The Pros and Cons of Technology

Most people, including young people, spend half their daily waking hours online. A Gallup survey found that over half of U.S. teens spend nearly 4.8 hours each day on social media, more than many spend daily on schoolwork.*

Now, that’s a lot of screen time.

It is important that teens are aware of their technology usage and how it impacts their lives positively and negatively. Learning to disconnect from technology and connect with life can help them better thrive and be more well-rounded individuals.

Common Terms Related to Technology Use

To begin a conversation with teens it can help to discuss these common terms related to technology use:

• • Internet Addiction, also known as Problematic Internet Use (PIU), is the excessive use of the Internet that leads to adverse outcomes.

• • Online Identity, also known as an internet persona, is the digital information we share and leave behind online. This digital information is also known as our “online footprint.”

• • Digital Citizenship is our online behaviors and decisions that impact self, others, and our community. Good citizens engage with others respectfully and responsibly.

Some young people have not even considered their Online Identity. This is the first generation that has had unlimited access to technology their entire lives. And while surrounded by technology, they are often unaware of its impact.

How is Technology Use Affecting You?

Dr. Raychelle Cassada Lohmann, author of 30-Minute Groups: Online Safety, has developed a quiz that helps teens evaluate how technology is affecting them. Download the How is Technology Use Affecting You? Quiz and use it with your students.

In her book, this is how Raychelle recommends introducing this topic:

Did you know most devices track how much time you spend on them? Your screen settings allow you to compare your daily usage throughout the week to pinpoint the days and times you are most often online. Many apps will even break down your usage further by giving you specific information about how frequently you use them. There are even apps designed to help you monitor your online activities. Too much screen time can hurt your well-being and even create an addictive disorder known as “Internet Addiction” or nomophobia (fear of being without a mobile phone). Let’s take the How is Your Technology Use Affecting You? Quiz to explore how much time you spend on your device and explore ways to create a healthy balance between school and home.

How is Technology Use Affecting You? Quiz

1. 1. Do you become frustrated or grumpy when you don’t have your device?

1. 1. Do you spend numerous hours online?

1. 1. Do you avoid doing other activities because you’d rather be on your device than do something else you enjoy?

1. 1. Do you use your device right before bed?

1. 1. Do you often stay up too late because you are on your device?

1. 1. Do you avoid face-to-face interactions because you prefer to be with your online community or talking to your friends on apps?

1. 1. Do you fear you may miss out on a message or something important if you’re not on your device?

1. 1. Do you have a difficult time parting from your device?

1. 1. Do you hop on your device first thing in the morning?

1. 1. When you are doing something with friends or family, are you on your device?

1. 1. How much time do you spend online?

1. 1. What is the average daily time you spend on your phone?

1. 1. What apps do you use most often?

1. 1. How much daily time do you spend on these apps?

1. 1. What day(s) do you spend the most time online?

1. 1. What times of day do you use your device most often?

RESULTS:

Questions 1-10: If you answered “yes” to more of these questions than you did “no,” you may be experiencing an overreliance on your device.

Questions 11-16: Looking at patterns of use for your favorite apps, what are some steps you can take to be more intentional about your screen time?

After students have completed the worksheet, ask them to answer the following questions:

• • How much time do you spend daily on your device?

• • Does the amount of time you spend match up to the research, 40 hours a week?

• • Do you notice any patterns in your online use? For example, are you on your device before school, and does it cause you to be late to class? Are you on your device late at night most nights of the week?

• • What else would you be doing if you weren’t online?

• • What are some ways that you can better monitor and balance your screen time? For example, you could set up your device with time constraints or shut it down after a certain time.

Look for similarities and themes and bring those up during their discussions.

The Pros and Cons of Technology

It is important that teens understand how much of their time is spent on devices, along with the pros and cons of technology. Hopefully after speaking with them, they can pinpoint when they spend too much time online and identify things they could do without using their device. Getting our eyes off of our screens and onto the beautiful and engaging world around us will transform our future.

* Rothwell, J. (2023). How Parenting and Self-Control Mediate the Link Between Social Media Use and Youth Mental Health. Institute for Family Studies and The Gallup Organization, 11