It is generally agreed that modern technology has helped our world grow for the better. Advances in science, math, and engineering have made the world a marvel to live in. But now many are concerned that younger generations are too obsessed with technology to understand that it is a tool, rather than a lifestyle. I myself have seen the effects of the accessibility of mobile phones and gaming computers thanks to my younger brother. The ability to have a world of knowledge in your backpocket is astounding. Being able to pull out a hand sized object and find just about any piece of information you want can and has changed how we, humans, interact with each other. However, the opposite view is just as crucial. The temptation to pick up your phone and simply get lost for hours is immense, and the ability to fight that temptation is something that we, generation Z, have not developed as we have grown up with this technology. We are more independent, and are more comfortable being socially connected with others than emotionally connected with them. According to the ITA group, “Generally speaking, Generation Z tends to be more independent, and they view their world with a healthy dose of skepticism[…],a trait that group-minded baby boomers and millennials may misunderstand.” (https://www.itagroup.com/insights/things-know-about-generation-z)

My younger brother spends more time on his phone than doing anything else during the day. My mother abhors it, and has resorted to simply taking his phone off of him. Now, to my mom, this is very fair.To her, if my brother is on his phone, he is not doing his homework, or paying attention, or present in the moment at all. Mom believes that she is doing the right thing by keeping my brother off the phone. Her solution: End the disruption. Is this really the right approach? ITA disagrees, and quotes “According to Josh Miller at XYZ University, ‘To Gen Z, disruption is the norm. We’ve been exposed to global flaws and issues our entire lives, giving us the ability to understand the problems that need to be solved. We’re also skeptical, challenging preconceived notions about how the world should work. This leads to innovation, problem-solving and new ideas.’” Being able to see the world from a new, fresh view has led to us challenging situations and actions of past generations, and receiving criticism from younger, less “experienced” people, is something nobody wants to hear. Is taking away the object that connects him from friends, peers and the wider world helping? No. By making freedom and independence a thing that can be taken away sets a dangerous precedent for the future.

Having an object so crucial to the natural lifestyle of younger generations can do more harm than good. Cathie Ericson says “Sit down together to discuss proper use of the phone, inviting your teen’s perspective as well, and create a list of phone behaviors with rewards for good behavior and punishments for bad ones. For example, you might tell teens that if they fail to come to dinner because they are Snapchatting, they will lose the phone for an hour after dinner. And if they come right away, they can have an extra few minutes at night. “Don’t be afraid to let your teen help with these guidelines, and make concessions to let them have a few wins.”” (https://yourteenmag.com/technology/parents-take-away-cell-phones)  In the end, the natural solution is to punish bad behavior, and not remove a natural support system.