Larry Rosen 'How social networking can both help and harm our kids' at Young Minds 2012

Summary

The video explores the impact of social media and technology on younger generations, detailing the evolution from Baby Boomers to Generation C. It discusses how children today communicate primarily through digital platforms like Facebook and text messaging, with multitasking and technology obsession becoming widespread. The speaker highlights the psychological effects of social media, including changes in empathy and the rise of narcissism. The talk emphasizes the importance of parenting in navigating this tech-driven world, proposing an authoritative parenting model that fosters trust, understanding, and communication about technology use.

Takeaways

• 😀 Technology usage has a profound impact on communication styles across generations, with younger generations increasingly relying on digital platforms like Facebook and texting, while older generations favor traditional methods like phone calls and face-to-face interactions.
• 😀 Social media, especially Facebook, is not only a communication tool but also a way for individuals to express their identity and receive social validation, which can influence their sense of self.
• 😀 Constant checking of social media, such as Facebook, has been linked to poorer academic performance, as multitasking and task-switching can reduce focus and productivity.
• 😀 Generation Z, or the 'iGeneration', often checks their phones and social media accounts every 15 minutes, leading to higher anxiety levels when they are unable to access their devices.
• 😀 Research shows that multitasking with digital media, such as opening multiple windows while studying, distracts individuals and can negatively impact their academic success.
• 😀 The frequency of texting has increased dramatically, with teenagers sending thousands of text messages monthly, signaling a shift from traditional phone calls to instant digital communication.
• 😀 Virtual empathy, such as the ‘likes’ on Facebook, fosters a sense of connection and validation, especially among teenagers, but cannot replace real-world empathy and face-to-face interactions.
• 😀 The rise of technology use, particularly among children and teenagers, has led to concerns about its impact on mental health, with excessive use linked to issues like narcissism and depression.
• 😀 Parents need to adapt to the digital age by using an authoritative parenting style that emphasizes trust, assessment of technology use, learning about digital platforms, and open communication with their children.
• 😀 The 'Talk' model of parenting (Trust, Assess, Learn, Communicate) is crucial in guiding children through the challenges of growing up in a tech-saturated world, encouraging a balanced and informed approach to technology use.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the study conducted on students' focus?

The main goal of the study was to observe how well students stay focused while studying and what distractions impact their ability to stay on task. The researchers wanted to understand if there were any patterns or behaviors that could predict academic success.

What did the researchers find about students' focus over time during the study?

The researchers found that students initially stayed on task for a few minutes but began to get distracted around the 3-minute mark. After some brief periods of focus, they observed a significant drop in attention around the 8-10 minute mark, after which the students became increasingly distracted.

How did the number of open windows on students' computers relate to their focus?

The researchers noticed that as students became more distracted, the number of windows they had open on their computers increased. This increase in open windows was directly correlated with higher levels of distraction, particularly around the 8-10 minute mark.

What factor did the researchers use to predict whether a student would be successful academically?

The researchers used students' self-reported GPA (Grade Point Average) as an indicator of academic success. They found that students who stayed on task longer and had strategies for studying were more likely to have better grades.

What did the study reveal about the impact of checking social media, like Facebook, on students' academic performance?

The study revealed that students who checked Facebook or other social media during study sessions, even once, tended to have worse academic performance. The act of checking social media created distractions that negatively impacted their ability to focus and study effectively.

How frequently do young people check their phones and social media according to the study?

The study found that young people, particularly teenagers and young adults, check their phones and social media very frequently. One-third of them check Facebook every 15 minutes or less, and three-quarters check it every hour or less.

What is the relationship between technology use and anxiety in young people?

The study suggests that young people experience anxiety when they are unable to check social media or their phones. This anxiety arises from the fear of missing out on updates, comments, or likes, which further contributes to the pressure of being constantly connected.

What is the 'TALK' model of parenting mentioned in the transcript?

The 'TALK' model of parenting is an authoritative approach that consists of four key components: Trust (building a relationship of trust with kids), Assess (being aware of what kids are doing with technology), Learn (understanding basic technology and platforms), and Communicate (keeping open lines of communication with children).

Why is it important for parents to learn about technology according to the speaker?

The speaker emphasizes that parents don't need to master every new technology, but they should have a basic understanding of it. This allows them to effectively monitor and guide their children through the digital landscape, ensuring safe and responsible use of technology.

What is the speaker's view on how parents should approach monitoring their children's internet use?

The speaker believes that while parents cannot completely stop their children from using technology, they must focus on parenting through it. By fostering trust, understanding, and communication, parents can help guide their children to use technology responsibly while addressing any potential issues.