Technology spoiling, crippling generation

by Jerrod Carr, staff writer

Our generation is a truly blessed generation. 

However, we have become to reliant on technology as a whole.  In today’s world, we have iPods, cell phones, and high-tech laptops.  Our parents had to use landline telephones, typewriters, and record players. 

What if we lived in a world where we had none of the luxuries we have today?  What if all the cell phones were gone, and all of the iPods were useless?

Though I am guilty of treating myself to the luxuries our generation has available, I can’t help but think about how we are truly spoiled.  A couple of weeks ago, I went to work and forgot my cell phone.  During the entire day, I felt naked without it.  I had no one to text.  I couldn’t play games on my break or talk to a friend. 

I felt as if I were cut off from the world.  That is sad.  It is sad because our generation has become spoiled.  We no longer know how to communicate.  We can’t pick up a phone to call someone.  We have to text them instead. 

Cell phones have replaced faith.  Yes, cell phones can get us out of trouble if our car breaks down.  When our parents had car trouble, they could rely on people to pull to the side of the road and help them.  If no one pulled over to help them, our parents were generally capable of helping themselves. 

I know that the world has gotten a little more crazy since our parents were in college, that the world has become a lot less trustworthy.  However, that does not give our generation an excuse for not knowing how to help ourselves.

Technology has also crippled us with the introduction of the laptop.  Now we can have the Internet virtually anywhere.  We can type our papers in almost any location, and we can surf the Web and see what our friends are up to thousands of miles away. 

Not only are we in constant contact with our friends because of laptops, but we have lost the art of writing because of all the new programs that are offered on laptops.  Many of our generation no longer know how to spell or use proper grammar, and I’m as guilty as the next.  Our generation no longer knows how to think for themselves, because all we have to do is get on the Web and see what someone else thinks. 

Our parents’ generation used typewriters that didn’t have spell check or tools to fix improper grammar.  Our parents had to learn the old-fashioned way, buy paying attention in class and studying. 

Finally, when our parents wanted entertainment, they went outside and hung out with friends.  They didn’t have the Xbox 360s, Playstation 3s, and TiVo.  They had each other.  While our generation hasn’t completely lost ourselves in technology, and socialization does take place, it doesn’t take place near as much as it should. 

I am as guilty as others of our generation of texting, playing video games and watching movies, and using all the fine technologies my computer offers.  But I do know and understand that we are spoiled.  I also know that if we continue down this spoiled road, we are going to end up as a very crippled generation. 

I feel that I should offer some tips to prevent our generation from becoming crippled, but because I am as guilty as the next for indulging myself in the luxuries we’re given, I can’t.  Maybe, instead of picking up a video game controller, open a book and actually read it.  Instead of putting on your headphones and listening to music, learn how to play an instrument and stimulate your mind. 

The way I see it, even the smallest bit of stimulation to our minds is better than rotting on the couch playing games and texting on our phones.