The+influence+of+technology+on+Generation+Y's+mental+well-being

Name: Becky Phan Student number: n8289743 Tutor: Abbey Hamilton Group: Wednesday, 4-5PM

**The Artefact**  This cartoon is of two university/school students who are supposedly in a conversation. One student is expressing to the other that she feels technology is a problematic barrier towards a genuine physical interaction. The other student, however, is in possession of some of the latest technology gadgets (Apple Macbook, mobile phone and mp3 player) and is in her own world, talking to another person through the phone and using her MacBook. Although this cartoon does not depict the impact of technology use on the psychological health of generation Y, it shows how this cohort of young people use technology and the impact it has on communication.

**Public Health Issue ** The key public health concern represented by this artefact is the issue of mental health problems amongst the cohort Generation Y in the Western society. The mental health of this population group is relatively poor as results from the 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing show that within the population diagnosed with a 12-month mental disorder, 26 percent was composed of individuals aged 16 to 24, and 25 percent of individuals aged 25-34 (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2008). Moreover, approximately one in four young people aged 16-24 are diagnosed with a mental health disorder annually (Muir et al., 2009). This paper will look into the evolution of technology and its effect or impact on Gen Y and, through concepts developed by social theorist Emile Durkheim, discuss how this is contributing to the increase in mental health problems amongst this group of young people. **Who is Generation Y? ** Generation Y, also known as Gen Y, is a group of young adults born in a range between 1977 and 1994 (Huang, Huang, & Syu, 2010). The generation is often defined as a cohort that is optimistic, open to changes and confident (Gilboa & Vilnai-Yavetz, 2010). Gen Y is also referred to as ‘Generation Next’, ‘Echo Boomers’ and ‘The Millennials’ (Huang et al., 2010), and in Australia this cohort is composed of approximately four and a half million people, representing twenty and a half percent of the country’s population (McCrindle Research, 2006). **Literature Review ** The childhood for generation Y was defined as a consumption-driven society, filled and bombarded with rapid technological advancements (Gilboa & Vilnai-Yavetz, 2010). The generation Y cohort is therefore known to be technologically savvy, and they are enthusiasts when it comes to adapting to new technology (Gilboa & Vilnai-Yavetz, 2010). Growing up in such an environment with such attitude has caused the generation to be easily influenced by peers, and to manage much of their social life through social networking websites such as Facebook, text-messaging and instant messaging programs (Gilbao-Yavetz, 2010). Generation Y’s access to new communication technologies has not only provided new methods to access educational and vocational information, but also to engage in social interactions (Muir et al., 2009). This has caused the individuals within the cohort to become very individualistic and also socially isolated when compared with previous generations (Huang, Huang, & Syu, 2010).

Generation Y’s transition from adolescence to adulthood is often associated with creating an ‘online’ identity to show or demonstrate their independence, and technological methods are used to maintain relationships with family and friends, and to create new social ties or relationships (Huang et al., 2010). Furthermore, during the transition to adulthood their use of technology, especially their access to the internet, becomes unregulated and unrestricted (Huang et al., 2010). Generation Y’s communication and interactions have become very technology-based, and usually occurs through technological methods such as emails, mobile phones and social networking websites instead of a physical interaction (Huang et al., 2010). The most serious issue is, however, the generation’s high use of social networking websites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. A Pew Research Centre report stated that in a survey it was found that approximately fifty-four percent of generation Y individuals have previously used a social networking website, and of which eighty-two percent have created their own profile and ninety-one percent expressed that the majority of their friends also utilise social networking websites (Huang et al., 2010). This increased use of technological methods and social networking websites to communicate, maintain and create relationships, is replacing conventional physical interactions that promotes social cohesion integration (Huang et al., 2010). It is believed that there are consequences associated with the use of technology for communication. Relationships developed online by generation Y individuals are relatively weak, and interactions that occur without physical characteristics will lack regulation, structure and norms (Huang et al., 2010). Hence, online social interaction has resulted in a generation that lacks emotional attachment towards their online relationships, and caused them to shift from traditional physical communication to communication via virtual networks. Altogether, this reinforces the individualistic trait of the generation (Huang et al., 2010).

In addition to their individualistic personalities, the high use of technology by generation Y is also causing them to become socially isolated. The development of weaker online relationships along with the replacement of physical interactions are associated with the use of social networking sites. It has been stated that the characteristics of a normal interaction such as emotional intensity and intimacy are being replaced by those of an online interaction, which includes self-presentation and similarity (Huang et al., 2010). As a result, individuals of generation Y participate in interactions without face-to-face contact, create relationships that lack social cohesion and are becoming alienated from civic or everyday life (Huang et al., 2010). Furthermore, a report by the Australian Government stated that an association exists between increased time spent in a technology-based environment and an increased risk of becoming disengaged from both families and physical communities. In addition, the frequent use of technology appeared to be decreasing the social interaction of young people with their peers (Muir et al., 2009), which further suggests that technology use is associated with isolation. Social isolation caused by using communication technology can also be discussed from another perspective. A small proportion of the young population, through personal choice or barriers to access, may not utilise technology (Muir et al., 2009). However, the importance of technology devices to the society continues to increase and this may cause the small proportion of the generation to become increasingly isolated (Muir et al., 2009). We can therefore see that generation Y’s use of technology for communication is causing them to become disengaged and socially isolated.

The increased use of technology for communication is also associated with cyber harassment or bullying. Communication technologies such as email, mobile phones, chat rooms and social networking websites are often utilised for bullying, and this is more prevalent amongst the younger population of generation Y, namely adolescents and younger adults (Muir et al., 2009). This is evident as reports have stated the ‘cyber-bullying’ incidents have increased in Australia as well as other countries (Muir et al., 2009). It has been suggested cyber bullying can have a significant impact on a victim’s emotional well-being and may also affect their use of online resources. (Muir et al., 2009). This can therefore lead to the social isolation of an individual or affect one’s mental or psychological well-being. **Social & Cultural Analysis ** So how does generation Y’s use of technology affect their mental health and well-being? The association between the two can be explained with a concept proposed by social theorist Emile Durkheim. Durkheim describes that people are born with both an egoistic and antisocial side to them, and it is necessary for an individual to be a part of a social group in order to discover the boundaries which limit their selfish actions (Graeff & Mehlkop, 2007). Moreover, individuals are provided with two moralities with “one deriving from their selfish nature and suiting their individualistic characteristics, and one originating in moral issues of groups that is provided in social institutions like families or schools” (Graeff & Mehlkop, 2007, p. 522). Durkheim states that social life is directed by unwritten rules and is shared by the combined consciousness of a social group, and this is referred to as ‘nomic’ (Spencer, 2000). When common interests prevail over individual interests, ‘nomie’ exists and this promotes social stability along with mental well-being (Spencer, 2000). On the contrary, Durkheim’s concept of anomie refers to the decrease in regulation and integration of individuals in society due to change (Graeff & Mehlkop, 2007). In anomic suffering the selfish nature of individuals prevail, their sense of purpose diminishes and individualistic desires are used for social action as they are no longer regulated or limited (Graeff & Mehlkop, 2007; Huang et al., 2010). This is where social integration and regulation declines, allowing individuals to feel deprived, insecure, become disorientated (Graeff & Mehlkop, 2007), and become disengaged and depressed (Huang et al., 2010). As aforementioned in the literature review, generation Y is more individualistic and have a higher probability of experiencing social isolation due to technology use. Furthermore, their use and access to technology and internet is largely unregulated and unrestricted (Huang et al., 2010). The increase in individuality and disengagement from society, along with unregulated technology use may be associated with anomic suffering, and can be a possible explanation for the increase in mental health problems amongst the cohort.

Furthermore, according to Huang et al. (2010) the term liberated anomie is used to describe anomic suffering in generation Y, as it is a distinctive characteristic of the cohort. This group of young people also have the ability to disengage from society without emotional, social or financial consequences due to either wealth, class or education (Huang et al., 2010). However, as aforementioned there are groups within this generation which may not have access to technology, and this can promote social isolation. In this case, they experience liberated anomie in a different way (Huang et al., 2010). If barriers are present and access to technology is limited, then this disadvantaged group will be more likely to experience the typical consequences associated with anomie, which includes depression and disenfranchisement (Huang et al., 2010). This can also be used as another explanation for the prevalence of mental health problems in generation Y.

In addition to Durkheim’s concept of anomie, a decrease in social cohesion is often linked with an increase in individuality (Bhavsar & Bhugra, 2008). When a society becomes more individualistic in nature, the rates of not only crime and divorce go up, but also common mental disorders (Bhavsar & Bhugra, 2008). As aforementioned, generation Y’s use of technology is beginning to turn the cohort into one that is individualistic in nature. This can further support that individualism and social isolation due to technology use is associated with increased mental health problems in generation Y. **Analysis of Artefact & Reflection ** The cartoon is relevant to the issue of generation Y, technology and mental health problems. It illustrates the generation’s high use of technology the impact of such on communication, as depicted by the student with her advanced technology gadgets. It can also be seen that the student is in her own world and appears to more absorbed into her conversation through technology, rather than the face-to-face interaction with the student beside her. This can be representative of how technology use in generation Y is causing them to possess a more individualistic character, how it is interfering with the traditional physical interaction and ultimately their mental well-being.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Through this assessment piece, it has made me gain knowledge and become more aware of what is happening in today’s society, and especially to the young people of generation Y. I had always thought that technology only affected physical health due to inactivity and long hours of screen-time, however it is much more than that. The impact of technology use on mental health or well-being has been made clear to me. However, I have also come to realise that generation Y has grown up in an era of advanced technology, and has become reliant and dependent on technology. This stresses to me that in order to improve the mental health of generation Y and future generations, and that simply by regulating and restricting technology use would not be an effective method. There needs to be a balance between technology use and the traditional physical interaction. In conclusion, through this assessment piece I have become well aware of the significant impact of technology use on mental health, and that it is an important public health issue which needs to be thought of seriously and addressed urgently.

<span style="color: #9318fb; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">** References ** <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2008). //National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results, 2007//. Retrieved from http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/4326.0Main%20Features32007?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=4326.0&issue=2007&num=&view=

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Bhavsar, V., & Bhugra, D. (2008). Globalization: mental health and social economic factors. //Global Social Policy, 8//(3), 378-396.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Gilboa, S., & Vilnai-Yavetz, I. (2010). Four generations of mall visitors in Israel: a study of mall activities, visiting patterns, and products purchased. //Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 17//, 501-511.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Graeff, P., & Mehlkop, G. (2007). When anomie becomes a reason for suicide: a new macro-sociological approach in the Durkheimian tradition. //European Sociological Review, 23//(4), 521-535.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Huang, J. J., Huang, M. Y., & Syu, F. K. (2010). Liberated anomie in generation next: hyperindividualism, extreme consumerism, and social isolationism. //Fooyin Journal of Health Science, 2//(2), 41-47.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">McCrindle Research (2006). //New generations at work: attracting, recruiting, retraining & training generation Y//. Retrieved from Victoria’s Virtual Library website http://www.libraries.vic.gov.au/downloads/Public_Libraries_Unit/newgenerationsatwork.pdf

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Muir, K., Mullan, K., Powell, A., Flaxman, S., Thompson, D., & Griffiths, M. (2009). //State of Australia’s Young People: A report on the social, economic, health and family lives of young people.// Retrieved from Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website http://www.deewr.gov.au/Youth/OfficeForYouth/Documents/StateofYoungPeople.pdf

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Spencer, D. J. (2000). Anomie and demoralization in transitional cultures: the Australian aboriginal model. //Transcultural Psychiatry, 37//(5), 5-10.

**<span style="color: #9318fb; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">Comments ** **'THIS IS THE MODERN LIFE' - The Future for Generation Y?**  http://healthculturesociety.wikispaces.com/message/list/%27THIS+IS+MODERN+LIFE%27+-+The+Future+for+Generation+Y%3F  <span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%; text-align: left;">I enjoyed reading your work. Your artefact is great and both your literature review and social and cultural analysis reflects on the issue relatively well! I must agree that the dependent use of technology by generation Y is detrimental to both their physical and mental health. However, in my research I found that the negative effect of technology use on mental health is not only due to cyber bullying. Generation Y's individuality and obsessive use of technology and websites such as Facebook has cause them to become socially isolated, and I believe this is definitely another major factor affecting the generation's health. ** Chlamydia, MTV and Pornography - Generation Y's Sexual Revolution ** http://healthculturesociety.wikispaces.com/message/list/Chlamydia%2C+MTV+and+Pornography+%E2%80%93+Generation+Y%E2%80%99s+Sexual+Revolution <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Your work is absolutely a pleasure to read! The essay and statistics was presented in a way that was both interesting and engaging. I found that your cultural and social analysis was very comprehensive and incorporated several aspects and characteristics that related to Generation Y (for example you mentioned pornography and related it to technology use which is a distinctive trait of Generation Y).

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">I agree with all the analysis you have provided, but for the assessment two (the presentation) my group also discovered that one of the reasons behind the dramatic increase in STI prevalence is due to Generation Y having their first sexual interaction at a younger age (approximately 16 years of age).

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">To finish it all off, I really like your artefact! :)