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Kids and Technology
It seems like every day we hear about a new piece of technology that will make our lives "easier". From iPhones to iPods, computer games, DVRs and the list goes on. How is technology affecting us and how is it affecting our kids? Good, bad, indifferent? What do you think? 7 comments from 5 users
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posted by
creatress
on Jan 16, 2008 at 04:13 PM
posted by
blahblahblah
on Jan 16, 2008 at 05:47 PM
We are a gadget family, too. We each have our own computers (old iMac for Bee, new iMac for Big Man, MacBook for yours truly). Big Man has an iPhone, I have a Treo. We have DVRs on both of our TVs. We have a Garmin. Big Man and I each have our own iPod. Need I go on? :)We are so attached to these things, I can't imagine life without them. But for Bee, the computer has been a lifesaver. Because he's on the spectrum, things have to be very concrete for him. The computer is just that. He plays a game, gets the expected response. He is so good on the computer for his age, it's scary. But it makes sense for him. People's reactions are not easily anticipated. But the computer is. He loves playing with cell phones, too. We gave him the old Razr. :) posted by
ToscaSac
on Jan 16, 2008 at 10:21 PM
I am not too worried about technology specifically taking over or ruing my kid since we are not consumed by having every new thing. What I do see is as the world gets busier with more gadgets and things people are losing themselves and the art of being quiet alone with their thoughts (which can be at times the only way to get to the heard ot deep internal matters) or engaging fully in person one on one or with a group. Long thoughtful conversations just are not on the schedule for the masses and with so many take along gadgets on hand it's like everyone is multi tasking instead of being able to focus on one single thing at a time. I was reading some CS Lewis excerps yesterday which really sort of brought this to the fore front of my mind but concern about it had been brewing. It's like the knowledge that tho the internet puts us in touch with almost anyone anywhere in the world being glued to our computers even in a local forum such as this actually does not by itself lend to creating more in person connections and community. We are sharing in some cases very personal data with virtual strangers which is just not anything like what life used to be about. And we have no idea how that is shaping the current generation who will be the first to grow up immersed in it. Interestingly however is the idea that human nature is not changing even as our world modernizes if you will. So that means there have always been distractions capable of pulling people away from what is most meaningful and beneficial for their lives. No one is forcing us to accept all new changes and be plugged in at all times. No one is stopping us from deep critical thought, reaching out to real people we come across or seeking out new people to work with in the daily pursuits of life and happiness. But it might be good to remind each other of that more often. At least so we can hear it ourselves. posted by
creatress
on Jan 17, 2008 at 07:21 AM
Yeah, and I hate people who talk on those tiny phones in their ear in public and you think they're talking to you. There's a word for people who go out in public and talk to themselves. HATE THOSE THINGS! And people who use their electronics at the movies. UGH!
posted by
blahblahblah
on Jan 17, 2008 at 10:54 AM
It's a bluetooth headset, creatress. It's not a phone. Sheesh. Hahahahahaha... Yes, Big Man has one. :) posted by
nratcliff
on Jan 17, 2008 at 02:36 PM
This is a good question. I believe we are a gadget household as well we have a Tivo, TV in every room, one house computer and then my husband and I each have a laptop, cell phones - no blue tooth yet but with the new California law I may have to jump on board the alien looking revolution... don't worry I won't walk around talking to myself or use it in a movie theatre -- those that do, do suck. The aspect of this new digital world that just amazes me is that our 13 year old daughter being brought up only knowing this gadget world has the ability to pick up any digital or gagetry device and figure out how it works, shortcuts, programming and all that stuff in minutes becoming our teacher for most the gadgets in our household. She will even show me things on my blackberry after having it only minutes - features I never knew existed. It reminds me when I was a child and we got our first VCR -- watching my father try to figure it out and then teaching us all how to use it -- that should be the scenario with all these new gadgets us teaching them but its not -- kids today are just much much smarter at figuring these devices out and using them to their full ability.
posted by
anonymous
on Jan 17, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Our house has just about every gadget available. My husband, myself and my two daughters all have cell phones, iPods and my husband has a Blue-tooth. They aren't iPhones but still touch screen and all that. We have one desktop computer three laptops, tiVo and TVs in all but the toddlers room. We also have almost all the different gaming consoles of today.  I do think that things are out of control because my teenager would rather text or im someone than carry on a real conversation. She is more likely to respond when we text than when we call her phone but she knows how to do more with her phone, computer , and digital camera than I do and I feel that I am at least knowledgeable on all of these items. My toddler already likes to go to DisneyChannel.com and play games or play the Wii. (He even beats us at some of the games.) I think what is important though, is to still read and play board games on rainy or cold days and definitely go outside on nice days. And all three of my kids have activities outside the house weekly. I think it will only get crazier from here. I think what is scarier than the technology is the need to want more or better items.
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Ooooh, good question!
Personally technology is a pretty big deal in our house. We've had TiVo for 10 years and that's been great. No watching something I don't approve of, no commercials, watching TV when we want, not when something's on.
My son has a lot of freedom he wouldn't otherwise have, thanks to his cell phone. I worry MUCH less about him than I would without it, so that's been a really big deal for all of us.
He loves his ipod nano, and I do too. He's very musically inclined and mostly enjoys listening to movie and video game soundtracks, not my first choice. If we all had to take turns and listen on a stereo, I'd loose my mind. With the ipod, we're all happy.
The computer is a HUGE part of how I make money. Without it, the chances are higher I would have a regular corporate job. Ugh. The computer was also HUGE for me when our son was first diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome and all that entails. It's a very valuable tool in our house (and one that stays in the middle of our livingroom so I know what's going on at all times on it).
My son has had wonderful assistive technology to help him in school. From laptops, to PDA's to tiny hearing-aide like devices to help with his stuttering, his life would be much harder without them.
Another big part of my business is my digital camera. My job would be very difficult without it. From taking pictures of the children I teach and their finished art projects, to my jewelry for listing it onto Etsy. I also love just taking pictures in general and not having to wait to get the film developed. Digital cameras are GREAT!
Then of course there's the house-hold appliances. I don't think I need to sing the praises of them here. We all know how great they are.
All in all, technology has enriched our lives ten fold. Of course like all things, it has it's down side too. You just need to be very aware and careful, like anything else. Help your children to learn how to use them properly and monitor their use, just like you would with any tool. You wouldn't hand your kid a knife and leave the kitchen, I feel the same about a computer, cell phone, PDA, or other tool. They are tools, and shouldn't take the place of actual interaction or entertainment.
We still have fires, play board games, eat together as a family (with no TV on or anything), walk to the park, have conversations, call people on the phone... Technology shouldn't substitute actual life, just help you be more efficient, organized and maybe even profitable!