Issues Raised in PBS Presentation: Growing Up Online

Technology has evolved so rapidly over the last decade. The generation of today’s children upbringing is drastically different from that of their parents. Cellphones, Computers and the Internet have reshaped today’s lifestyle and the way we socialize. Social networking has almost become second nature especially teenagers’, and created a large generation gap that is hard to close. Many parents can become completely oblivious to what their teens are sharing and communicating with peers or strangers that can have severe consequences.



More and more teenagers are connected online at school, out with their friends and at home. Some teenagers have use the Internet as outlet, a disguise or find a new way to re-identify their selves to the real world maybe because they choose not to adjust to the norms or are going through a phase. This is important while still becoming an adult as it allows one to find out what type of person they are by creating this identity anonymously. In turn online anonymity has also stirred people to become reviled through what online community refer to as a “Troll” or “Trolling.” Urban Dictionary defines as

Troll noun “One who posts a deliberately provocative message to a newsgroup or message board the intention of causing maximum disruption and argument.”

In todays society they’re an array of electronic distractions, wherever we go someone’s looking down at their phone checking their email, on social media or playing bejeweled. When this gets inside the classroom it can be difficult for kids to focus in if they become unfocused or are trying to multitask with tablets. That’s why modern classrooms are designed to encourage and support the learning process. They provide multimedia equipment and software that make learning interactive with use of PowerPoint presentations and smart boards.

Another issue is that Internet allows students to get immediate answers to basically anything, all the information is available online and at their fingertips. This might cause problems; because some have less patience and desire to do the actual research or read books if they know that they can get quick answers online. They start memorizing less and rely more on the Internet based resources. Information doesn’t make teens any wiser, it’s their ability to process and regurgitate that information to reach a deeper understanding of things that contributes to their actual knowledge. Therefore, the abundance of information on the Internet can diminish kids’ ability to utilize it and critically analyze it.


The advancement of the Internet and social networks brought leisurely amusement and new possibilities into twenty first century. Though one should always moderate their use efficiently to achieve a fine balance, switching off their devices once in awhile.