The+Technology+Explosion+and+Generation+Y+Understanding+the+consequences

Name: Alexandra Smith Student Number: n7545754 Tutor's Name: Colleen Niland


 * //Whenever a new technology emerges with the potential to change the way people live and work, it sparks lively debate about its impact on our world and concern over how widely it should be adopted. Some people will view the technology with tremendous optimism, while others will view it as threatening and disruptive. -// Bill Gates, 2000**

**Topic:** What is the impact of information and communication technology on generation Y? Has it changed their experience of the social world from other generations and has it affected their health?

**Artefact:** The artefact encompasses a collage, made up of a selection of images. The word ‘technology’ is centered within the collage, with a bolded, red, diagonal line protruding on either side, consequently dividing the collage into two sections. The top half of the collage presents images of young individuals embracing technology, while appearing to be happy, socially connected and productive. The bottom half of the collage presents images of adolescents drinking and smoking, appearing to be socially isolated and looking bored and disinterested.

__[|artefact for wiki page.doc]__

**Public Health Issue:** The artefact represents technology’s ability to act as a positive and negative social force. This essay will report on the socio cultural environment associated with generation Y, and the strong promotion of technology as being integral to all aspects of life. It will investigate the positive and negative impacts technology has on the lives of generation Y, as well as the potential health consequences. Further, it will critically analyse how technology has helped shape the experiences, views and behaviours of young individuals within contemporary society and how these differ to those of previous generations.

**Literature Review:** The Australian Bureau of Statistics (2011) acknowledges the rapidly changing nature of technology and more importantly, its total integration into the lives of young people of the 21st century - generation Y. Studies reveal that in 2009, an estimated 79% of children reported accessing the internet, and roughly 76% of children aged 12 - 14 years owned a mobile phone. (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011) There is now vigorous debate as to whether the total integration of technology into the lives of generation Y is having a positive or negative impact on their health, wellbeing and lifestyle. In discussing the topic, the views of academic researchers and authors have been analysed. Their theories are supported by literature from scholarly journals and statistics from government databases.

Author and educational psychologist, Don Tapscott, firmly believes that the total integration of technology is having a positive impact on generation Y. As a result, he assesses this generation to be quicker, smarter, more tolerant, more socially connected, more highly engaged and immediate. (Tapscott, 2009) He reached this conclusion after conducting a $4.5 million research study which surveyed approximately 10,000 young individuals to examine how the ‘net generation’ is changing the world. The sample was composed of randomly selected internet users and the surveys were conducted via online questionnaires. (Tapscott, 2009) However, data from the study was limited because the entire sample were already engaged in digital technology and therefore presented potential bias. (Bullen, 2009)

The highly connected characteristic associated with generation Y has been attributed to their almost universal participation in networking media. The Pew Internet and American Life Project reveals that at the end of 2006, 55% of online adolescents had a profile on a social networking site. (Madden, Fox & Smith, 2007) Supporting Don Tapscott’s view, is evidence that constant connection assists in promoting social support and expands social interaction. (Bryant, Sanders-Jackson & Smallwood, 2006, para 9) Evidence from another research based study also supports this view, revealing that online communication tended to enhance the closeness of friendships among the participants. (Valkenburg, 2007)

Challenging Don Tapscott’s theory is the view of Professor Mark Bauerlein. His research at the National Endowment for the Arts leads him to believe that information and communication technology is having a significantly negative impact on generation Y’s health, well-being and lifestyle. (Inside Academia, 2011) A wealth of literature including numerous studies supports Professor Bauerlein’s view. Firstly, the capability of technology to produce rapid results has influenced generation Y to expect immediacy in all aspects of their lives, potentially denying them the faculty to perform deeper analysis and develop more complex relationships. A study was conducted which examined eight hundred thirteen and fourteen year olds from eight schools to think critically and logically in two tests. Results were compared to identical tests performed thirty years prior. The data confirmed the negative proposition as generation Y’s test scores were found to be significantly lower. Although the study was limited to a small age group and was based internationally, it concluded that a general change in societal pressures had resulted in a lower level of processing and an inability to substantially grasp ideas and concepts. (Shayer & Ginsburg, 2010)

The abundance of rapidly accessible information has led to generation Y’s constant craving for interactivity and engagement. Research reveals that the desire for a constantly high level of stimulation is leading young individuals to increasingly participate in risky health behaviours in order to achieve the desired ‘adrenalin rush’. (Wickman, Anderson & Greenberg, 2008) The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2011) reveals that risky behaviours, including alcohol and drug use, smoking and dangerous driving are more prevalent in adolescence and early adulthood. Furthermore, these behaviours are resulting in injury and have been deemed to be the principal cause of hospitalisation of young people.

Expanding further on Mark Bauerlein’s theory is the recognition that social networking websites involve a high level of personal disclosure and personal information sharing. These include frequent reference to participation in the aforementioned risky health behaviours. (Virtual Medical Centre, 2011) This assertion is supported by results from a cross sectional study incorporating content analysis of 500 eighteen year old myspace profiles. It revealed that more than half of the sample made reference to risky health behaviours within their profiles. (Moreno & Zimmermann, 2009) According to the Social learned theory, when individuals see a behaviour portrayed in a positive light, they will tend to adopt that behavior. (Board on Children, Youth and Families, 2011) Consequently, the abundance of posts, photographs and videos constantly viewed on social networking sites is not only diminishing personal privacy but is also encouraging the large number of injuries which result from risky behaviours. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011)

Although Don Tapscott views social networking sites as a positive influence on generation Y, there is a counter view that this technology is having a negative impact on the communication skills of young people. Supporting this view are the results from a nationwide survey conducted by the Sanford institute for the Quantitative Study of Society, which found a direct association between increased use of technology and decreased time spent talking to family and friends on the telephone and face to face. Further, the study concluded that a large volume of online communication leads to fewer interpersonal interactions and more social isolation. (Nie, 2000) Additional research supports the negative influence of online communication indicating that it fails to effectively relay second hand and observed information - elements deemed essential to effective communication. (Rhoads, 2010) It has been observed that when a face to face interaction does arise, unlike previous generations, generation Y lacks the practice and skills to effectively communicate.

It is clear that the contemporary socio cultural environment strongly promotes and encourages generation Y to embrace technology in all aspects of their lives. The debate as to whether constant use of technology has a negative or positive impact on generation Y is supported by literature and research on both sides of the argument. Author and researcher Don Tapscott strongly believes that technology has had a positive impact enabling generation Y to become the most well informed and socially connected generation in history. However, the counter view of Mark Bauerlein is that technology has produced numerous negative consequences for this generation. These include lower levels of critical thinking and processing, increased participation in risky health behaviours and diminished face to face communication skills.

**Cultural and Social Analysis:** It is evident that the socio cultural environment of the 21st century strongly promotes the use of technology in all aspects of life. This promotion and integration of information and communication technology has had a significant impact on how generation Y perceives, feels and behaves in society, sometimes to the detriment of their health.

Sociologist Marshall McLuhan (1964) (a technology determinist analyst), presents a strong argument that history, culture and individuals are modified and to some extent, determined by technology. Consequently, he emphasises the importance of considering technology’s influence on society as well as its influence on how individuals behave. The rapid development of technological innovations throughout society has significantly altered the forms by which individuals receive information. McLuhan’s (1964) well known statement that ‘medium is the message’ highlights the strong influence and impact associated with technology itself rather than the information obtained from it. He believes development of the ‘medium’ has directly resulted in cultural changes in social and self systems. This notion presents the idea that the nature and influence of technology has played a role in shaping and controlling the level and form of human association and behaviour.

The Pew Research Centre recognises generation Y’s extensive embrace of technology compared to previous generations. Studies reveal that in 2010, 90% of generation Y used the internet, compared with 87% of generation X and 79% of baby boomers. Further, 75% of generation Y are involved with social networking, compared to 50% of generation X. Lastly, 41% of generation Y solely use mobile phones compared with 24% of generation X. (Pew Research Centre, 2010) These statistics support the assumption that technology has the greatest on members of generation Y, influencing their culture and social environment as well as how they perceive and behave within society. This assumption is reinforced by the set of significantly different traits differentiating generation Y from previous generations. Characteristics include a high level of passion, optimism, expectation of immediacy, demanding, tolerance to differences, diminished communication skills, highly connected and of course, technologically savvy. Whereas these the traits defining generation X include rejection of rules, pragmatism, individuality and flexibility.

The characteristics defining generation Y represent the social norms and cultural trends followed by young members of the 21st century, resulting principally from the embrace of technology. Adherence to these social norms have resulted in differing communication methods from previous generations. As acknowledged by Jorgensen (2003), generation X prefer to adopt open, face to face communication whereas generation Y prefer online, technology based communication. These differences are seen to have a negative impact on generation Y’s face to face communication skills. (Rhoads, 2010) Further, generation Y’s increased participation in risky health behaviours is seen to be the result of the cultural norm to be highly engaged, stimulated and connected. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011) These dangerous health behaviours are also probably a result of the social trend to share and express thoughts and personal information over online websites. (Moreno & Zimmermann, 2009)

The pervasive use of technology within the 21st century has resulted in significantly different cultural norms and values compared to previous generations. Changing cultural and social trends have affected how individuals (particularly generation Y) perceive and behave, which has resulted in positive and negative consequences. It is important that members of generation Y understand the influence and results of the sociocultural changes driven by technology. Awareness of the negative consequences of increased use of technology will enable this generation to adapt their behaviours in order to minimise the negative impact.

Reflection on the analysis of the negative impacts associated with the embrace of technology by generation Y leads to strategies to reduce these consequences. In particular, public health experts should promote and encourage certain cultural trends which have been phased out as a result of the development of technology. These include the more traditional forms of communication including face to face interaction and a reduction in personal disclosure and information sharing online. Further, emphasis should be placed on reflection and analysis of information obtained rather than immediate absorption. Lastly, acknowledgement must be given to the harmful and destructive nature of risky health behaviours. In changing how this generation uses technology and amending negative behaviours resulting from this use, members of generation Y should experience the many positive factors associated with technology while minimizing the negative consequences.

**Artefact Analysis / Learning Reflection:** My artefact accurately demonstrates McLuhan’s (1964) theory, emphasising the driving force technology exerts in society, modifying how young individuals perceive and behave. It represents the positive and negative influences of technology on members of generation Y. It emphasises that technology can spark increased social connectivity, higher productivity and provide an increased amount of information. On the other hand, it represents technology’s capacity to promote risky health behaviours, social isolation and decreased communication skills. The artefact has increased my awareness of the extent that technology has changed young people’s perceptions and behaviours within society, especially regarding communication.

After analysing and evaluating a significant amount of research sources, I have learnt a great deal about the current debate on the impact information and communication technology is having on generation Y. Further, I have an enhanced understanding of how social forces including technology have the ability to affect and change a generation so profoundly. Prior to completing this assessment I was oblivious to the negative effects of technology. My understanding of technology’s capacity to be a negative force, potentially enabling unhealthy behaviours, has significantly increased. As I am a member of generation Y, and extensively use technology in my life, I believe this understanding is of great importance. With heightened awareness, I will now act to minimise the detrimental influences of technology as well as harness the many benefits.

**Reflections on PUB209 Student Wiki Pages:**


 * Page:** ‘ Sport and Femininity Do Not Mix,’ says who?
 * Comment:** Great wiki! Completely Agree!

I really enjoyed reading your wiki, and have gained such a heightened understanding of the equitability of women participating in sport. I completely agree with you - women should definitely not have to conform to ‘sexualised objects’ in order to be recognised in their sporting field. Your wiki reminded me of the numerous sporting achievements which women are constantly producing (such as the hockeyroos), and it is disheartening to know that society fails to recognise these to the extent of male achievements. Gender inequalities should not predict whether an individual’s successes are recognised, and certainly should not dictate which sports one should participate in. Women should feel comfortable to participate in all sports which men partake in (even those which emphasise strength and power, such as rugby). I think you have done a great job presenting this important issue, as well as providing impelling arguments as to why this issue exists.


 * Page:** Generation Y, skins, and the issue that is ‘binge’ drinking
 * Comments:** Wow! Really opened my eyes!

Although I previously obtained a reasonable level of awareness regarding the issue of binge drinking, your wiki really opened my eyes as to the magnitude of the problem among younger generations, including the severe health risks which are a common product of this behaviour. Your analysis regarding the socio - cultural reasons underlying this health issue were impelling, and made me really think about how contemporary society frequently promotes and encourages such a risky health behaviour. I completely agree with the point you have made regarding the need for greater awareness as to the consequences associated with the issue, as well as a significant increase in the implementation of prevention and protection mechanisms, particularly among younger individuals. In doing so, hopefully the incidence of binge drinking as well as its associated health consequences can be prevented in the future! Well done!

**Reference List:**
 * Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2011). //Australian Social Trends, Jun 2011//. Retrieved from []
 * Australian Health and Welfare. (2011). //Young Australians: their health and wellbeing 2011//. Retrieved from [|www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownnloadAsset.aspid=10737419259&libID=10737419258]
 * Board on Children, Youth and Families. (2011). The Science of Adolescent Risk Taking Report. [EBL version]. Retrieved from [].
 * Bryant, J. A., Sanders-Jackson, A., & Smallwood, A. M. K. (2006). IMIing, text messaging, and adolescent social networks. //Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 11(2)//, para 9. Retrieved from [|__http://jcmc.indiana.edu/vol11/issue2/bryant.html__]
 * Bullen, M. (2009). Grown Up Digital Research Methods. Retrieved from []
 * Christakis, D. A., Zimmerman, F. J., DiGiuseppe, D. L., & McCarty, C. A. (2011). Early Television Exposure and Subsequent Attentional Problems in Children. //Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, 113(4), 707 - 712.//
 * Inside Academia. (2011, March 5). Mark Bauerlein on the Adolescent Instinct and ‘The Dumbest Generation’ [Video file]. Received from [|http://www.insideacademia.tv/episodes/2011/mark-bauerlein-on-the-adolescent-instinct-and-the-dumbest-generation/]
 * Jorgensen, B. (2003). Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y. //Foresight, 5(4), 41 - 49.//
 * Ladbrook, L. (2010). Research Note: Our Emerging Net Generation: Are They Information Literate. //New Zealand Journal of Educational Studies, 45(1), 67 - 75.//
 * Madden, M., Fox, S., & Smith, A. (2007). Digital Footprints: Online identity management and search in the age of transparency. Retrieved from [|http://pewresearch.org/pubs/663/digital]-[|footprints]
 * Moreno, M. A., Parks, M. R., Zimmerman, F. J., Brito, T. E., & Christakis, D. A. (2009). Display of health risk behaviours on Myspace by adolescents: Prevalence and associations. //Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, 163, 27 - 34.//
 * Nie, N. H. (2000). Sociability, Interpersonal Relations, and the Internet. //American Behavioural// //Scientist, 45(2), 420 - 435.//
 * Oblinger, D., & Oblinger, J. (2005). Is It Age or IT: First Steps Toward Understanding the Net Generation [EBL Version]. Retrieved from []
 * Pew Research Centre. (2010). //Millennials: Confident. Connected. Open to Change//. Retrieved from []
 * Rhoads, M. (2010). Face - to - Face and Computer - Mediated Communication: What Does Theory Tell Us and What Have We Learned so Far. //Journal of Planning Literature, 25(2), 111 -// //122.//
 * Rivera, M. (2008). Reaching, Teaching and Succeeding with Generation Y. //The Hispanic// //Outlook in Higher Education, 18(14), 22 - 24.//
 * Sheets, B. H. (1999) Book Review of Don Tapscott’s Growing Up Digital - The Rise of the Net Generation. //Information Technology, Learning and Performance Journal, 17(2), 53 - 56.//
 * Tapscott, D. (2009). Grown up digital [EBL version]. Retrieved from [|http://books.google.com.au/books?id=DWlIY1PxkyYC&pg=PR11&lpg=PR11&dq=grown+up+digital+%2B+research+study+%2B+methods&source=bl&ots=fMbvU86hVf&sig=84M96VqSnvSDf-S4qQm8d5OvjU8&hl=en&ei=usOHTvj4FoX2mAX099Ar&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CF8Q6AEwCA#v=onepage&q&f=false]
 * TVO. (2009, April 15). Don Tapscott “Growing Up Digital” [Video File]. Retrieved from []
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 * Virtual Medical Centre. (2011). Social Networking Site Use in Teenagers. Retrieved from []
 * Wickman, M. E., Anderson, N. L. R., & Greenberg, C. S. (2008). The Adolescent Perception of Invisibility and Its Influence on Teen Acceptance of Health Promotion Strategies. //Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 23(6), 460 - 468.//

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