Concern about the loss of adolescent skills generated by new

technologies, the Social dilemma

Times of India
29th of may of 2022
by: Professor of Information Systems of data privacy George Smith from Harvard
University
The addiction and dependence of today's teenagers on technology is generating a loss of
their abilities that does not seem to matter to the rest of the world, either because they are
unaware of this consequence, or because they prefer to ignore it. This is how this tragic
problem is presented in the documentary the Social dilemma.

One of the main problems that appears with the overuse of technology in adolescents is the
loss of social skills. With the increasing dependence on social media and online
communications, adolescents may have difficulty establishing and maintaining meaningful
interpersonal relationships in the real world. Face to face communication, eye contact and
active listening skills are fundamental aspects of adolescent social and emotional
development. However, when they spend long hours interacting through screens, those skills
are compromised.

In addition, excessive use of technology can negatively affect the development of skills such
as memory, attention, creativity and problem planning in adolescents. Technology provides
quick answers and immediate access to information, which can limit adolescents' ability to
think critically, analyze complex situations, and find creative solutions. Dependence on
technology to solve problems can make adolescents less able to cope with real world
challenges and adapt to new situations.

Another preoccupation is the impact on concentration and attention. Teens who spend long
hours in front of screens may experience a decrease in their ability to concentrate on
academic tasks, which can affect their school performance. In addition, constant exposure to
technology and online distractions can lead to a decrease in teens' ability to maintain
attention on a single task for extended periods of time.

It is important to solve this problem. We need to set clear limits on how much time teens
spend in front of screens. Parents can create rules and schedules for the use of electronic
devices, including designated periods for activities that do not involve technology, such as
reading, exercising or having family conversations. By establishing routines and spaces
without technology, we encourage a variety of experiences and activities. In this way, teens
will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of non-technology related activities, which
is important for their development and health. By setting limits and providing healthy
alternatives, we give teens the opportunity to balance their time between technology use and
other activities that increase personal growth and social skills.

In conclusion, we must put an end to this problem or at least slow it down a little because
otherwise this problem will continue to grow and increase to the point where it cannot be
stopped. The documentary the Social dilemma shows perfectly the way in which the internet
and social networks manage us, especially teenagers, in such a way that it is frightening.
George Smith is a Professor of Information Systems of data privacy in Harvard University.
He has a master's degree in psychology on how social media affects teenagers today. He
also provides college courses on how to disengage from social media and how to establish
healthier habits.