It isn't too difficult to see that technology promotes the opposite of mindfulness, that being mindlessness. Technology is all about staying connected, creating a constant flow of information from the outside world, especially through texting and social media. The author argues that subjecting children to a continual stream of information keeps their focus off of the current moment and promotes an external view of themselves, meaning they lack abilities of self-examination and only understand themselves in regards to how others perceive them. This kind of stream, Taylor says, creates a hyper-vigilant and stressful state for kids, and prevents them from focusing on the present.
This "mindlessness" actually isn't very mindless; combined with an over-scheduled lifestyle, Taylor says kids rarely have the chance to be calm. In extreme circumstances, some children have trouble engaging in the present, leading to trouble with school, relationships, and even developmental milestones. Having the ability to simply let your mind wander is crucial to overall happiness, a state that only comes from being "mindful." In recent research, chemicals released in the brain when experiencing continuous connectivity are akin to those found in drug users and gamblers, suggesting a possible addiction of technology.So, what do you think? Does technology promotes "mindlessness?" Do the ideas Taylor present resonate in your own life? Or should children be encouraged to be tech savvy in order to compete with a tech savvy world? How does technology help or hinder your own happiness and sense of self?
I think that an over usage of technology promotes Taylor's idea of "mindlessness" because when you are on technology on an almost 24/7 basis like my younger brother, you really don't get the chance to relax and do the things you love. While I don't have this problem myself (I always try and take a break and read a book or bake something whenever I can), I do see it developing in my brother. He is always on the computer doing homework, skyping, or watching youtube, and rarely actually sits down with a book or goes outside (and trust me, he gets easily stressed and overwhelmed).
ReplyDeleteBeing tech-savvy is a good thing, and slowly becoming essential in the world, but parents should introduce it in the healthiest way possible (it can have negative physical and psychological side effects if used too much- eyesight and posture are just two examples). I do believe that children should be encouraged to become tech-savvy, but when they are older, have learned how to use introspection rather than the constant judgments of others on social networks, and have learned the value of time management.
To me, technology has had a mixed effect on my happiness. I usually procrastinate more because of it, thus affecting the amount of time I have for homework making me stressed and displeased. But I have also made great friends all around the world because of it, which has brought me happiness as well. As the article states, being able to let your mind wander is essential to being "mindful," which something that I know that I am always doing when I am dealing with technology because it can be quite boring sometimes, so I think that has affected my happiness as well. As for my sense of self, I don't let others affect it, whether online or in real life, because I developed I have worked hard to develop a strong one over the past few years.
As technology becomes a greater part of our lives, I do think early exposure to technology can be helpful for children. But, parents should monitor and regulate the time spent on computers, iPads, and TV. Mindlessly watching TV can make a child idle and lazy, therefore I do recommend parents supporting children's involvement in outdoor activities and/or exercise. The ability to pull away from technology and go for a run or hang out with friends will help children and teens socially.
ReplyDeleteI understand how technology can keep people from having a second to breather because our smartphones are constantly in our hands. People always on social networking websites, receiving text messages and emails can be hectic and keeps us so busy. So people should definitely take time to part from their technological devices or minimize the amount of information sent to their phones. Although smartphones are efficient and helpful in receiving and communicating, they steal our full attention from other realities in our lives. This lack of focus can make accomplishing goals 10 times harder and last 10 times longer.
It is important to moderate the use of technology in order to become skilled with the advancements but also be able to function in the real world.
I think Taylor's idea of mindless technology comes from the babysitter effect, parents or caregivers using technology as a complete and total substitute for activity or entertainment. When they're left alone to focus on an online game, or a television show, or even taking pictures of themselves, but not given any outside stimulus that makes them think about what they're doing, there isn't as much room for learning.
ReplyDeleteTake the example of a child who's left alone to play a game with mommy's iPad while she cooks dinner, versus the child who's taught colors or shapes through a game on the iPad with the help of his parent- they're both getting the same sort of technological stimulus, but one of them is being helped to think about why things are happening the way they do, rather than just learning a routine and going with it, which, in reality, is all online games are for kids. The first child is learning to do things on the surface, but become immersed in the shallowness of the game. The second child is learning to question things and make connections, with the help of both the technology and the interaction that technology allows.
It all sort of boils down to what we've been discussing in terms of intelligence in class- kids learning, not just academic studies, but life practices, does come from the environment in which they're raised. You can give every child an iPad, or an iPhone, or any sort of smartphone or computer, and they can all learn new things through these pieces of technology. But it's through the stimulus they receive and the way they're handled that teaches them the mindfulness verses the mindlessness.
I completely agree with this article. I have really been noticing lately that sometimes I am scrolling through twitter or Instagram not even sure what I'm looking for or why I'm even on the site. I also notice that much of the time I used to spend just letting my mind wander is now spent mindlessly scrolling through social media that I'm not even absorbing. I really worry about the effect of technology on future generations. Creative intelligence is sure to be compromised by the trend of technology because kids are no longer encouraged to engage in free play- something that was at the center at my own and many of my peer's childhood.
ReplyDeleteEven though I feel that technology has many problems, I think it is unrealistic to try to rid the world of it. It also has many benefits, and these days, it is almost impossible to keep up with society without social media. However, I also think that moderation is key. Taking time out of your day away from technology is definitely important, and limiting child use of technology definitely would help develop more creative brains.
I definitely agree with the article as well. Technology promotes a "mindlessness" in many people including myself. The ideas that Taylor presents are seen throughout my life. Sometimes I catch myself focusing on my phone and missing part of a conversation with my friends. Also, sometimes when I am babysitting and the kids are watching TV, they ignore me when I try to talk to them. I think it is important that children are able to compete in the tech savy world, but I do think that they need some time for themselves. I don't think any 2 year old needs his own iPad or needs to watch TV all day. The amount of technology needs to be limited for every person. It is important that people have time away from technology in order to stimulate their thoughts. I personally don't think that technology affects my happiness or my sense of self. I do think that sometimes technology can be an escape from thoughts, which may be good or bad. I think that at the end of the day, it is important to take a step away from technology and address the problems I am facing.
ReplyDeleteI share the same opinion as the other girls as well as Taylor in his article. While technology was created to bring people together, I've seen it more as a key contributor of tearing people apart and undermining relationships. As Marisa mentioned, I often find myself texting or looking at my phone while my friends or family members are trying to ask me something, and I unintentionally tune out the people who I'm physically with in order to communicate with the people I'm miles away from. My sister calls me "phone deaf" because I've developed such a bad habit of ignoring her when I'm doing something on my cell phone.
ReplyDeleteWhile I'm trying to break the habit, along with probably a lot of teenagers my age who are realizing what they're doing, the young children of this generation are going to be even more attached to their technology. We grew up being able to use our imagination and simply make a game out of nothing but our minds. Kids today rely entirely on television, iPads, and other electronic games to keep themselves occupied. I feel fortunate to have grown up in an environment that still somewhat fostered independent thinking and creativity, and I'm truly sorry and worried for the children that aren't getting the same kind of experiences as we had. I hope we stop the epidemic of raising kids through technology, but I sadly don't see an end to this trend.
I completely agree that technology promotes mindlessness. I experience this on an every day basis. I find it very difficult to go about my everyday life with the distraction of texts because I'm forcing my mind to work in so many different directions. I believe this may even cause weight gain, from mindless eating. How many times do you find yourself finishing off a bag of chips in front of the TV? Before you know it a 30 minute show has gone by and you've eaten much more than you intended initially. I think children need to be raised with a certain amount of technology in their lives, however I do not think the early onset schools instill are necessary. Why should toddlers know how to use an iPad? None of us had cellphones up until sixth grade and we were fine! Technology definitely makes certain aspects of modern life very easy, however I feel it would be foolish to deny that pitfalls exist. We all feel that "Facebook remorse" when we see a friend out on a Saturday night through her mobile uploads, and feel inadequate when we aren't invited. Technology makes it easier to bully with the protection of a computer screen in between two belligerent parties. We have all already discussed the disbenefits of technology and so I think that we should be keeping young children from entering this world of the unknown for as long as possible.
ReplyDeleteI agree that technology promotes mindlessness. When we were younger, we used to be able to watch T.V. or play on the computer, but still be able to play outside and use our imagination. Now that technology is so accessible and is everywhere, I think children are exposed to excessive amounts of technology. Sometimes I see five year olds playing with iPhones and iPads when they should be reading a book or playing with other kids. I know many young kids who freak out when their parents take these items away because they are so attached to them. I also heard that addiction to video games can be a real problem for some people. I find that I am affected by this too. Even when I am with other people, we are all on our phones. I think that nowadays we are so used to constantly being distracted by technology, but we could use time to just be alone with our thoughts or talk to other people in person.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that the latest outbursts in technology have created too many mindless activities for children. One can argue that there are apps or games on the iPad that are mentally stimulating and challenging, but too much time on any device can definitely cause problems for children at such a young age. Many of the games or activities on these devices are not only mindless but also very time consuming and addictive. Kids are so enthralled in whatever they are doing on their device that they lose out on time spent outside or playing with other kids. It's hard to imagine the effects that this overuse of technology will have on kids as they get older because when we were that age we didn't have nearly as many technological distractions as kids do today. We were forced to use our imagination and be creative, which is what has helped us grow into who we are today. I personally sometimes get overwhelmed by too much technology, and find myself relived if I leave my phone out of sight for a while, or flip through a magazine instead of watching TV. By using technology in moderation it can be beneficial, but the overuse of it, especially by young kids, can become addictive and unhealthy.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure that I agree with the statement that technology promotes "mindlessness". To me, it seems that being able to easily and efficiently use technological devices is a subdivision of intelligence almost. Yes, it is true that more kids nowadays can be observed watching TV and playing video games but I do not feel that this is a bad thing when it is in moderation. Most of the time, when something is wrong with the TV, Computer, etc. , my mom comes to me or one of my siblings to ask for help. We understand how to work these devices better because we are more exposed to them. Due to the fact that we spend more time using these appliances, we can benefit from all other the knowledge they can bring us. Now to counter argue the statement that kids are consumed by technology and isolated from the real world, the kids I babysit use technology as a way to interact with friends all the time. When the kids are not allowed to have play dates, they will talk on the phone and play games on Club penguin instead. Technology offers alternate ways to interact with people when situations will not allow for actual meetings.
ReplyDeleteWhen technology is taken advantage of and used excessively, it can in fact promote mindlessness. However, there is such a small percentage of situations where that happens. The only problem I see on a regular basis is people being consumed with their phones and not living in the moment. Besides that, technology has no reason to be categorized as promotes mindlessness.
I am not sure that I agree with the statement that technology promotes "mindlessness". To me, it seems that being able to easily and efficiently use technological devices is a subdivision of intelligence almost. Yes, it is true that more kids nowadays can be observed watching TV and playing video games but I do not feel that this is a bad thing when it is in moderation. Most of the time, when something is wrong with the TV, Computer, etc. , my mom comes to me or one of my siblings to ask for help. We understand how to work these devices better because we are more exposed to them. Due to the fact that we spend more time using these appliances, we can benefit from all other the knowledge they can bring us. Now to counter argue the statement that kids are consumed by technology and isolated from the real world, the kids I babysit use technology as a way to interact with friends all the time. When the kids are not allowed to have play dates, they will talk on the phone and play games on Club penguin instead. Technology offers alternate ways to interact with people when situations will not allow for actual meetings.
ReplyDeleteWhen technology is taken advantage of and used excessively, it can in fact promote mindlessness. However, there is such a small percentage of situations where that happens. The only problem I see on a regular basis is people being consumed with their phones and not living in the moment. Besides that, technology has no reason to be categorized as promotes mindlessness.
I completely agree with the article in that the over load of technology that not only kids but all people have been exposed to have created a sense of "mindlessness." Technology was invented to benefit our society and help make our lives more efficient and easier. But the more technology that has been given to all of us at the tip of our fingers have also brought about more negative effects on our everyday lives. Although this article focuses on the generation that is being raised on technology i can personally say that technology has effected my family and I. My parents were strict about not exposing my siblings and I to our own computers, tvs, and phones at young ages but even still I can say that I'm addicted to technology. Even my own mom gets easily distracted by her phone and cant finish her sentence because she lost her train of thought due to the fact that she was txting or emailing. I feel a majority of people can say that they are rarely without their phones and enjoying the people that are around them but instead are txting and or are finding other ways to keep busy through technology. If this is the effects of a only a handful of years with constant technology the effects of the kids being raised on technology from toddlers years should be seen as a serious problem. these kids will not be able to live in the moment and have the skills to interact in real life circumstances. I believe it even cold reach a point where they wont be able to think critically on their own when technology is always readily available for them and they rely so much on it.
ReplyDeleteI believe that this generation's kids will completely rely on technology. I believe that instead of learning how to read a book, they will be learning how to read on a kindle and learn how to work one. Technology is slowly taking over America. As you walk around your town, you can clearly see that Blockbuster's and Boarders are getting closed because there is no used to them do to technology. As technology is advancing, I do believe that we are getting adjusted to a sense of "mindlessness." Like Grace said earlier, technology was invented to benefit our society and help make our lives more efficient and easier. While it has made things easier, I believe that it is taking over our lives. Every age group depends on some type of technology, weather it is adults using their email, teenagers texting or young children playing games on the ipad. Everything is at the tip of our fingers to the point we can barely make time to enjoy life and play outdoors or do family activities. Hence why the increase in technology correlates with the obesity in America. Without technology, it allowed us to be more active and creative. By using technology in moderation it can be beneficial, but the overuse of it, especially by young kids, can become addictive and unhealthy. In order to save the next generation, we should not expose the kids to technology as much.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with this article. Technology can be great, but I believe that there are too many mindless games for children. I babysit children around the age of 3-5 and they all have either and iPad, iPod, or xBox type thing. I didn't have an electronic game until I was 10 years old. I think that this can have positive effects because technology is such a huge part of our world now, but I also think it is too much. Children are over loaded with technology to the point where their world revolves around the mindless activities and I think that it is unhealthy.
ReplyDeleteI had a similar experience as Katlyn! I teach CCD to 7 year olds and each one of them has their very own iPad, iPhone, xbox, Wii, the list goes on. When I was their age I was happy to have a blank piece of printer paper and a pack of crayons. I was able to use my imagination and story lines were not made up by a 40 year old man sitting in a marketing office. While video games and electronics are fun, they do foster mindless entertainment and do not allow children to imagine things for themselves. Technology is in fact an expanding field, and will continue to grow exponentially over the next couple of years. However, we must ration the amount of mindless activity and encourage kids to think outside the box.
ReplyDeleteOf course technology has its perks, but too much of anything is always bad. I definitely agree with the idea that technology promotes "mindlessness." This generation revolves around technology, which takes away from so many things in life. This younger generation is always attached to a cell phone 24/7. When someone is on their cell phone all day long, they miss so much and are more focused on a little box than on more important things happening in real life.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is definitely a cause of many people's depression. People are exposed to many bad things through technology, whether it be someone trash talking them on the internet or seeing bad behavior on TV that makes people fee like they have to try it. When people are always trying to live up to what they think they should be like because of what they have been exposed to through technology, they are constantly trying to be "good enough" and are unhappy doing so. People just need to limit the amount of time they spend using technology and need to appreciate everything going on in life before it is too late.