Influence Of Digital Technology On Youths

Influence Of Digital Technology On Youths

Overtime, the advent of digital technology has made communication effective and dynamic.

Digital technology according to Google are electronic tools, devices and resources that store and process data, they include social media, online games, smart phones and websites.

In January 2023, Nigeria Internet users rose to 122.5 million with an estimated population of 213.4 million people, Nigeria’s Internet penetration rate stood at 55.4 percent at the start of 2023 as revealed by Statistical data.

Digital technology usage is becoming more prominent every day, this has made it easier to pass more information in a shorter time than was traditionally possible.

Today, the advancement of technology plays a crucial role in enhancing learning in classroom and makes academic instruction more meaningful.

Digital media amongst young ones increases awareness of issues around them, it fosters literacy skills and improved medical care.

On average, according to findings, the youths spend more than four hours each day on social media.

They are no longer interested in studying and learning rather they focus more on electronic gadgets and entertainments.

They do not get bored easily instead they are easily enticed. Increased technology usage means less time spent on homework causing the child to struggle with falling grades.

Young ones who spend more time on phones struggle with face to face interactions causing many of them to spend more time texting than actually physical interaction.
Some online activities, gaming, for example, tend to be highly addictive.

Digital technology amongst young ones increases the risk of depression, thereby increasing suicide rates.

Young children who spend more time using the media usually struggle with mental and emotional health issues.

Also, digital technology reduces sleep quality, an average human requires 6-8 hours of sleep.

However, when young people do not get the proper amount of sleep each night, their state of health suffers.

Technology poses a great risk for young ones as the Internet is an haven for cyber bullies.

This is because, when online, young ones become more aggressive and insensitive to other’s feelings, some misuse of social media can be related to a person’s inordinate desire to be followed and liked on social media.

Unlimited smart phone access can expose children to foul language, explicit image.

Therefore, parents should realize that while filters can help, they are not foolproof.

No matter how it is viewed, the most responsibility falls on the parents. Parents must guide and instill values in their children.

This virtuous qualities such as self-control, honesty and a sense of responsibility for his or her actions must be instilled in them, because a young one who has moral values is more likely to use a smart phone wisely and independently.

Tech-savvy children need parental guidance when it comes to the responsible use of smart phones.

Parents and teachers should teach young ones time management and priorities skills, parents must be familiar with the features of a child’s phone, set limit and block inappropriate contents.

Teachers and parents must make rules and must be ready to enforce them when broken. In all, youths can choose to make technology their master or servant.

By Muko Trust, Edited By Grace Namiji