The current era is characterized by extraordinary access to new emerging technologies and various types of media including social media, it is puzzling to observe a rising perception that kinds are “dumber” than previous generations. Today, kids are highly exposed to the latest information and they have greater access to the latest learning tools that past generations could only dream of. Today, it is important to acknowledge the immense array of learning resources available at the fingertips of kids.
Kids have access to a plethora of information archives, learning applications, online lessons, and interactive learning tools that have the capacity to enhance their learning experience. Alongside, social media platforms enable them to do instant communication and coordinate with their peers, which foster a sense of mutual learning experience. However, many kids show lower levels of creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and little time span, despite the advantages of technology and media.
One notable factor contributing to this situation is the nature of technology itself. Despite the fact that technology can enhance the learning experience in various ways, the same technology can be a double-edged sword. Instant communication and easy access to information can result in decreased attention spans. Kids may struggle to engage in activities that need sustained focus and patience, such as reading books, gardening, and playing in a team because they are accustomed to rapid responses from their handy digital devices. Many studies have also shown that more screen time results in lower attention spans and weaker academic performance.
Kids are also suffering from cognitive overload due to the overwhelming amount of information available on the internet. Bombardment of information from different e-sources, such as videos, social media stories, pictures, and animations, makes it challenging for the kids to identify what is relevant to their needs. This continuous invasion of information often leads to a superficial understanding rather than deep comprehension. Kids are being observed skimming through content without giving proper attention, rather than engaging critically with the context of content.
Additionally, new technology has many learning and educational factors, at the same time it may detract users from the development of interpersonal skills. The importance of interpersonal communication skills, empathy, and emotional intelligence can not be developed without face-to-face interaction. Kids, now a day are increasingly using screens for social interaction through social media and interactive gaming, and they might pass up important opportunities to interact and learn face-to-face. Moreover, a decline in physical activities among kids can be observed due to increasing reliance on technology. The e-lifestyle has become a new normal due to high screen time which is resulting in different health issues such as obesity. Mental development and physical health are highly dependent on physical activities. It has been proven that exercise is important to improve memory and mood and boost the overall efficiency of the mind. Kids spend more time with mobile phones and less time in outdoor activities, so their cognitive capabilities may suffer.
The role of parental involvement in kids’ use of technology is another important aspect. If parents lack media and digital literacy, they cannot guide their children regarding the usage of technology and its effects. There is a lack of structured guidance; on one side there are parents embracing technology as a tool for education and learning, on the other side, they let excessive screen time without defining boundaries may unintentionally encourage screen dependency. This situation can result in unproductive habits and unusual behaviors among kids that deter their ability towards effective learning. Furthermore, kids are now under more pressure to perform well academically. Students are expected to perform at a higher level than ever before as a result of having access to knowledge. Due to this pressure, kids may experience stress and feel overburdened. This may cause some kids to stop studying altogether or turn to shortcuts like copying homework rather than truly grasping the knowledge.
It is also a need of time to assess how well the educational system itself can adjust to new developments in technology. The needs of today’s tech-savvy students could not be sufficiently satisfied by the traditional teaching approach. Many teachers find it complicated to successfully incorporate technology into their classroom while still focusing on problem-solving and critical thinking. Students might not get the thorough education they need to succeed in a world that is becoming more complex if teaching strategies do not change by considering changing technological trends.
Today, kids have even more access to the latest technology than the previous generations. This abundance does not always equate to improved cognitive skills or academic excellence. The scenario is caused by a number of factors, such as diminished interpersonal skills, cognitive overload from excessive information consumption, shorter attention spans, parental guidance issues, academic pressure, and antiquated teaching strategies.
We can successfully create an environment where kids thrive intellectually despite the distractions posed by modern technology, by putting strategies into place that support balanced technology use, the development of critical thinking skills, interpersonal interaction, physical activities integration, parental education on media and digital literacy, and adaptive teaching methods.
Overall, society, parents, teachers, and legislators must acknowledge that although technology has enormous potential to improve educational experiences, it must be used carefully and sensibly if we are to raise a capable and intellectual future generation.
