our+connected+world...

Samantha Armstrong N7530439 Michelle Newcomb

**Artefact** They above comic strip is a demonstration of today’s generation and the constant need for social media and technology. It is universally accepted that social media such as Facebook, Twitter, email, text and blogging are a part of our daily lives as illustrated above.

**Public health issue represented ** Universally the custom of technology has become a social norm. But these norms have resulted in public health issues. As a result of technology (among other influences) today’s generation is on average fatter than past generations, and lack skills needed to effectively communicate and excel in the workplace. These issues are well known throughout the general population, but there are other factors that don’t receive as much attention. Social media and networking is accepted as a given for children and young adults these days, but this also leaves them venerable to strangers online, cyber bullying, opening a bigger window for the onset of mental illness. When you delve deeper into these issues, you can start to understand the impact and influences social media is having on today’s generation.

**Literature review ** World Health Organization (2011),  embraces the definition of health as “physical, mental, and social well-being” and states that,  “mental health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease." In order to sustain quality mental health an individual needs to have the capacity for mutually satisfying and enduring relations. Social relationships and networks can act as a protective factor against the onset or recurrence of mental health and also has the capacity to enhance recovery from mental disorders ( World Health Organization, 2005) . Faris and Dunham (1939) have repeatedly shown that social disintegration of a community is associated with an increased rate of mental disorders within a community. The disintegration is characterised by high rates of lonely people, divorces, abandoned children, lack of social support, violence, crime, drug and alcohol problems and anomie.

//“In 2009 an estimated 841,000 children (31%) aged 5 to 14 years had access to their own mobile phones". (Australian Bureau of statistics, 2008-09) //

In today’s age technology plays a vital role in human culture and society. Its use can be as simple as turning off the alarm clock in the morning, to saving lives on a daily basis. “Social networking technology provides a social, collaborative and interactive platform for internet users" (Heron & Yusof, 2010). Social networking allows users to become more open, expressing feelings and thoughts and sharing personal information which is contributed to the rise in internet violations. The internet has developed from a tool used by organisations to a tool that is used for society on a frequent basis. In 2009 Malaysia had an internet explosion with internet users jumping from 14million to 17 million over one year. The rise of internet usage also saw a disturbing jump in internet violations. Reports show that in 2008 cases of cyber stalking jumped from 72 cases to 172in 2009; however cyber security claims not all cyber stalking cases are reported, meaning this number is higher.

The 2009 Australian bureau of statistics shows that 78% of households have access to a computer, and 72% have access to the internet. Between 1998 to 2008-09, household access to the internet has more than quadrupled from 16% to 72%, while access to computers has increased from 44% to 78%. Households are less likely to have internet if they have no people under the age 15 living in the house. “In 2009, an estimated 3% of children who accessed the internet were reported to have had some kind of personal safety or security problem on the internet (or approximately 72,000 children)”. (Australian bureau of statistics, 2008-09)

Newsworks (2010), states that more than of the Australian parents with children using online social networking services say that services are distracting them from their studies. It is estimated that children spend on average more than 7 hours per week using social networking sites.

**Cultural and social analysis** <span style="font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 120%;">Over the years the development of technology has dramatically amplified. With generation Y being bought up on television, playstation and now Ipads and Iphone, the development of this generation is vastly different to any previous. It is estimated that generation Y will experience 31% less face-to-face time then the previous generation (miskec, 2005). The use of social media and networking is effecting generation Y. <span style="font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 120%;">The use of technology is not going to slow, rather grow and expand. This is why it is important from a public health point of view that interaction of social networking is raised as an important topic within communities and families. Awareness of this issue would be targeted at generation Y and areas where usage of technology is high. <span style="font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 120%;">Control needs to be taken over how much social networking is enough. "You wouldn't let your kids stay out socialising with their friends until all hours on a school night, but that is exactly what they are doing online, often right under their parents' noses," Dr Wild said. "The answer is not turning off internet access; rather it's about implementing simple behavioural changes in your children and setting realistic expectations about their use of the internet." technology is a fantastic educational tool, and in 2010 are almost impossible to do without at any level of study. However it is important they are used to enhance rather than distract students from their school studies, especially in those vital secondary years.

<span style="font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 120%;">the rate of technology and its expanding needs has nee shown throughout time. the following shows how long it took technology to reach the market audience.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 120%; text-align: center;">Radio 38 years <span style="display: block; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 120%; text-align: center;">Television 13 years <span style="display: block; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 120%; text-align: center;">Internet 4 years <span style="display: block; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 120%; text-align: center;">Ipod 3 years <span style="display: block; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 120%; text-align: center;">Facebook 2 years

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">‍**Analysis of artefact** <span style="font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 120%;">The artefact shows what generation Y has become. If you are not seen engaging in online communication you are seen as dead. As the comic shows this also can provide people with the false information or misleading information. This assessment piece has allowed me to reflect on my own use of technology and how it is a big part of life today. With this I cancelled my Facebook page for a week, resulting in text messages and phone calls to see it I was ‘ok’. This action showed me how we as a generation have become addicts to social networking.


 * <span style="font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 120%;">Responses **

__// "Gen Y gets lost in the realms of cyber space" //__ I love the research and data of your wiki. the picture depicts exactly was we have become as a result of technology. I realise that cyber bullying is real but in order to become a victim you must first allow them access to talk to you. why add that bully to your Facebook, or engage in conversation with them. although this seems like an easy solution, obviously it is not this easy.

__// "Generation Y worry? the health status of our younger society" //__ My wiki is on the same topic, and after doing research, and reading our assessment all I can think about is weather anyone is to blame for our obesity, mental health and the other dangers of our consistent engagement with technology. you have raised key public health issues that need to be addressed.


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Reference list **

<span style="font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 120%;">Green,L. (2002). Technoculture: from alphabet to cybersex. New South Wales: Allen & Unwin
====<span style="font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 120%;">Heron, H., Yusof,F.B.M. cyber stalking: the social impact of social networking technology. 2010 international conference on education and management technology. 2010 [citied 2011, NOV 2] ====