Bridger Foote

Stephanie Maenhardt

English 1010

4/21/2019

An Annotated Bibliography Discussing the Aftermath of Technological Advancement.

Summary of The Issue:

I am researching the question: “How has the digital age impacted people and behavior?”

As I have researched the various perspectives, it is clear there are issues in which this current

generation communicates. Social media, and the applications we use on our mobile devices, have

become the main source of communication, which many believe has brought about a lack of face-

to-face interaction. Other’s believe that social media has connected the world to solve major issues,

informing, educating, and expanding our knowledge as a society.

Henneber, Susan. “Issues in Society: Are Mobile Devices Harmful?” Referencepoint Pres, Jan 1 2017.

Sks.sirs.com.libprox1.slcc.edu:2048/webapp/article?artno=0000394570&type=ART

Author, Susan Henneberg’s article goes into detail, explaining several drawbacks cell

phone use has had on the current generation. Hennebergs introduction tells the story of a fatal car

crash that occurred, and how two men died in the devastating events. The crash only happened

because a teenager was texting and driving. Henneberg discusses further research of how

neuroscientist, Adam Gazzaley, has spent his life studying the effects of attention span, and its

correlation with texting. To do this Gazzaley put students in driving simulations, while scanning

their brains, using MRI, and positron-emission tomography scans. While in the simulation, he
would send their phones text messages to see how their brains reacted. Gazzaley concludes “Their

eyes are open but the brain’s not processing all the information” Ultimately showing that texting

is a major distraction for your mind. Delving deeper within the article, Henneberg highlights

aspects of technology that have kept the world connected and given us access to information the

human race could not conceive 10 years ago. These devices of communication have become

lifelines in the 21st century, and plenty of good outcomes have stemmed from their existence. A

2017 survey shows that more than 70 percent of mobile device users say their devices “represent

freedom and provide connection.” However, while taking note of the benefits of cell phone usage,

Henneberg makes sure to make her audience aware of the physical and mental casualties that are

associated with this new technological era.

A major topic of discussion for Henneberg is the addiction of mobile devices, and how

they can interfere with our sleep, and social interactions; especially amongst personal

relationships. Communication is a key factor in any relationship, yet we hold onto our devices,

and ignore the material world. She explains this best by saying, “We suppress this capacity by

putting ourselves in environments where we’re not looking at each other in the eye, not sticking

with the other person long enough or hard enough to follow what they’re feeling.” Texting, and

other social media formats have disconnected teenagers in a material sense, and has essentially

replaced face-to-face communication in the way that we know it. Due to this, experts worry that

teens are losing vital social skills, including the ability to empathize, or even pay attention in a

conversation. Not only is this concerning for developmental purposes, but it even creates barriers

within our mental health.

Henneberg’s viewpoint is that technology has its benefits, and is not necessarily a

malicious aspect our newfound, digital world. However, technology does have drawbacks, as do
most things, and awareness is her true goal. With awareness can come the responsible actions

needed, to maintain a healthy lifestyle, while participating in the usage of technology.

Her opinion fits into the debate, because she’s aware of the controversy of many different

perspectives of technology. Where as many perspectives have focused on what we are using the

devices for (social media, gaming, porn, bullying, etc) she focuses on the physical aspect of the

device, and how it is a distraction of the mind, exerting energy from the body. She is familiar with

the consequences and is vocal about our individual choices. There are ways of making sure we are

safe online, to ourselves, and to others, but her overall message is to be cautious with the decisions

we make, while using devices.

Henneberg begins her article with a real-life tragedy, describing the setting of perfectly

normal day that turned into a disaster, with merely the press of a button. This is a direct use of

pathos. Henneberg explains the detrimental circumstance of texting behind the wheel, and in the

process, appeals to the audience’s emotions, before even laying out the facts and evidence of the

matter. The audience is wide ranged, by focusing on the large amount of individuals who use

technology, or have been affected by the unforeseen, yet preventable issue, that is texting and

driving. Using real life scenarios, and data to back up research, I found Hennebergs article to be a

credible source of information.

Kerpen, Carrie. “How Has Social Media Changed Us?” Forbes, Apr 21 2016.

www.forbes.com/sites/carriekerpen/2016/04/21/how-has-social-media-changed-us/#23da03e25dfc.

Author Carrie Kerpen discusses social media from a standpoint regarding self-image, and

privacy. Kerpen does so by going into detail, discussing the “brand” that can be established

amongst the few who rise to fame, using social media platforms, “Now, over 78% of the U.S.

population has a social network profile. This behavioral shift has reverberating effects-- not just in
how we spend our time, but in how we feel about ourselves.” While interviewing for her podcast

“All the Social Ladies” she has had the unique opportunity to ask questions to high profile social

media users, and uses this platform with the intent on asking questions about their social “status”

and how it’s affected their lives. Kerpen learns that through social media Anita Rosner was able

to “re-brand” herself to her followers when she relaunched her acting career, after a 20 year

absence. Instead of posting pictures where she feels she looks the best, she began posting pictures

that were more authentic to who she is. In the process of doing this, she felt that she became more

memorable and relatable to her audience. This honesty, and raw authenticity led to a more hits on

her ongoing podcast, and social media channels.

On the other hand, while interviewing Lynne Johnson, the CMO of Consumers Credit

Union. Kerpen learns that there is a backlash of being a public figure in the eyes of social media

users. Johnson explains the circumstances of running into fans who ignore the idea of privacy.

“People come up to you, as if they know you personally, completely disregarding any concept of

personal space, and respect.” At one point, even her husband, ran into a rambunctious fan, who

proceeded to pretend he knew who Johnson was. When further questioned, this stranger admitting

to “feeling as if he knew her”, when in fact Johnson had never the guy. From that day forward, she

was hesitant on what she posted about, because her personal life was being intruded upon.

Kerpen’s article reveals a viewpoint of how we are all connected through media, and that

in many ways, sometimes too close. Through social media, not only can people view your interests,

posts, and ideals, but people can obtain emotional connections to strangers, which can sometimes

lead to stalking, or obsession. While some may see the personal gratification of social media,

whether it’s comments of appraisal, or getting a certain amount of likes on a post, the opposite of

praise can come just as easily from a passionate online follower.

 There are plenty uses of Ethos established in the text, as the stories shared, are depicted

through the eyes of people who have large fan bases, or high-level jobs. They share a testimony of

their personal experiences and establish themselves as credible sources. The main audience would

be those who have large followings on social media, and who may relate to the strange interactions

that are the outcome of a fame. The source is credible, as it includes real life stories that are shared

by individuals with moderately high social status.

Davis, Asha, and Erin Burnett “Parents May Fret, but Teens and Even Experts Say Social Media
Use Has Its Benefits.” USA Today, March 23, 2018.

sks.sirs.com.libprox1.slcc.edu:2048/webapp/article?artno=0000404788&type=ART.

Burnett’s article discusses the potentially harmful apps that millennials are using on a daily

basis. Such as Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter. Studies have shown that the overuse of these

platforms is linked to social anxiety, and other health issues. A prominent theme that is discussed

is how teens use these apps, to show their “perfect lives” when in reality, nobodies’ life is perfect.

In looking at the world from this lens, teenagers can begin to examine their own self-worth, based

on the number of followers they have, or the amount of likes they receive on a post that’s been

uploaded. As well, there’s the rising issue of FOMO, “Fear of Missing Out” and how it “is a

tangible problem for teenagers” especially as social media is one of their direct forms of

communication. For instance, when a parent takes away their child’s device, this can cause teens

to panic at the thought of not having that communication with their peers.

Burnett’s viewpoint is primarily on how social media apps have a direct correlation to

mental health issues, and how there’s a growing addiction to having our phones by our side at all

times. He also sheds light on how these platforms have created a society where we judge, and
 examine people based on their social media status. Ultimately rating someone’s self-worth, based

on the amount of followers they have, or the popularity they’ve gathered online.

Lusk, Brooke. “Digital Natives and Social Media Behaviors: An Overview.” Integrated Research Services,

Dec. 2010, sks.sirs.com.libprox1.slcc.edu:2048/webapp/article?artno=0000319159&type=ART.

Lusk defines the benefits and disadvantages of social media behaviors amongst teenagers,

whilst highlighting the idea that access to information can contribute to social behaviors. Going

through the benefits, Lusk looks at how the current generation has access to a variety of support

through online websites. People within the LGBTQ, of different religions, or those with mental

health disorders, have turned to the internet for a safe space, and a welcoming environment to

become apart of. Where traditionally, therapy is used to rehabilitate those with mental health needs,

young adolescence have found solace in these online communities, where they are free to be

themselves, giving advice, and spreading knowledge to one another.

As friendly and wonderful as this may sound, there are plenty of reasons why the internet

is in fact, not, a safe place. According to the Pew Internet Study, 31% of teenagers use the internet

to learn about health information. This leads teens to the discovery of sexual health, mental health,

drug use, and many other delicate topics. In the instance of gathering health information,

adolescents can be receiving their information from those who are not professionals and are not

properly trained or educated on specific subjects. There are sites dedicated to misleading youth to

act out on certain behaviors; coaching them on suicide, as well as eating disorders. A survey

conducted by Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital asked teenagers with eating disorders, if they

had ever visited these pro-anorexia or pro-bulimia sites. The results showed that 36% of the teens

had visited these sites, and that 98% of those who used these sites, learned new techniques for their

eating disorder.
 The ultimate goal according to Brooke, is teaching children how to remain safe while

online. Parents and educators should be the ones who are involved to teach youth how to be

conscientious with their individual internet usage, and they must do so carefully. There has to be

a balance between the creativity and connectedness the internet can bring, and the caution that is

needed to use online platforms.

Lusk’s viewpoint represents education within internet use, and that teenagers should be

taught thoroughly, about the benefits and repercussions of using the internet. They must be aware

that although there are plenty of great sources to use online, there are just as many people spreading

incorrect information. We must be educated with what is utilized, and make sure to have correct

sources.

This fits into the ongoing debate by giving a perspective that is arbitrary. Lush is looking

for a solution by education, rather than spreading opinion, with no plan of action. While providing

information of the benefits of the internet, she clearly looks for a way to educate young minds, and

make sure they are aware of the terrors that may come from internet usage. Lusk uses a heavy

amount of Logos, by stating a specific situation, and showing that there are multiple outcomes.

Yes, some children might find guidance online, but there are still those who will fall into the trap

of misinformation. Lusk speaks directly to the community, showing that we must talk amongst

ourselves to avoid future errors in using the internet as a tool. It can be dangerous when used

incorrectly, and irresponsibly.

In conclusion, I believe the perspectives I’ve gathered contrast each other pretty well. Each

has a specific topic in mind, but finds their issue greater than the others. The similarity is that each

perspective is concerned about the wellbeing of people, and their interaction with devices. Where

one perspective focuses on attention span, and its relation to our physical world, another is more
concerned about what these devices are doing to our mental health. Where our privacy is an issue,

and our information becomes more public, and accessible; our physical safety is on the line. But

is our physical safety more important than online misinformation? It’s clear there are several

factors at play, but I question what makes each of these perspectives more important than another?

There seems to be a cause and effect relationship between each viewpoint, and ultimately,

education on these topics is what each source is striving to achieve. Yet in order to spread this

education on a massive scale, we would need to acquire the resources to do so. Does this mean the

government should step in? Should schools be required to teach youth correct ways to interact

online? It seems there are plenty of agendas behind the monitorization and education of

technology, but not enough strategy to direct the movement to execution.

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