Changing World of Teenagers

Fri, 09/11/2009 - 20:52 —Swati

Lots of things have changed in the world, since the time we last remember being teenagers ourselves. Look at today’s teens and then it becomes clearer how rapidly the world of teens has changed radically. Their lingo, online social networking to make new friends across the world, their expertise with gadgets, and ability to navigate on the Internet to do everything sums up today’s world of teenagers.

Way of Life

Some insightful facets about today’s teens and their way of life include:

• Ability for multi tasking
• Social networking to make new friends and find information
• Tweeting, blogging, text messaging and navigating on the Internet
• Carrying condoms around like it’s bubble gum
• Being conscious of environment friendly initiatives
• Reading e-books and online newspapers
• Being the experts on technology and gadgets
• Rave parties and homosexuality are open subjects and not taboo any longer

Gadgets

You can be sure that today’s teens are so aware of the latest brands, gadgets and technological advances that it is so difficult to keep up with them. Their heightened sense of awareness is sharpened by the Internet which offers detailed information and reviews of every gadget that gets launched into the market. Yet this obsession to use and possess the latest trendy gadgets has its downside too.

The typical teen craze for the iPod is a reflection of the changing times. A 2006 study by Portnuff and Fligor highlighted that teens who listen to music using full volume for over 5 minutes a day has an increased risk of suffering hearing loss.

Internet Fixation and Technology Craze

Being online is important to teens because it helps them connect with the rest of the world and make new friends. What they are unaware of is that threats like cyber bullying are rampant. Anonymity is perhaps a curse that troubles the Internet because it lets criminals have a ball online. Today’s teenagers need to be conscious of these risks to protect themselves from it.

Further, most teens are unable to sleep properly because of their online navigation, text messaging to make new friends or obsession with playing computer games.

In May 2009, WebMD Health News reveals the findings of a recent study conducted by Paediatrics:

·         24% of the teenagers reported playing computer games

·         55% reported they spent more time being online

·         34% reported they spent time on text messaging

The changing world of teenagers offers many possibilities to make new friends. However, it has its pitfalls. With effective vigilance and meaningful communication, it is possible that today’s teens to choose the possibilities and keep themselves well informed and entertained without getting into trouble.