More is More: Tapscott I

The Net Generation. A generation of people fluent in technology; namely, the Internet.

In the book, Grown Up Digital, author Don Tapscott illustrates what it looks like to live a lifestyle laden with technology that is rapidly advancing. He says that "technology is like the air" (pg. 18). For those who grew up with technology, it's as common and expected as anything else in our society.

We use technology on a daily basis to communicate, produce and find information, create and/or view art, etc. There are countless ways in which technology is used on a daily basis. It has literally infiltrated our lives; rather, we have welcomed it in. But is this all good? Are we benefiting from it all?

Yes. There is great benefit, but it is also important to not turn a blind eye to the negative side of technology. In reference to the Net Generation being immersed in technology, Tapscott wrote that "their immersion has not hurt them overall". (pg. 10) Maybe it's just a bit too early to make these types of claims. There is an article that was published several weeks ago stating that a 16 year-old-girl was set to have surgery due to serious carpal tunnel injuries in both of her wrists. The injuries were caused by excessive texting. There are other teens and young adults as well who are literally addicted to being "online" and have a need to be somehow connected to the Internet at all times.

Now, this isn't to say that all technology is bad or will harm you physically or otherwise. It is simply worth pointing out that there needs to be more education in regard to technology. Most new innovations require some sort of education. Take the automobile for example. We don't get to just start driving without any sort of education-- it's not a trial and error sort of thing.

Perhaps our society would benefit from knowing the pros and cons of various types of technology (Internet, cell phones, computers, etc) from a younger age spanning from the physical, mental, and social effects of technology. The more means we add to our culture, the more awareness and alertness is needed in order to enjoy the new additions in a healthy way.