The+Technology+Revolution+and+Gen+Y

Name: Fiona Parsoange Student Number: 08307130 Tutor: Michelle Newcomb

“**//Discuss the impact of information and communication technology on this generation. How have they been affected ? In what ways does this make their experience of the social world different to that of Gen X ? How has this affected their health? “//**


 * The Artefact **

The artefact is a cartoon which parodies Gen Y’s dependency and obsession with information and communication technology **(**ICT). The cartoon exemplifies this addiction through the use of a bag of caffeine intravenously attached to the young man to keep him awake. This is combined with a manic appearance and signs of visual and physical breakdown suggesting he would rather stay awake in an almost possessed state than leave his computer. Mike Hutchings. (2010, October 11). How we spend our time on the Web [web log post]. Retrieved from []

This essay will focus on the nexus between mental health problems affecting Gen Y, such as internet addiction and depression, and information and communication technology (ICT). The aforementioned cultural artefact represents this by demonstrating the almost addictive dependency on ICT which purportedly plagues Gen Y. The Australian Bureau of Statistics has recorded an approximate 10% increase in mental illness in the 18-25 age cohort since 1997 by (ABS, 2007). Technology in the form of internet usage has been linked to mental health disorders such as anxiety disorders and depression (Iskender & Akin, 2010, p.1). While some social theorists have hypothesised that technology addiction may be a contributing factor in this increase by reducing an individual's sense of personal agency (Bandura, 2001).
 * Public Health Issue **

ICT has evolved from being a luxury to an integral and essential aspect of contemporary society. Australian Bureau of Statistics data (ABS, 2008) shows that the number of households with internet access has increased from 16% to 72% from 1998 to 2008. Those born from the 1980s-2000 termed 'Generation Y' have become synonymous with ICT as their generation has matured simultaneously with this technology (Gangadharbat, 2008, p.1). They have not only grown up more technologically savvy but are more reliant on ICT than preceding generations (Iskender & Akin, 2010, p.1). In 2007 the age group which showed the highest prevalence of mental disorders was those aged from 16-24 years which encompasses Gen Y (ABS, 2007). The ABS found that the most prevalent mental disorder among young people was anxiety disorders which also correlated with depression (ABS, 2007). Thus with the rise in technology (i.e. internet and mobile phone) use from 1998-2008 it may be hypothesised that ICT has played a role in the increase of anxiety disorders and mental illness among Gen Y (i.e. 16-24 year olds). (ABS, 2008). A journal article called //'IMing, text messaging, and adolescent social networks'// furthered previous research on computer-mediated social and communication networks and adolescent development (Bryant et al, 2006, p.577). This article also studied media and parental views on socially interactive technologies (SITs). These views ranged from viewing SITs as ameliorating social isolation and depression in youth to being promoters of antisocial behaviour (Bryant et al, 2006, p.577). There were three main findings of this report. Firstly it was found that SITs were used by adolescents to evolve previously formed relationships as opposed to creating new relationships (Bryant et al, 2006, p.578). Secondly the use of SITs such as text messaging and IMing were rapidly adopted due to their convenience, efficiency and affordability (Bryant et al, 2006, p.578). Finally it has been discovered that despite a rise in use of SITs among Gen Y in the past decade they still conduct in-depth conversations off-line (Bryant et al, 2006, p.578). In conclusion SITs offer less strong relationships though offers a greater number of them (Bryant et al, 2006, p.580). A Belgian case study //"'I'll See You on IM, Text, or Call You': A Social Network Approach of Adolescents' Use of Communication Media'// supports Bryant's findings (Cleemput, 2010). Cleemput studied 137 15 year old students who were asked to complete a //'full network'// online questionnaire (Cleemput, 2010, p.75). The results indicated that SITs not only enhanced established relationships but also offered a portal of communication when face to face communication was either not allowed e.g. when completing homework or not possible e.g. late at night or overseas (Cleemput, 2010, p.75). SITs were also seen as providing privacy when talking to friends (Cleemput, 2010, p.78). Ironically, face-to-face communication was the most popular form of communication with close friends while communication in weak relations with was often limited to online (Cleemput, 2010, p. 79). The main limitation of this study was that some subjects did not fill in the questionnaires accurately thus leading to inaccurate results (Cleemput, 2010, p.83). Various media articles have suggested that an obsession with ICT (e.g. internet addiction) may be a direct cause of mental health problems. It has been hypothesised that the reason for this is due to the lack of “real” human interaction ICT (DoctorSolve, 2010). Internet addiction may be described as the over use of the internet with consequent adverse effects (Ceyhan, 2011, p.1). A study conducted at Anadolu University on 411 students used questionnaires, a communication skills assessment scale, and a problematic internet use scale to determine what students had their pathological states compromised by internet use (Ceyhan, 2011, p.10). This study found that those who used the internet for communication purposes (e.g. social networking sites) were more prone to problematic internet behaviour use than those who used internet for seeking information (Ceyhan, 2011, p.5). The main limitation of this study was that internet usage was self-determined by the students and thus may be inaccurate (Ceyhan, 2011, p.7). These studies suggest that although internet social networking sites can have positive impacts by increasing communication efficiency there can also be negative effects (Iskender & Akin, 2010, p.1). Internet use in particular has been linked to mental health disorders such as anxiety disorders and depression (Iskender & Akin, 2010, p.1). A 2007 South Korean study which investigated the correlation between internet addiction and depression in adolescents found that internet addiction was strongly associated with depression and also consistent with some obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms (Iskender & Akin, 2010, p.1). This study evaluated 452 Korean adolescents who were first evaluated for their internet addiction level and their main reason for computer use. The correlation between internet dependence, depression, alcohol abuse, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms was then investigated (Iskender & Akin, 2010, p.1). The main limitation to this study was that due to internet addiction expanding over a number of maladaptive behaviours (e.g. cybersex) some of the study's current findings may be inaccurate (Iskender & Akin, 2010, p.5).
 * Literature Review **

ICT is an essential element of contemporary society and its hegemonic nature has produced cultural changes (Elen et al, 2010, p.227) (Bryant et al, 2006, p.578). These changes are not necessarily benign but include negative impacts including physical and psychological problems and addictive overuse (Iskender & Akin, 2009). Detrimental health effects of internet addiction include neurological complications, psychological disturbances and relational chaos (Hur, 2006, Bryant et al, 2006). However, there are many interacting cultural economic political factors influencing the narrative and definition of this health issue. Firstly, the economic determinants of contemporary mass consumerism need to be considered. The barrage of publicity for ICT and the massive profits from sales and constant upgrading of ICT, e.g. the various iterations of the IPhone, have produced an ICT culture among youth. The resultant peer pressure to have the latest gadget or game can also be responsible for problems such as internet addiction. Like eating disorders ICT health problems seem to afflict certain youth cohorts. This is implied by Iskender and Akin’s study which assessed the correlation between internet addiction, social self-efficacy and academic locus of control (2009). Social self-efficacy may be defined as the readiness to commence behaviour in social circumstances and an individual's belief that they possess the skills to initiate social contact and develop new friendships (Iskender & Akin, 2009). Social self-efficacy is not only related to effective social behaviour but also psychological adjustment and mental health (Iskender & Akin, 2009). Iskender and Akin's study found that individuals with low self-efficacy were more inclined to suffer from internet addiction and that internet addiction was positively correlated with "decrease in social interactions, depression, loneliness and low self-esteem" (Iskender & Akin, 2009, p.4). Thus Iskender and Akin suggest that in order to decrease internet addiction individuals should improve self-efficacy (2009, p.4). Individuals with a high external locus of control who thought that events in their lives were based on chance, luck and powerful others were found to be more likely to suffer from internet addiction then those with a high internal-locus of control who believed they were masters of their own destinies (Iskender & Akin, 2009, p.4). Social theorist Albert Bandura has also inferred that internet addiction may be attributed to mental illness as it decreases an individual's sense of personal agency and decreases one's consciousness (Bandura, 2001). Technology such as computers compromises consciousness to a sub-personal level and thus according to Bandura deprives people of subjectivity, self-identity, reflection of one's life, and conscious control (2001, p.3). In summary, it is essential that internet addiction and other adverse health problems associated with ICT be acknowledged as a serious public health issue in contemporary society. However, we need to be mindful that problems such as internet addiction are not limited to individual frailties and vulnerabilities, they are also the product of mass consumer society Accordingly, there is a need to accurately identify the cohorts at risk and devise mitigation strategies. These strategies could include public health education programs in schools which outline the risks of using technology and promote human agency and thus helping to prevent the onset of mental health illness (i.e. depression) and promote interpersonal skills. It is important that these strategies employ communication modalities that appeal to the target audience. The artefact caricatures the issue of internet addiction afflicting Geny Y. It is a powerful visual representation of the manic physical and social effects of such addiction including real physical isolation. The scene also highlights the availability and popularity of information and communication technology (ICT) which has not only provided portals for communication efficiency but become intertwined into contemporary culture (Stern, 1999, p.419). These social change enabled by ICT include instantaneous global communication networks which have eclipsed traditional face to face communication. This virtual world has blurred the distinction between public and private e.g. Facebook confers global exposure of the private sphere. ICT has also engendered adverse effects including cyber bullying, fraud, social isolation and addictive behaviours. However, it is important to focus on real problem. Firstly, it is important to determine whether the perceived problems associated with ICT are accurate or reflect a Moral Panic. The relatively new forms of ICT have being rapidly assimilated by Gen Y. Perhaps older generations were less able to adjust to ICT and the perceived prevalence of problems such as internet addiction may reflect adult and institutional anxiety a loss of control of youth communication. Like earlier coursework on body image and eating disorders, research on ICT health issues indicates that these afflictions do not affect everyone equally. Indeed like obesity, these problems are probably marginal or non-existent in some deprived populations. It is crucial for public health authorities and the community to not “take for granted” popular narratives on these health problems. Instead we need to accurately identify vulnerable cohorts and quantify the prevalence of ICT health related issues and admit that economic determinants consumerism act upon certain individuals who may have vulnerabilities and lead to addictive harmful effects.
 * CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ANALYSIS **
 * Analysis of the Artefact and Learning Reflections **

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2008). Household Use of Information Technology, Australia 2008-09. Retrieved from http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/8146.0 Bandura, A. (2001). Social Cognitive Theory: An Agentic Perspective. //Annual Review of Psychology//, 52 (1), 1-26. Bryant, A., Sanders-Jackson, A. & Smallwood, M. (2006). IMing, Text Messaging, and Adolescents Social Networks. //Journal of Computer Mediated Communication//, 11 (2), 577-592) Ceyhan, AA. (2011). University Students' Problematic Internet Use and Communication Skills According to Internet Use Purposes. //Educational sciences: theory and practice,// 11 (1), 69-77.  Chak, K. & Leung, L. (2004). Shyness and Locus of Control as Predictors of Internet Addiction and Internet Use. //Cyberpsychology and Behaviour,// 7 (5), 559-570.  Cleemput, K. (2010). I'll See You on IM, Text, or Call You: A Social Network Approach of Adolescents' Use of Communication Media. //Bulletin of science, technology & society//, 30 (2), 309-315.  DoctorSolve. (2010). Teens Technology Obsession May Cause Mental Health Problems. Retrieved from http://www.doctorsolve.com/blog/2010/07/teens-technology-obsession-may-cause-mental-health-problems.html.  Elen, J., Clarebout, G., Sarfo, F., Louw, L., Poysa-Tarhonen, J., & Stassens, N. (2010). Computer and Information and Communication Technology: Students' Culture Specific Interpretations. //Educational Technology and Society//, 13 (4), 227-239. Gangadharbatla, H. (2009). Exploring Gen Y's Motivations to Join Social Networking Sites. //Media Asia//, 36 (4), 240. Iskender, M. & Akin, A. (2010). Social self-efficacy, academic locus of control, and internet addiction. //Computers and Education,// 54, 1101-1106. Mike Hutchings. (2010, October 11). How we spend our time on the Web [web log post]. Retrieved from []
 * References **