Identity+Crisis

Dr. Katie Page (Friday 10:00am - 11:00am) Identity Crisis //How healthy is Gen Y? What are the key public health issues facing this generation, and what are the driving social and cultural forces behind these issues//? “More and more, it seems, the technology itself is [millennials’] possession, their expression” (Bauerlein, 2008). This artefact was found on Google Images, by typing in ‘technology overload’. It was the first and last picture I looked at because I thought it depicted the impact of information and communication technology on Generation Y so well. The picture symbolises a loss of identity and personality as a direct result of the overuse of technology amongst adolescence. The issues discussed in this report are represented by this cultural artefact; it characterizes the physical, social and psychological distresses that Generation Y face in today’s very modern and technologically centred society. The image also has a sense of anonymity as the girl’s facial features are not displayed, thus she has lost her identity. This artefact suggests how information and communication technology can influence Generation Y, and this influence is not always positive. The exponential growth of information and communication technology during the last decade has drastically altered Generation Y’s means for social interactions, learning strategies and choice of entertainment, (Mishna, Saini & Solomon, 2009, p. 1222). Although this improvement in technology does have its positive attributes, it seems that many adolescents are suffering physically, socially and psychologically from an overuse and abuse of technology and communication. This is directly affecting the health of youth as they go through the hardest years of their lives, needing acceptance, crying out for attention and searching for their identity.
 * Kelsey Sherwood: n8312591**
 * Cultural Artefact:**
 * Public Health Issue**:

Generation Y, like all other generations, has been shaped by the events, leaders, developments and trends of its time. The rise of instant communication technologies made possible through the use of the internet, has been the major stimulant in affecting Generation Y significantly. It is this evolvement of technology which has caused Generation Y to be grouped differently to Gen X and the Baby Boomers. The use of email, text messaging, Instant Messaging, social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, and new media used through websites like YouTube, explain Gen Y’s reputation for being somewhat peer-orientated. With an easier facilitation of communication through technology, Generation Y’s preference of communication is online, in contrast with Generation X and Baby Boomer’s preference for traditional interpersonal communication. It’s quite easy to say that Generation Y is the technological generation. As a group, Gen Y has grown up with easy access to mobile phones, the internet, iPods’, and social media; while these technological advancements have aided modern society in numerous ways it has been suggested that the majority of youth view these electronic communication tools as “critical tools for their social life,” (Mishna, et al., 2009, p. 1222). The internet provides innumerable possibilities for growth among youth, including benefits such as social support, identity exploration, and development of interpersonal and critical thinking skills, as well as educational benefits generated from an expansive access to knowledge, academic support, and worldwide cross-cultural interactions, (Mishna et al., 2009, p. 1222). With such easy access to all this technology, it’s no wonder why Generation Y is never offline and constantly up-to-date with the latest technologies. However it is this continual development of information and communication technologies that bombards Generation Y with different ideologies which results in a variety of health implications. A 2009 Harvard University study found that 93% of school and university students use the internet as part of their daily schooling; the other 7% of students either do not have access to the internet or do not attend school or university, (Lenhart, 2009). These adolescents are therefore severely disadvantaged in regards to their education, social interaction and future employment prospects. For these teens, it can be socially isolating to not be up-to-date with the latest technologies, thus it can affect their health psychologically. The social health of those teens with access to the internet however, is positively affected. With access to social media such as Facebook and Twitter, users have a wider range of connections and ‘online friendships’ which often result in high psychological well-being, (Mishna et al., 2009, p. 1224). These communication networks allow for friendships or connections to be made and maintained online with others who share common goals, interests, values and beliefs, where in other circumstances, these connections would not be made. It was found that users experiencing low self-esteem or low life-satisfaction are positively influenced by these social networks, having been included in these online sites, finding like-minded people and being accepted socially, (Mishna et al., 2009, p. 1224). Generation Y is easily adaptive towards information and communication technologies; most of their social learning curve is shared online and the majority of their communication is done virtually, (Australian Government Office for Youth, 2010). This has caused a powerful new form of socialisation for this young generation, influencing their overall behaviours and morals. However with this virtual communication comes the dangerous prospect of anonymity. Cyber-bullying now affects one in five young Australians causing them to have poor school functioning, higher absenteeism rates, suffer psychological distress, have a poor self esteem, have suicidal thoughts and display antisocial behaviours, (Carr-Gregg & Manocha, 2011, p. 99). The 2006 Australian National Coalition against Bullying Survey found that 42% of girls aged between 12 and 15 reported being intimidated or denigrated through technology. Other surveys collated very similar statistics. It was also found that girls are particularly drawn to ‘electronic meanness’ and are simply responding to a “less generous, faster-paced, more cutthroat society” and hence are behaving more like – or worse than – boys, (McCaffrey, 2007, p. 13). Cyber-bullying, in many ways is worse than traditional, old-school bullying: it’s done online with a wide audience, instead of in the schoolyard; its often repetitive and consistent, instead of a one off; and it affects the victim in worse ways in regards to their mental, social and psychological health, (Australian Government Office for Youth, 2010). Cyber-cullying is an increasing concern as it is a relatively new form of bullying, not usually experienced by people outside of Gen Y. For this reason, many teachers, parents, staff and employers are ill-equipped in dealing with this modern issue, should it occur in their environment. It can also be hard to source the culprit as many circumstances are done anonymously. The Australian Government has introduced a new program aimed at dealing with the issue of cyber-bullying. //Cybersmart// is a website which aims to educate children, youth and parents through online activities and supply easy access to knowledge, advice and support, (Australian Government Office for Youth, 2010). While this website may help resolve many instances of cyber-bullying, and educate teens early on, it is unlikely that bullying behaviour can ever be entirely eliminated, although it can certainly be minimised, (Carr-Gregg & Manocha, 2011, p. 98). Excessively using the internet or online gaming for prolonged periods poses its affiliated health risks: these can include headaches, neck and shoulder pain, eyestrain, insufficient sleep, weight gain and obesity (which has many risks within itself), behavioural changes, obsessive compulsive disorders, and other psychological disorders,(Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011). Mental health issues can also arise from the abuse or overuse of networking sites or online gaming: addiction, anxiety, stress, anger issues, isolation resulting in depression and antisocial behaviours, and an altered sense of reality just to name a few, (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011). Information and communication Technology has grown to become a norm in many of Gen Y’s lives, playing an important role in their social lives. “More and more, it seems, the technology itself is [millennials’] possession, their expression,” (Bauerlein, 2008). So, for obvious reasons it seems that as a community we should be focussing on making the internet, mobile phones and social networking sites as user friendly and teen-safe as possible. Research needs to be done to look into the best possible way into helping this generation cope with, or overcome issues like cyber-bullying. McCaffrey found that Victims of cyber-bullying were found to suffer in silence rather than complain or inform an adult. The fear of further reprisal and lack of faith in any form of justice helps keeps their mouths shut. Their secrecy in turn, allows the bullies to continue, (McCaffrey, 2007, p. 14). Generation Y needs to have access to staff in schools who they can confide in to help ease the situation. Also noted was the prospect that the more impersonal the school environment, the more bullying that occurs. “There is so much pressure for academic performance; schools are anything but emotionally safe,” (Goddard 2008, p. 6). In schools that are successful, their concern with testing is minimal; their concern is with the kids. Goddard also poses an issue: Bullying may be better understood and schools more committed to diminishing it, yet the environment may be encouraging it, both directly and indirectly. Although many Baby Boomers and Gen X’s have embraced social media and other new technologies at home, few transferred this practice to the work-place. This technology divide has led to problems in coordination, trust, communication and overall organisational efficiency, (Sarringhaus, 2011, p. 235). The older generations’ reluctance to embrace the use of social media and new technologies on an organisational level has caused the healthcare field to fall behind in the application of such technologies to Generation Y. This may cause gaps in the workplace, as Generation Y may feel isolated and alone in dealing with these new age issues which will in turn affect their mental and psychological health. Steps must be taken to help bridge these gaps within the health care field to create a more versatile, friendly environment suitable for all generations, (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011). There are many more programs and initiatives in place to help people with some of these health issues and many of them are doing quite well. Renowned initiatives such as the //Beyond Blue// and //Reach Out// websites are well known strategies in place aimed at reducing suicide, depression and other mental health issues amongst 15-24 year olds. These sites have adapted to the ever changing needs of Generation Y by accommodating these new technologies and communication methods. While mobile phones, the internet and social networking sites may be Generation Y’s niche, there are many health issues that are related directly and indirectly to these new technologies. As a community and a culture everyone needs to work together to help bridge the gaps in generations so that these health issues can be overcome. Asking Generation Y to come out of their comfort zone rarely works, so to help this evolving technological generation, it seems that the rest of us need to help understand theirs. It’s time to break the identity crisis. The artefact depicts the physical, mental, social and psychological manipulation Generation Y is experiencing from the overuse of evolving technologies such as mobile phones, the internet and social networking. The fact that the girls face is blank suggests that she has lost her identity; she has somewhat metaphorically evolved into these technologies, accepting them as a vital part of her life. Her hands are placed either side of her head implying that her mind is full of all the information the technology holds. This overload leaves room for no other information which insinuates her confusion and frustration. Her anonymity suggests the dangers of these technologies and also portrays the illusion that she is struggling to find herself. I feel that this artefact represents the topic in a very high regard. I don’t think I could have stumbled across a better artefact to describe the message of this report. From researching this topic I realised actually how much we all rely on these technologies, such as mobile phones and the internet. My phone was comfortably sitting beside me while I wrote this whole report; I had Facebook open in another tab, and had music playing on iTunes in the background. It made me take a step back and think: Am I reliant on these technologies to do day-to-day activities? Yes, I am. And I don’t know many people who aren’t. If you would like any more information on cyber-bullying, or wish to contact someone for support please visit: Cybersmart: []
 * Literature Review:**
 * Cultural + Social Analysis:**
 * Artefact Analysis:**

Beyond Blue: []

Reach Out: []

References

Australian Communications and Media Authority. (2008). Cybersmart. Retrieved from []

Australian Government: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2011). Young Australians: their health and wellbeing 2011. Retrieved from: []

Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. (2011). National Suicide Prevention Strategy. Retrieved from: []

Australian Government Office for Youth. (2010). National Strategy for Young Australians. Retrieved from: []

Beyond Blue. (2000). Beyond Blue: The National Depression Initiative. Retrieved from []

Goddard, C. (2008). Cyber World Bullying: H8 @ Skul. //Education Digest//, //73//(7) 4-9.

Gregg, M. C., & Manocha, R. (2011). Bullying: Effects, prevalence and strategies for detection. //Australian Family Physician// //, 40//(3), 98-103.

Inspire Foundation. (1996). Reach Out.com. Retrieved from []

Lenhart, A. (2009). Teens and Social Media: An Overview. Retrieved from: []

McCaffrey, K. (2077). The dark side of the 'Net. //Access// //, 21//(2), 13-15.

Mishna, F., Saini, M., & Solomon, S. (2009). Ongoing and Online: Children and youth's perceptions of cyber bullying. //Children and Youth Services Review//, //31//, 1222-1228.

Sarringhaus, M.M. (2011). The Great Divide: Social Media’s Role in Bridging Healthcare’s Generational Shift. //Journal of Healthcare Management//, //54//(1), 235-244.

Comments:

Running Like a Girl: How Equitable is the Playing Field when it comes to Women in Sport? Great page! The information was so insightful, and the stats you provided reflected your message strongly. I agree with you completely about adopting single sex HPE classes in schools. I remember personally always sitting on the sidelilne in HPE class because I was too embarrassed to play in front of the boys. =** Beyond Blue Eyes: **= I really enjoyed your song; I think it added to your report significantly and your analysis of the song was very thorough. I liked your title too, it implys that theres more to people with mental issues than just their physical appearence. And I think thats a very important message to get across, and I agree with you 100%. Well written wiki, I hope you get a good mark!