1997. Web. 16 February 2013. http://4teachers.org/kidspeak/thelan/index.shtml Trends Data (Teens). Pew Research Center. 2013. Web. 16 February 2013. http://pewinternet.org/Trend-Data-%28Teens%29/Online-Activites-Total.aspx The Secret Online Lives of Teens. McAfee. 2008. Web. 16 February 2013. http://promos.mcafee.com/en-US/PDF/lives_of_teens.pdf Teenagers ‘Spend an Average of 31 hours Online. The Telegraph. 2009. Web. 16 February 2013. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/4574792/Teenagers-spend-an-average-of-31-hours-online.html Visser, Marijke. Digital Literacy Definition. ALA Connect. 2012. Web. 16 February 2013. http://connect.ala.org/node/181197 Read More