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Qianlang Frankie Xun

Ms. Milano

Challenge and Change in Society

November 22, 2023

Tech and Teens

Technology has been a hot topic of debate, especially among young people, and in the

rapidly evolving world, technology has become omnipresent in the lives of many. More and

more new-generation children are surrounded by technology: phones, iPads, smartwatches, TV,

etc. The powerful, manipulative, and fast-paced information from these tech gadgets shapes the

behaviour of young minds. While some argue that technology can be an extremely efficient tool

for connectivity and personal growth, others believe it threatens mental health and social

development. Despite the duality of the issue, one should consider both perspectives and gain a

more complete understanding of the influences of technology on adolescent behaviour.

One undeniable positive aspect of technology is its role in encouraging global

communication. Social media platforms, messaging apps, and online communities offer

opportunities for people to connect with each other without having to move physically (DeCoeur,

Trisha, et al. 246). More specifically, it allows adolescents to connect with peers and form large

social groups very quickly. This interconnectedness can occasionally create a sense of belonging

and support, which is crucial for the often emotionally unstable adolescents. Moreover, the

internet allows adolescents to explore subjects that interest them with virtually unlimited

amounts of information. This can be really beneficial to those who already have a passion for a

field and have the motivation to self-initiate their learning. In brief, technology can allow many
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adolescents to explore their passions and expose them to a wider array of people, making them

more accepting of others.

With that being said, the pervasive nature of technology and its impact on mental health

among adolescents can also seem concerning. The freedom on the internet, which is both its

strength and weakness, can facilitate identity theft and cyberbullying, and this can be particularly

harmful to teenagers who are already psychologically vulnerable. For example, in 2012, a

teenage girl, Amanda Todd, took her own life because of being a victim of continuous

“sextortion” for three years. A man, Aydin Coban, possessed explicit videos of Amanda with her

breasts exposed and threatened to release the video to all her friends and family if she did not

perform sexual acts for him through a webcam. Amanda released a video describing the

sextortion she experienced before committing suicide (Weisgarber). The ability to communicate

with others without physical presence allows people to hide behind their screens concealing their

identities and manipulating those who are vulnerable. In addition, most people on the internet are

very easily influenced by others, and the creation of “media trends” and many unrealistic beauty

standards can cause teenagers to develop a distorted self-image. This can be explained by

Charles Cooley’s theory of the Looking-Glass Self, in which he expressed that one’s self-image

is what one thinks others think of them (Nickerson). Teenagers constantly compare themselves to

the standards in media; any small differences between them and “the standards” can make

teenagers believe that others will judge them based on these differences. Furthermore, the

constant flashing of information and stimuli from teenagers’ devices has contributed to shortened

attention spans and greatly reduced their ability to focus. Although the internet has seemingly

connected people, the addictive nature of social media and online entertainment has in reality
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reduced face-to-face interactions, which greatly obstructs the development of essential social

skills and emotional intelligence.

In conclusion, technology undeniably plays a pivotal role in shaping the behaviour of

adolescents today. While it offers unprecedented opportunities for connectivity and learning, it

also poses challenges to mental health and social development. Through raising awareness of the

harm and dangers of technology and the internet, the younger generation can learn to take

advantage of the benefits of technology while safeguarding their well-being.

Works Cited

DeCoeur, Trisha, et al. Challenge and Change: Patterns, Trends, and Shifts in Society. W. Ross

MacDonald School Resource Services Library, 2012.

Nickerson, Charlotte. “Looking-Glass Self: Theory, Definition & Examples.” Simply

Psychology, 22 September 2023, http://www.simplypsychology.org/charles-cooleys-

looking-glass-self.html. Accessed November 21, 2023.

Weisgarber, Maria. “Cyberbullying Case: B.C. Teen the Victim of Persistent Campaign of

Sextortion, Trial Hears.” CTV News, 6 June 2022, http://bc.ctvnews.ca/cyberbullying-

case-b-c-teen-the-victim-of-persistent-campaign-of-sextortion-trial-hears-1.5934921.

Accessed November 21, 2023.