North Canyon student using their phone
Technology has been around for a long time, the first modern computer being made in 1872. Evolving into the modern devices we have today, which gen Z and gen alpha statistically seem to have the biggest addiction to it.
As you walk down the hallways of a high school, you’ll see the majority of the students on their devices. Individuals today depend on technology for everyday activities, not seeming to be able to get off their phones.
Ever since 2020, the COVID outbreak, more people have been using their devices as a source of entertainment. When everyone was quarantined and stuck in their houses, the only way to communicate was online through social media sites. Niome, a student at North Canyon, and another journalist had stated, “Before COVID I wasn’t online a lot but when COVID hit I had got it twice so I was always in my room; that was when I was little but even now I’m usually on social media.” As can be seen, after the COVID outbreak, many have begun to be online more often.
But this new dependence on technology has it’s negative effects as well. If you’re on social media, you’d see all the negative comments some people leave on videos. People with lower self esteem may see comments and videos tearing others down, which can ultimately hurt them.
Being addicted to your devices also results into you not wanting to do anything else. Phones are extremely addictive, so it’s hard to get off. This leads to people staying on their phones all day, not being productive, and losing interest in doing anything else.
While it may cause addiction, there are also beneficial applications for it. The Internet could be a beneficial way to communicate with your friends and family when you’re away. It’s also a way to discover news and what’s going on in the world rather quickly.
“I believe that social media is Pandora’s box, you never truly know what your getting out of it. Social media can tear down someone ones confidence with hateful words and content. But, it can also be something beautiful, somewhere that builds community, strength and knowledge. Social media engages with you, so choose what content you interact with wisely, because it’s up to you how its impacts your life and others lives.”, said Gisele, a North Canyon student and journalist. The internet is a wild place, which has its benefits and drawbacks. It could harm people, or help, it’s up to you to decide how to use it.