Teens and Technology: Plugged in, logged on and tuned out?
by Jennifer Satterwhite

In my household when we talk about that "soft glowing light flickering in the night" we are not talking about candles. We are talking about the various technological gadgets that our teens- and we as parents- are plugged into every day. My teen and my tween both have a cell phone, an MP3 player, a Nintendo DS and other various hand-held games and portable DVD players. Those are just the electronics they have that are portable. We aren't even mentioning the gaming consoles, computers and laptops that are a part of everyday life.

The IlluminatiIt is not uncommon to find the faces of my children buried in their cell phones or other electronic gadget when I look at them. And? More times than not, I have to do more to get their attention when I want them. They are completely plugged into their outside world- their circle of friends. But to the exclusion of what? Has it impacted family time? Are we all so busy with our various Blackberries, iPhones, MP3 players etc that we have tuned out the world around us or is that just life today so suck it up and deal with it?

I was first introduced to a photography project by photographer Evan Baden titled "The Illuniati" by Anastasia Goodstein on her awesome, must visit daily site, Ypulse. (Sidenote: This site in and of itself should be and will be its own entry. All parents of tweens and teens need to have it bookmarked and sign up for the Ypulse Daily. It has a wealth of insight and knowledge. I know it is a must read for me!) She says:

 

Photographer Evan Baden just published a gallery of snapshots capturing tweens and teens in their element -- in front of the omnipresent glowing screen. Cleverly titled "The Illuminati," the fascinating series captures a diverse group of kids entranced with their gadgets in the comfort of their bedrooms, cars, even swimming pools.

We are all guilty of it sometimes, but when I looked at these pictures-- and don't get me wrong because these are beautiful photographs-- they made me sad. Probably because I see how tuned out my own tween and teen can become to their immediate surroundings when they become so tuned into a conversation or communication coming from friends.

Baden explains his project to File Magazine:

In Westernized cultures today, there is a generation that is growing up without the knowledge of what it is to be disconnected. The world in which we are growing up is always on. We are continuously plugged in, and linked up. We take this technology for granted. Not because we are ungrateful, but because we simply don’t know a world without it.

From our earliest memories, there has always been a way to connect with others, whether it is Myspace, Facebook, cell phones, e-mail, or instant messenger. And now, with the Internet, instant messaging, and e-mail in our pocket, right there with our phones, we can always feel as if we are part of a greater whole. These devices grace us with the ability to instantly connect to others, and at the same time, they isolate us from those with whom we are connected. They allow for great freedom, yet so often, we are chained to them. They have become part of who we are and how we identify ourselves. These devices ordain us with a wealth of knowledge and communication that would have been unbelievable a generation ago. More and more, we are bathed in a silent, soft, and heavenly blue glow. It is as if we carry divinity in our pockets and purses.

The question has been asked: Do we own our electronics or do they own us? I think that raises a valid point for families.

Do you have a vacation away from your electronics? A day? An evening? Some time set apart where everyone puts aside their various gadgets and just spends time together as a family talking? We recently started doing this when I realized that I barely recognized my children without the glow of some handheld technology shining into their glazed over eyes. (No. It is not that bad. However, I am going to ensure it does not become that bad.)

In the words of Ms. Mac, Library Lady:

Photographs can be haunting and provide a mirror to our world. This online exhibit of photos of teens connected to their technology reflects the world in a different light.

I have to admit that these images are so familiar to me. The one of the teen at the wheel of a car? That one made my stomach clench. Yet, I know it is a daily occurance.

Our teens are so comfortable in their ability to be constantly connected, many cannot imagine life any other way. The soft glow of technology is their way of life. It is the normalcy of their technology and gadget dependent lifestyles of today.

Is this "just the way it is" or are today's teens and tweens too plugged in to the point of being too tuned out? What do you think? Have teens? How gadget dependent are they? I want to know where my own kids fall on the spectrum of plugged in, wired and tuned out.

---

Jennifer Satterwhite is a BlogHer Contributing Editor (Mommy/Family), founder of Mommybloggers.com and writes her personal blog at Mommy Needs Coffee.

Submitted by Jennifer Satterwhite (view blog) on Fri, 05/30/2008 - 22:19

Comments

 

I'll assume I'm in the minority

Our brains are amazing. They focus our attention on whatever it is that they feel we need to attend. Normally, this is whatever is a threat or of benefit to us. In an absolutely primitive state I can imagine being focused entirely on food and things with teeth, and signs in the world around me that either were nearby.

Our brains process information from whatever part of the world is the most important to us. Whether it is processing information delivered by reflected light from trees, buildings, cars, and people, or information delivered through the generated glow of a hand-held, it's still the brain doing the processing and the world providing the information.

It just so happens that today the ways in which the world can threaten or benefit us are not usually immediately physical. They are political and financial, and information about both of these areas is actually delivered most easily in soft-glowing light than in sunlight. So it's unsurprising that most of our attention would be focused on the delivery mechanisms for the information that is of most importance to us.

 If the world suddenly began growing murderous trees, or roast-beef bushes, I think you can bet that our attention would be suddenly re-focused on our immediate physical surroundings.

For teens, the world is entirely social. And social information is still just that, which means it can be delivered in many ways. But because it is important to teens, they will opt for the way that allows the most firehose-like flow of information. This used to just be telephone calls too late at night, or gossip sessions in front of lockers.

So if there is a problem, is it with the technology, which has turned the political, financial, and social worlds into firehoses that we can barely keep up with? Or is the problem with those worlds themselves, that they change so suddenly and can impact us so severely that they must be tracked constantly? Or is there even a problem?

I think that if our kids are focusing all of their attention on their social worlds it isn't because that information is being delivered too easily, but because that information is too important to them. And if we think it's a problem that they aren't connected to us as strongly as they might have been before cell phones, well, all I really have to do is remember my sullen high school years, during which I lacked a cell phone, lived on an island with my father, and yet still took every opportunity to be away from home and family. The social world was the more important one, even without the technology.

If we don't like the focus of attention away from family, then we have to figure out ways to make family more important than their social worlds. But that's a trick I haven't figured out a solution for yet. Luckily, I still have a lot of years ahead of me before I really have to face that challenge.

http://backpackingdad.blogspot.com

Submitted by Backpacking Dad on Fri, 05/30/2008 - 21:58
 

Minority, maybe

But you aren't alone. I am with you on this one. Completely. This was a great comment. If you haven't written a post of your own about this subject, you should.

I think I'll show this post to our very plugged in 14 year old who gets a lot of flack from his other parents for being so plugged in and focused on what he's plugged into.

~Denise
BlogHer Community Manager

Flamingo House Happenings

Submitted by Denise on Sat, 05/31/2008 - 02:27
 

Teens can't win. Too much or not enough, it
seems.

I have seen both sides of this.  Parents who have kids so plugged in they text them from the other room to tell them dinner is ready. (Hey!  I only did that onece) To parents who refuse to let their teens have cells phones, computers etc. at all.  

Again, it all comes down to balance and what works for the family.   You have to know what is going to be good for your kid, youself and your family and work with that.

--- 

~Jennifer Satterwhite~

Personal blog: Mommy Needs Coffee

Founder group blog: Mommybloggers

Submitted by Jennifer Satterwhite on Sat, 05/31/2008 - 10:58
 

Texting from one room to another

Raising my hand proudly.

Yes. Well actually not text but when Michelle was homeschooled we AIMd each other questions and assignments and stuff back and forth. It was a good way for her to be able to study at her own pace, in her own space, and still be able to ask me questions or have me ask her questions - or give her assignments while I was working. I hate AIM for a million reasons but homeschooling a teen while working several jobs at once was made easier with AIM.

Now, I just call her on her cell phone when she's in her bedroom and I'm downstairs. It works well when she has her phone on. Otherwise I have to tromp up the stairs and yell over her often very loud music. Again, I appreciate the fact that technology has made life a little easier on my knees and my voice.

;-)

~Denise
BlogHer Community Manager

Flamingo House Happenings

Submitted by Denise on Sat, 05/31/2008 - 14:28
 

You make great points and probably are not
the minority

I completely agree that teens are going to gravitate to the source that has the most social impact in their lives.  Which is why you probably noticed I mentioned my teen and tween both have all of the above gadgets that keep them plugged in.

But just like my parents did with me with my phone calls and "skating rink" nights, there were times that were focused on family.  Balance.  It isn't making family more important than their social worlds. They are teens. Their social world is extrememly important and should be.  I believe it is showing the teens balance. Whether they like it or not.  ;-)

My only objection to teens plugged in so much is when or if they are doing it to the distraction of things they should be focused on:  ie: driving, school etc.

Personally, I am in plugged in as much they are so I am not one to fuss.  

Thanks for answering the question(s) thrown out there!

~Jennifer Satterwhite~

Personal blog: Mommy Needs Coffee

Founder: Mommybloggers

Submitted by Jennifer Satterwhite on Sat, 05/31/2008 - 10:54
 

you are so right

@ backpacking dad:

 

"all I really have to do is remember my sullen high school years, during
which I lacked a cell phone, lived on an island with my father, and yet
still took every opportunity to be away from home and family. The
social world was the more important one, even without the technology. "

That is so true!  I often think that I am so lucky that mobile phones were not around when I was a teenager, because that would have allowed my mom to track me even more closely.  I used to reset my watch back by half an hour so that I could justify coming home too late.

 I think we are very quick think that the symptoms are the disease itself.  

 All the same, there is something very odd about going to a venue for live music and half the audience are staring at their phones instead of at the musicians.

Submitted by mashadutoit on Sat, 05/31/2008 - 02:52
 

It can actually give teens more freedom

Knowing my teen has a cell phone has actually given him more freedom rather than less.  I know we can reach each other if we need to and he can text me to let me know when his plans change or he needs a ride etc.  

I am comfortable in knowing he won't ever be stranded in a sitation he is uncomfortable with or blow off a curfew. In turn he knows that I trust his judgement and am not going to hassle him.

For us, it works well on both sides.

On a sidenote: Did that "setting back your watch" trick EVER work for you because seriously, as many times as I tried it, my Dad never fell for it. I just got busted for being late AND lying.  Kudos to you if it worked. 

 

~Jennifer Satterwhite~

Personal blog: Mommy Needs Coffee

Founder: Mommybloggers

Submitted by Jennifer Satterwhite on Sat, 05/31/2008 - 11:07
 

Active vs. passive, constantly connected vs.
sometimes solitary

I do agree with Backpacking Dad that technology mostly enables or collaborates with our existing drives and desires.

And when mashadutoit says:

"All the same, there is something very odd about going to a venue for live music and half the audience are staring at their phones instead of at the musicians."

I think it's no different than the fact that at most big venues you end up watching the video screens not the musicians, because you can't see the musicians.

However, there is one thing I think is worth watching out for: I think our always on culture removes the opportunity for daydreaming and ideating. When I see mini-vans driving along with DVDs playing in the back, I remember driving home from my grandparents' house every weekend at night, staring out the window, looking at people driving by in other cars...and daydreaming, making up stories about them in my head, just being alone with my thoughts.

As an adult, I had the same opportunity on my 45 minute subway ride home. I'd observe, think, still daydream.

When do people daydream now? And how does it change our brains if we don't?

Elisa Camahort
BlogHer
elisa@blogher.com

Submitted by Elisa Camahort on Sat, 05/31/2008 - 07:28
 

Great questions, Elisa!

I am willing to admit to both.  Burying my own nose in my Blackberry check email or online chatting when on a long ride (not driving) and have been known to ensure that the DVD player is working perfectly before I take a long road trip with the kids.

What I have found when it comes to kids, they actually do both. In fact, are inspired by the technology around them.  My tween plays video games, but then is also online emailing the developers we know asking questions.  He has created his own game in his head and on paper in great detail. One sparked the other.  And my daughter (still young) will give up any of it for a day of pretending with Mom.  (There is still hope!)

I love your question so much! I would love to know the answer to it as well.  "When do people daydream now? And how does it change our brains if we don't?"  

Things to ponder.

(Not sent from my iPhone) 

~Jennifer Satterwhite~

Personal blog: Mommy Needs Coffee

Founder: Mommybloggers

Submitted by Jennifer Satterwhite on Sat, 05/31/2008 - 11:18
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