Let’s specify the age range of the younger generation before we dive into the discussion. Here, we will be referring to individuals who currently belong to the age group of 10 years to early 20s as the younger generation. When the younger generation is asked what’s the one thing that they can’t live without? Most of them are likely to tell you it’s their cell phone. We don’t get surprised anymore since we have already accepted the role of modern technology in their life. But still, older generations have a hard time understanding the younger generation’s obsession with their devices. They can’t relate to how technology can be more important to them than building meaningful connections.
Role of Modern Technology in the Younger Generation
Modern technology plays a very important role in the lives of the younger generation. It is so important to them that they can’t think of a life without technology. They are inseparable from their device. Right from when they open their eyes in the morning till the time they go to bed, they have devices by their side.
Seems like it is the first thing they want to check and the last thing they want to use. Maybe this sounds too critical, but this is the story of the life of most of the younger generation. Don’t believe me? Well, you can check around.
A few years ago, the younger generation didn’t need to have their own device. But considering the current pandemic situation, more things have been switched to online mode. Since we can no longer reopen schools, colleges, and universities right away keeping the safety of individuals in mind, we have to use technology to continue our education.
This increases the occurrence of distractions among the younger generation. They might start their online search from an answer to their homework and by the time they realize they are already looking at things that have nothing to do with their homework.
What Makes a Real Difference?
By now, we can agree that the way the younger generation uses modern technology makes a real difference. Now, we will look at how technology is a curse if you let it control you, and how technology is a blessing if you control it.
A Curse in Disguise
If you belong to the younger generation, ask yourself what physical health issues you are facing? Is it headaches, strained eyes, neck pain, back pain, or all of these? When devices are used for a prolonged period, it causes severe headaches. It does make sense because we often get headaches after using devices.
We are looking at the light of the device for a longer time, reading texts of different font sizes, and bent in a stooped position. This disaster combination affects the quality of your sleep, and most importantly, the quality of your life.
The impact of modern technology on the younger generation is not just physical, there are mental impacts too. You can see how the rate of depression is rising among the younger generation. This generation seems more anxious than previous generations ever were in their youth.
How can they not get depressed easily considering the constant negativity they surround themselves with? When the time that should be invested in giving yourself rest is replaced by screen time, anxiety creeps in, and not until it creates serious concerns, is identified.
What Can Be Done?
We can’t leave the discussion without including the solutions, can we? Here’s how you can deal with the negative impact of technology on your physical and mental health.
Physical Health
Physical health should be your number 1 priority. As seen in the graph given below, the younger generation is addicted to the internet.
To prevent getting physical issues from this addiction, follow these methods:
- Use the features offered by technology and adjust the light so that you are not staring at the bright light.
- Keep changing your positions and if possible, use support for your back.
- If the font size is not comfortable for your eyes, change it.
- If you are all by yourself, instead of holding the phone near your ears during calls, use the speaker option.
Mental Health
- Set time to use social media and avoid unnecessary mindless scrolling.
- Stop comparing yourself to everyone out there. Healthy comparisons are okay as long as you learn from them, but if you keep comparing yourself to everyone, you’ll get more anxious and depressed.
A Blessing in Disguise
So far, we have seen how modern technology has negatively impacted the younger generations, now let’s look at the positive impact. More than ever now, you have the world in the palm of your hand. You can learn about anything and everything, and this is especially a blessing when you are younger.
You haven’t had many experiences in your life, and now with modern technology, you get to choose the experience that you wish to have. Want to learn a new language? Easy, simply use language learning apps, watch series and videos, and you are good to go.
How about starting your own business? I won’t say easy again, but yeah, it is possible. Make yourself available, and let people know that the younger generation is also interested in making a name for themselves and their business. You can get your clients or customers using social media, and if things go well, you can implement it on a large scale. Even if things don’t go as planned, modern technology gives you access to almost all the resources that you need to reinvent your business.
Top Trending Technologies Used by the Younger Generation
Gen Z and their love for new technology are no secret. They are the first to adopt any innovation and help popularize trends. Thus, it is no surprise that, when surveyed, it was found that almost 95% of the younger generation will own a smartphone in 2023.
The report further shows that 83% of them have a laptop, and 78% have a gaming console. Gen Z also spends a lot of time online, almost 45% have admitted to remaining online almost constantly, while 29% have said to use the internet past midnight regularly.
This is why, when we talk about modern technology concerning the younger generation, we should also factor in the current trends. We have mentioned some of the top trends here. Also, We have prepared a video that covers technology with regard to Gen Z.
1. IoT Devices
AI has not only created a new market for businesses but also strengthened the IoT industry. Today, the younger generations want every device or appliance to be smarter. Due to this, many have started working on or advancing already existing technologies that would allow the younger generation to have smart household products like robots, kitchen appliances, remote monitoring, wearables, and so on.
2. The advancement of Web3
Web3 is taking the internet to a new height with the incorporation of elements such as blockchain, decentralization, and a token-based economy. Recent years have witnessed the rise of NFTs and their popularity among the younger generation. Web3 aims to make NFTs more usable and practical.
3. AI and Machine Learning
Almost every recent innovation has AI at its core. In fact, we can call the last few years the true beginnings of AI and machine learning, which have finally entered the common sphere. And it is still evolving. Although AI is still limited to image and speech recognition, intelligent prompts, and voice assistance, the potential is huge as AI is here to stay.
4. VR and AR, the new reality?
We are all familiar with the metaverse, and while it sounded somewhat whimsical or even ambitious at the beginning, things are certainly looking up as more and more technologies emerge around it. Not only will it bring a whole new immersive experience to anything you currently do online, but it also has the potential to change the way we look at our current world.
5. The Age of Green Technology
Yes, the younger generation is not only fastidious but actually concerned about the future of green technology. They do realize the merits of protecting our planet from further harm and actively participate in preserving nature. Also, young people are more likely to adopt any unconventional tech, such as the Tesla electric car, which became a hit and can be a perfect example of how green tech is on the precipice of evolution.
The following table explores the various emerging technologies and their importance:
| Technology Trends | Benefits | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence | Allows an increase in efficiency via automation and reduces redundancy in any project. | AI chatbots, analytics, image recognition, and voice assistants |
| VR/AR | Integration of the digital world with the real world | VR headsets, metaverse, immersive gaming, |
| Smart IoT | Improved efficiency, reduced labor, and remote operation | Robot vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances, and smart TV |
| NFTs/BlockChain | A decentralized internet with more privacy and analytical ability | Token-based exchanges and NFT auctions |
| Green Tech | Promotes sustainability and reduces carbon footprint | Electric vehicles and renewable resources |
| 5G | Increased Internet speed | Streaming, gaming, or anything internet-related |
Conclusion
Modern technology is affecting the younger generation by shaping their communication, education, and entertainment. It enables them to stay connected across borders, access vast information resources, and explore a broad range of educational platforms.
The younger generation should be more careful with technology as it has already created a gap between them and other generations. It’s simply difficult for other generations to understand the connection of the younger generation with modern technology. The younger generation is brought up with technology and over time it will just become more important to them.
Coming to the end of the discussion, let’s conclude it on a brighter note. If you let modern technology control you then it will become dangerous but on the other hand, if you let modern technology teach you something new, then it will become very useful. This is how everything comes down to choices, and what you choose makes a difference.