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!
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When it comes to studies, college students are generally painted in unflattering lights--they are the ones who party the hardest, who are addicted to technology, who show the least amount of respect for others, etc. However, when these studies are done, they are completed by very small groups of college students--really not enough to explain an entire population. Personally, I enjoy taking breaks for technology. The weekends that I am home, I tend to leave the computer be, and spend time with friends or family.
ReplyDeleteTrue that. I think college students are not addicted to technology. About every college uses laptops and technology. That makes the students have to use technology more and more. Now a days people are making students use technology to communicate and do more. I know I could go a day without using a technology. I believe there are some students that are addicted to technology. I remember when I was growing up I never used technology. I use technology when I'm bored sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that college students are addicted to technology. Some colleges make it avaliable for students to have laptops and that's why the older generation thinks we're addicted. I know some people that can't leave their house without their cell phone because something could happen and they wouldn't know about it. I could definately go a day without using technology.
ReplyDeleteI can see a little bit of both. I know most people are on there computers because they are procrastinating and chatting with their friends on Facebook, but I also have friends that use their computers all day, and don't get out to make real friends. It can definitely take over peoples lives, and become addicting, but I agree with technology being a form of entertainment that helps suppress boredom.
ReplyDeleteI had heard the results of this study on the radio one day and was rather shocked, but some people do have social issues and it easier for them to communicate through the computer. I think it is horrible a person to be so addicted to their computer that they have drug like withdrawls! I know that in some classes my attention may wonder and adventually land on Facebook, MSN, or email, but unlike the college students that were surveyed I do not feel most people are in that category. From experince I have always choosen to shut of my computer and cell phone when I am staying at my home, my grandparents, or any other relatives because I do not feel it is appropriate to go somewhere and just sit on your computer the whole time. Through this I have felt free and that the technology was not something that was running my life, but rather something I had controll over. I think those college students really need to get together and hang out if all they do is sit on thier computers and cell phones. Life will go on!
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