Is The Internet Making Our Children Stupid?
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In the years since the Internet evolved from a simple string of phone-networked military computers to today’s news, communications, and entertainment juggernaut, experts have debated its impact on our daily lives.
There’s no denying the Internet has forever transformed the ways in which we share information, build a business presence, form relationships and entertain ourselves, but are the children of today—the first generation to grow up in an “always on” world—suffering unforeseen consequences of the digital revolution?
A Qualified Yes
The answer is a somewhat qualified “yes.” While society has historically regarded any new technology with suspicion and concern, a cursory review of contemporary research reveals that today’s kids—immersed almost from birth in both the virtual world and the real one—are acquiring an unsettling set of behaviors that might mean trouble down the line.
One such potentially disturbing behavior is the early adoption of multitasking.
Although valued in the adult workplace as a productivity aid, in infants and toddlers, multitasking can actually hamper the development of concentration and interpersonal communication.
Whereas toddlers used to pass an afternoon stacking blocks or finger painting with friends, today many are learning their numbers with an animated app or creating their latest masterpiece on their parents’ iPad. In addition to missing out on motor skill development, these kids are losing critical interactions with parents and other children—interactions necessary for the development of healthy relationships and interpersonal engagement later in life.
Short-Circuiting Young Brains
It’s not just the potential loss of real-world skills that’s short-circuiting young brains. Stacked up against the shiny wonders of the virtual world, everyday tasks like reading, chatting, and even sports and games can seem dull and pointless.
Internet addiction can modify the brains of young children at the time their minds are most malleable, leaving them vulnerable to a host of antisocial behaviors and other health concerns later in life.
The Internet is undoubtedly a modern marvel. But in a world where many parents regard the Internet as combination playground and parenting aid, moderation may prove more important than innovation.
And for children growing up in a plugged-in culture, a successful and happy future in the world of tomorrow may require spending more time in the real world today.
The Internet is Marking Our Children Stupid
By middle school, kids spend more time with digital media than parents or teachers
- By age 2, more than 90% of American children have an online history
- By age 5, more than 50% regularly use a computer or a tablet
- 95% of teens 12-17 go online
- 49% use their mobile phones to go online
- 80% of online teens are on social media sites
Negative Effects of The Internet
- Shorter Attention Span: On average, people’s attention spans have dropped over the last 10 years, from 12 minutes 10 years ago, to 5 minutes today.
- Skimming: Lack of in-depth reading makes one a jack of all trades, master of none.
- Cognitive Overload: Browsing from one page to another may lead to important information being glossed over.
- Multi-tasking: Learning isn’t as effective or efficient when multitasking.
Instant Gratification
- 76% of educators agree that search engines have conditioned students to expect to find information quickly and easily.
- 94% of teachers say their students equate research with Google and other search engines.
- Wikipedia comes a close second, with 75% of teachers citing the site
How to Counter These Negative Effects
Limit Internet Use
There’s no cut and dried number, but parents should enforce some sort of limit.
Help Them Develop Emotional Intelligence
Engage in meaningful conversations. Ask questions such as “What would you do if…?”. Encourage them to express their feelings.
Encourage Other Interests
Expose children to non-Internet activities: get them out of the house, encourage them to meet real people, take them places.
Take an active role in their Internet use
Monitor what web sites they like to visit, and encourage the use of educational games and apps.
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