Are college students really addicted to technology, or do they use it as a solution to boredom? This question is now being analyzed by researchers. But, are college students really worse than the rest of America and the planet?
Recently, the University of Maryland did a study on this so called addiction, calling it the CrackBerry. Researchers said, "American college students are hooked on cell phones, social media and Internet showing symptoms similar to drug and alcohol addictions." In their research they asked 200 students to give up all media for 24 hours, "many showed signs of withdrawal, craving and anxiety along with an inability to function well without their media and social links." I find this extremely hard to believe. They must have picked the most unsocial college students around. I can see how it would be hard if they were asked to give up all media for a month and live on a remote island. But giving it up for only 24 hours? These 200 students researched must be very lonely individuals who probably are addicted to technology. I know that is not the case for all students, and I don't think it is fair to put a stereotype on college students like that.
Boredom happens. It is just a fact of life. I believe that college students use technology as a solution to boredom, and that they are not addicted to it. The researchers at University of Maryland differ in opinion. But, are college students any worse than middle age men and women or teenagers? We are in the age were everyone is connected through technology, and now 75% of 12-17 year-olds have cell phones. I think the researchers targeted college aged students, because most students have laptops in class. Isn't it ironic that in the classroom is where most college students get bored? That is why I don't think that college students are more addicted then the rest of the world. I think that they are around technology more, resulting in more use of it.
While the 200 students lost their media devises for 24 hours, one said, "texting and IM-ing my friends gives me a constant feeling of comfort...When I did not have those two luxuries, I felt quite alone and secluded from my life." If this student felt alone, why didn't he or she find a friend to hang out with? No technology is needed for that. I think that people sometimes get into a rut of technological interactions without any actual human interactions. America needs to get off their phones and computers and go out with friends and have fun!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
UND's New Name
The University of North Dakota has been known as the Sioux for over 80 years. The name was picked because the Sioux were said to be "warlike and in fine physique," it was also picked because the Sioux were "good exterminators of the Bison," who could arguable be UND's biggest rival. But, that has all come to a screeching halt. On April 8th, the North Dakota Board of Education ordered UND to change their nickname permanently.
The Fighting Sioux's nickname has been a huge controversy for the last few years. Starting in 2005, the NCAA wanted to remove any school's nicknames that were hostile and abusive. I personally don't think that the Fighting Sioux should have to change their name. If I was from Native American decent, I think it would be an honor to have a university's nicknamed after my tribe. I wish someone would name a university the Fighting Norwegians or something like that.
I think that the media is loving this controversy. They are looking for a good story that will effect many people, and that is exactly what they found. UND's nickname controversy has hit many people close to home. One of the university's biggest supporters, the Ralph Engelstad family has donated millions of dollars to the university. In 2001 they gave $100 million dollars to build a new hockey arena, The Ralph Engelstad Arena. The family said on Friday, "Today, the Engelstad family can't help but feel deeply disappointed, saddened, and deceived. The State Board of Higher Education and the University of North Dakota are turning their backs on UND students, and alumni...the action taken by the Board yesterday disappoints us."
A nickname change would not only be inconvenient but extremely expensive. First, UND has spend thousands of dollars on legal fees to battle this argument in court. Second, the Ralph Engelstad Arena has 2,400 Fighting Sioux logos. Removing all of these logos would basically impossible and unbelievable expensive. The NCAA has not required the university to remove all of these logos, but I'm sure someone will complain about them and force UND to remove all of them. Along with the Arena, all of the athletic teams will need new jerseys to represent the new nickname.
I have to say that I do not like UND, I am more of a NDSU fan. But, I think it is ridiculous that UND has to change their nickname. I feel bad for the students, faculty and alumni of the University of North Dakota for having to go through this unnecessary struggle.
The Fighting Sioux's nickname has been a huge controversy for the last few years. Starting in 2005, the NCAA wanted to remove any school's nicknames that were hostile and abusive. I personally don't think that the Fighting Sioux should have to change their name. If I was from Native American decent, I think it would be an honor to have a university's nicknamed after my tribe. I wish someone would name a university the Fighting Norwegians or something like that.
I think that the media is loving this controversy. They are looking for a good story that will effect many people, and that is exactly what they found. UND's nickname controversy has hit many people close to home. One of the university's biggest supporters, the Ralph Engelstad family has donated millions of dollars to the university. In 2001 they gave $100 million dollars to build a new hockey arena, The Ralph Engelstad Arena. The family said on Friday, "Today, the Engelstad family can't help but feel deeply disappointed, saddened, and deceived. The State Board of Higher Education and the University of North Dakota are turning their backs on UND students, and alumni...the action taken by the Board yesterday disappoints us."
A nickname change would not only be inconvenient but extremely expensive. First, UND has spend thousands of dollars on legal fees to battle this argument in court. Second, the Ralph Engelstad Arena has 2,400 Fighting Sioux logos. Removing all of these logos would basically impossible and unbelievable expensive. The NCAA has not required the university to remove all of these logos, but I'm sure someone will complain about them and force UND to remove all of them. Along with the Arena, all of the athletic teams will need new jerseys to represent the new nickname.
I have to say that I do not like UND, I am more of a NDSU fan. But, I think it is ridiculous that UND has to change their nickname. I feel bad for the students, faculty and alumni of the University of North Dakota for having to go through this unnecessary struggle.
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