Column by J1 Reporter Frannie Morris

Although technology can be helpful, it also can be problematic in various ways. For the past couple years of my life, screens have been a big part of teens’ lives, for the better and for the worse. Screens have many different effects on a teens life, and that it could definitely be beneficial if teens today just got rid of their screens.

One of the things that is difficult when it comes to using technology too much is using screens for academic purposes. When teens get iPads or computers for school, they can’t really do anything to prevent using screens in school. Technology is definitely helpful in certain aspects of learning, but it can get to a point when it becomes excessive. We could try to do more assignments or quizzes on paper instead of iPads so it all balances out. 

Another reason there should be less technology used on a daily basis is for mental health purposes. Teens, including myself, can get easily addicted to screens, especially on social media apps. I’ve noticed about myself and my fellow classmates that phones can decrease attention spans, increase sleep deprivation, and have a negative effect on students’ academic performance. Social media can have an effect on teens’ anxiety and self confidence levels. All of these things caused by phones and social media are fixable by our generation, but I’m not sure if it’s too late for us and our health to be saved.