The Role of Technology on Young Adolescent Development: Implications for Policy, Research and Practice

Possible Effects of Internet Use on Cognitive Development in Adolescence

“…When interviewed, Italian adolescents reported feeling as though the Internet facilitated the tasks of forming one's identity, establishing personal autonomy, and strengthening peer relationships (Borca, Bina, Keller, Gilbert, & Begotti, 2015). Another study that interviewed American 13-14 year olds obtained similar reports, as these adolescents largely expressed positive perceptions of the effects of technology on their cognitive and social development (Fitton et al, 2013). Perhaps any changes in cognition that accompany Internet use are not a cause for concern, but rather a positive adaption to a changing environment.…”

“…In an interview study of 128 American 13 to 14 year olds, 85% reported using information technologies for communication purposes (Fitton, Ahmedani, Harold, & Shifflet, 2013); a study of 10,930 adolescents spanning 6 European countries found that approximately 70% of adolescents aged 14 to 18 years reported using social networking sites daily (Tsitsika et al, 2014). The primary reason why adolescents use social networking sites is to connect with individuals known offline (Reich, Subrahmanyam, & Espinoza, 2012).…”

Forward Thinking

“…Children now grow up watching family members, role models, peers, and celebrities interact in an alternate reality of online personas that feed and sometimes celebrate narcissism. Adolescents report that technology is integral to their lives on a daily basis (Fitton, Ahmedani, Harold, & Shifflet, 2013). A by-product of the increase in technology usage in our youth is a reduction of meaningful time spent in nature and with animals (Louv, 2008).…”

“…A significant generational gap exists between older generations raised with educational systems, social structure, and family values that did not include overt amounts of technology or the Internet and today's youth. In self-reflective interviews of 13-14 year olds asked about their experiences with information technology, 83% of respondents stated they believed their technological skills were far above average compared to their teachers and parents (Fitton et al, 2013). Mothers of adolescents report that the abundance and dynamic nature of social technology make it more difficult to maintain maternal authority in the relationship with their children (Fletcher & Blair, 2014).…”

Untitled

“…However, the influence of current trends has also a negative character and is responsible for causing a lot of physical and mental illnesses, together with cardiovascular diseases, a cancer, a diabetes mellitus, chronic respiratory diseases, a musculoskeletal system weakening and others (Bendíková & Stackeová, 2015). The current lifestyle diseases are mostly caused by the wrong lifestyle, wrong eating habits, missing of an active life, smoking, alcohol and stress (Fitton et al, 2013).…”