Is+Gen+Y+Tech-Savvy+or+Tech-Dependent?

Name: Oluwadamisola Sotade Tutor: Abbey Diaz Tutorial: Wednesday, 4-5PM

** Disconnect To Connect **

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The Artefact This video clip is based on the original “Disconnect to Connect” advertisement campaign by Thailand’s DTAC telecommunications company. The campaign urges the public to spend less using gadgets and to cherish those around them. This particular clip targets Generation Y who are the the majority in using the internet, mobile phones and other technologies to interact. It focuses on a young student who attends a school function, but spends the duration of the event invested in his iPod. He neglects the people around him and subsequently they take no notice of him and he gets left behind. The final message of the clip is “don’t click your life away.”

Alternative scenarios can be found at []

The Health Issue The mental and physical health of Generation Y is in a state of emergency and technology plays a much larger role than previously thought. For the youth of today technology, in its many forms, is a normal part of everyday life and is seen as a crucial component of developing social ties. The Y cohort experiences the world through the internet, in contrast to Gen X and previous generations who are more accustomed to face-to-face interactions. The advances in technology and the overuse has enabled the youth of today to become overweight and in turn develop a mental health issues. The vast increase in reliance upon technology results in more time being spent indoors, being less physically active and spending less time in real life interactions.Research indicates that extended use of technology based activities tends to displace relationships, as time spent using gadgets is time spent away from developing meaningful human connections. It is important for Gen Y to maintain a healthy balance because peer relationships play an important role in their wellbeing and promoting social and psychological development.

Literature Review  In the 2010 General Social Survey, the most common methods used to contact family and friends varied depending on age, with mobile phones and Internet being the most common contact method utilised by younger age groups (ABS, 2010). The proportion of people using SMS as a method of contact with family and friends increased from 77% in 2006 to 84% in 2010 and Internet services (i.e. email and chat rooms) increased from 47% in 2006 to 60% in 2010 (ABS, 2010). Generation Y has been found to use these technologies for more hours than previous generations and as a result an addiction to technology is becoming a major issue (Choi, Son, Park, Han, Kim, Lee & Gwak, 2009). Addictive behaviours are characterised by excessive performance of an activity with continued performance in spite of negative outcomes (Choi et al, 2009). Addiction to technology has been reported to be related to loneliness, depression, harm avoidance, anxiety symptoms, impulsivity, poorer interpersonal skills and attention-deficit–hyperactivity disorder ( Butt & Phillips, 2008 and Choi et al, 2009).

 In a study a pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was used to examine mobile phone dependence amongst 200 Medical students in India. Overall, 18.5% students were found to be nomophobes- the fear of being out of mobile phone contact. If a person is in an area of no network, has run out of balance or run out of battery, the persons gets anxious, which adversely affects the concentration level of the person (Dixit, Shukla, Bhagwat, Bindal, Goyal, Zaidi, & Shrivastava, 2010). Additionally, approximately 73% students responded that their mobile phones are kept with them even when they go to sleep (for 24 hours a day) (Dixit et al, 2010). The results of the study suggested mobile phone dependence among students of M.G.M. Medical College, Indore was present. These results give an alarming indication that Gen Y is getting more and more dependent on mobile phones, which can lead to serious psychiatric and psychological problems (Dixit et al, 2010). The data also indicates that nomophobia is an emerging problem of the modern era. However, multicentric studies would be required to assess the central problem and a sample more generalisable to a wider population would need to be studied (Dixit et al, 2010).

Interpersonal relationships and networks are at the core of society and are crucial to individual wellbeing (ABS, 2010). Various sources suggest the advances in technology over the last decade are necessary and have positive effects on users. However with widespread use of mobile phones, Mp3 players and computers, research has been conducted to study the negative effects of technology overuse- more specifically the effect on communication skills (Thomée, Härenstam, & Hagberg, 2011). Gen Y has been accused of possessing weak interpersonal skills as a result of the technology-rich world they have been raised in and their low use of face-to-face communication skills. Studies offer evidence to support the notion that technology overuse and reliance upon it to validate social connections has both physical and psychosocial implications (Ehrenberg, Juckes, White & Walsh, 2008). In a study conducted by Thomée, Härenstam, & Hagberg ( 2011), i <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">t was found that <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">amongst a small sample of Generation Y (ages 20-24 years), <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">overuse of mobile phones <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">was associated with psychological distress, sleep disturbances and symptoms of depression in both men and women. The study also found no evidence to support the suggestion that mobile phone use enhances social support; rather high frequency use had no association with social support at all.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">Studies relating to personality and technology communication have found evidence to support the notion that high levels of technology use are associated avoidant tendencies (the tendency to avoid intimacy or interaction with others). Perry & Lee (2008) found that in frequent users of technology, over 20% out of 214 of respondents had reduced social interaction and deliberately avoidant of talking to people face-to-face. Individuals with a more disagreeable personality (place self-interest above getting along with others and generally unconcerned with the wellbeing of others), reported greater mobile phone use for calls and IM use. This suggests that individuals with disagreeable personalities find it less time consuming to communicate with others via technology rather than in person ( Perry & Lee, 2008). As a result, an addiction to this form of communication can be damaging to the intimacy of relationships– where technology displaces interpersonal communication ( Perry & Lee, 2008). Arguably the findings of the study may be due to lower levels of social skills or a more pragmatic approach to life.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">Many of the studies discussed, utilised self reported questionnaires as a means of collecting data, thus limiting the reliability of the information obtained. However, the evidence obtained is too significant to be ignored. R esearchers perceive technology addiction as a social phenomenon amongst Gen Y that needs to be analysed more thoroughly and explained in psychiatric or psychological terms (Choi, Son, Park, Han, Kim, Lee & Gwak, 2009). <span style="color: #808080; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 15pt; text-align: center;">Cultural and Social Analysis <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">Within the Generation Y cohort mobile phone use is at the highest with over 93% of Australian youth, aged 16–24 years, using a mobile phone (Walsh, White &Young, 2008). Additionally, they spend on average 17 hours watching television, DVDs and videos, and 11 hours doing other screen based activities (ABS, 2009). The advances in technology combined with social and cultural changes interact to have negative effects on the physical and mental health of Gen Y. Low levels of physical activity as a result of an overindulgence in technology pose a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, colon and breast cancers, Type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis (AIHW, 2011b). Being physically active improves mental and musculoskeletal health and reduces other risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol (AIHW, 2011b). Moreover, mental health, which is one of the leading causes of non-fatal burden of disease and injury in Australia, is associated with poorer physical health (AIHW, 2011a). Thus it is essential for Generation Y to maintain a balance between their use of technology and physical activities- but why is it so difficult for Gen Y to uphold this balance?

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;"> The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) is a theory based on the link between attitudes and behaviours (Walsh, White &Young, 2008). Behavioural intentions, an individual's motivation to perform a particular behaviour, are based on the relative importance of two components: attitudes and subjective norms (Walsh, White &Young, 2008). Attitudes represent an individual's overall evaluations of a particular behaviour. Subjective norms reflect an individual's perception of pressure from significant others on whether or not to perform the behaviour. According to the theory, behavioural intentions are more likely to be formed when favourable attitudes are held and when individuals perceive that others value and expect the behaviour (Walsh, White &Young, 2008).Therefore it is suggested that the popularity and obsession with technology use amongst Gen Y is due to the belief that using the latest gadgets improves one's status amongst peers (Walsh, White &Young, 2008). Y oung females report that having mobile phone imparts feelings of safety and security, thus mobile phones provide a sense of reassurance for some users. However in addition to benefits, problematic outcomes have been noted. Young Australians report regularly using their phone at high levels (over 25 times a day) and at inappropriate times- for example, in cinemas and when driving (Walsh, White &Young, 2008). Recent research has linked problematic mobile phone use with addictive behaviour. Youth are highly responsive to social pressures to engage in addictive behaviours and social identification has been linked with an individual’s commencement and continued performance of these behaviours (Walsh, White &Young, 2008).As Generation Y engages in the highest level of problematic mobile phone usage (ABS, 2010), addiction is most likely to occur amongst this cohort, consequently affecting their physical and mental health. (Walsh, White &Young, 2008).

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">Technology addiction is not limited to the Western world. Youth in countries across the globe appear to possess the same addictive behaviours- as mentioned in the M.G.M Medical College study. Furthermore, the obsession lies mainly with Gen Y, however member of the previous Generation, X, and the up and coming Generation Z are also affected. Awareness is important as the obsession with technology is affecting Gen Y in more ways than just with interpersonal relationships. For example inappropriate mobile phone use has lead to road accidents- people text and talk while driving rather than pulling over. Focus should be placed on addressing addictive behaviours and helping Generation Y (and other generations) understand the consequences of these behaviours and placing emphasis on the importance of face-to-face interactions. Health experts suggest there are ways to keep technology in your control, rather than letting it control you. The key is to set limits- if using the internet, determine exactly what you are searching, set a certain time of day for using electronic devices, limit the amount of time spent on devices, and ensure time is spent communicating with friends and family in person.

<span style="color: #808080; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 15pt; text-align: center;">Personal Analysis and Reflection <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">I believe the artefact conveys a very important and well executed message. Although it is very brief, it highlights the main issue amongst the Gen Y population, their technology obsession and lack of face-to-face engagement with others. Staying connected via social networks and having the latest gadgets is important for Gen Y, but as a cost they disconnect from the real world and those around them. The clip demonstrates this well by showing the young man who is paying so much attention to his music gadget that he fails to realise the event is over and that everyone has left. This is a prime example of what happens in everyday life. A large proportion of Gen Y has the latest technologies which they use in public and as a result they fail to acknowledge the people around them. They spend more time texting or playing games than they do communicating with real people.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">I have come to realise just how big a part technology plays in everyday lives and how the risk of overexposure can affect people, especially the youth. I think it is very important to minimise the amount of time I spend on my mobile phone, iPod and computer and begin spending more time with the people around me. As a result of this assessment piece, I plan to minimise the amount of time I spend using various technologies and spend my time more productively. Additionally, I believe public health prevention strategies focusing on attitudes about technology should include information and advice on helping young adults to set limits for their own accessibility to technology.

<span style="color: #808080; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 15pt; text-align: center;">References <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2010). Social Networks, Support and Trust. 4159.0- General Social Survey: Summary Results, Australia, 2010. Retrieved form []

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2009).Selected Other Activities. 4901.0- Children’s Participation in Cultural and Leisure activities, Australia, Apr 2009. Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2011a). Mental Health. AIHW:Australia's national agency for healthand welfare statistics and information. Retrieved from[]

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2011b). Physical inactivity. AIHW:Australia's national agency for healthand welfare statistics and information. Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">Butt, S. & Phillips, J.G. (2008). Personality and self reported mobile phone use. Computers in Human Behaviour: Cognition and Exploratory Learning in Digital Age, 24(2), 346-360. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2007.01.019

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">Choi, K., Son, H., Park, M., Han, J., Kim, K., Lee, B. & Gwak, H. (2009). Internet overuse and excessive daytime sleepiness in adolescents. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 63(4), 455-462. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1819.2009.01925.x

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Dixit, S., Shukla, H., Bhagwat, A. K., Bindal, A., Goyal, A., Zaidi, A. K.,& Shrivastava, A. (2010). A Study to Evaluate Mobile Phone Dependence Among Students of a Medical College and Associated Hospital of Central India. Indian Journal of Community Medicine, 35(2), 339-341. doi: 10.4103/0970-0218.66878

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ehrenberg, A., Juckes, S., White K. M. & Walsh, S. P. (2008). Personality and Self-Esteem as Predictors of Young People's Technology Use.CyberPsychology & Behaviour, 11(6), 739-741. doi:10.1089/cpb.2008.0030

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Perry, S. D. & Lee, K. C. (2008). Mobile phone text messaging overuse among developing world university students.Communicatio,33(2), 63-79. doi: 10.1080/02500160701685417

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Thomée, S., Härenstam, A. & Hagberg, M. (2011).Mobile phone use and stress, sleep disturbances, and symptoms of depression among young adults - a prospective cohort study. BMC Public Health, 11, 66. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-11-66

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Walsh, S. P., White, K. M. & Young, R. M. (2008). Over-connected? A qualitative exploration of relationships between Australian youth and their mobile phones.Journal of Adolescence,31(1), 77-92. doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2007.04.004

<span style="color: #808080; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 15pt; text-align: center;">Reflective Comments

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">**Page**: Each time you sleep with someone, you are sleeping with his past http://healthculturesociety.wikispaces.com/Each+time+you+sleep+with+someone%2C+you%27re+also+sleeping+with+his+past
 * Comment:** Relevant issue for Gen Y

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hi Jiaxu,

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">Your page was great to read, well done! It was informative about salient factors relating to STIs, you made great links between STIs and other social issues and made great comparisons between Gen Y and previous generations. In regards to your statement about sexual content being normalised by the media, I think it’s a very good point. Although individuals are capable of making their own decisions, the media influences them highly- especially young people who do not yet have fully developed brains. Great job on the choice of artefact as well, highlighted your point well.

Page**: <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Generation Y. Materialistic and egocentric? The deconstruction and comparison of mental health issues associated with a Me, Myself and I generation. ** Comment**: Great job on such a crucial issue http://healthculturesociety.wikispaces.com/Generation+Y.+Materialistic+and+egocentric%3F+The+deconstruction+and+comparison+of+mental+health+issues+associated+with+a+Me%2C+Myself+and+I+generation.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hi Ashley,

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">You’ve brought up such a crucial issue! It’s sad to see how just how damaging mass media is to the self-worth of women. Your page was interesting to read; you’ve made some excellent points and provided valid research to back it up. The point you made about society saying NO to trying to attain the unattainable is powerful and I think it should be the angle that public health experts take for prevention purposes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and I especially liked the quote by Cheri K, Erdman you posted.