Is technology harmful to youngsters? - 6 Minute English

Summary

In this BBC Learning English episode, Neil and Sam discuss a recent study on the impact of technology on adolescents. The research, involving over 400,000 teenagers, found little evidence linking tech use to mental health issues. Despite concerns about screen time, experts believe teenagers are savvy and aware of tech's potential harms, using tools like app blockers to manage their screen time. The study suggests that while social media and video games are designed to be addictive, today’s youth are digitally native and can use technology sensibly.

Takeaways

• 😀 Parents today worry about the impact of technology on young people, with concerns about screen time, social media, and video games.
• 😀 The average British teenager spends about 6 and a half hours per day on screens, according to the study.
• 😀 A new report from the Oxford Internet Institute found little to no link between adolescents' tech use and mental health problems.
• 😀 Unlike passive TV watching, today's technology is interactive and connects teenagers with friends around the world.
• 😀 The term 'digital natives' is used to describe teenagers who are highly skilled in using technology because they've grown up with it.
• 😀 Teenagers today are more aware of the potential risks of technology and often use app blockers to manage their screen time.
• 😀 App blockers help users set limits on screen time and prevent unwanted apps and websites from appearing.
• 😀 Video games and social media are often designed to be addictive, using psychological techniques to keep users engaged.
• 😀 Despite concerns, many teenagers seem to use technology sensibly, understanding how to balance screen time with other activities.
• 😀 The research team leader, Dr. Matti Vuorre, believes that teenagers' familiarity with technology helps them use it to their benefit.
• 😀 The discussion highlights the importance of considering teenagers' awareness and control over their digital lives, challenging assumptions about tech's negative effects.

Q & A

What concern do parents have about technology's impact on young people today?

Parents today are worried about the impact of technology, including television, the internet, video games, and social media, on the mental health of young people. The ease of access through smartphones is a particular concern.

How does the technology use of today's teenagers differ from the past?

Unlike the past when teenagers passively watched television, today's technology is interactive, connecting teenagers with their friends globally, and allowing them to engage in active communication through various digital platforms.

What was the quiz question asked in the episode?

The quiz question was: 'On average, how many hours per day do British teenagers spend on their screens?' The options were a) 5 and a half hours, b) 6 and a half hours, or c) 7 and a half hours.

What did the study from the Oxford Internet Institute find about technology use and mental health?

The study analyzed data from over 400,000 British and American teenagers and found little or no link between adolescents' technology use and mental health problems.

What does the term 'digital native' mean?

A 'digital native' refers to someone who has grown up with digital technology and is very familiar with using computers, smartphones, and other devices from a young age.

How does the concept of teenagers being 'savvy' relate to their technology use?

Teenagers are described as 'savvy' because they possess a practical understanding of technology. They are aware of potential issues like addiction and use tools such as app blockers to manage their digital habits.

What is an 'app blocker' and how do teenagers use it?

An app blocker is software that blocks pop-up apps and websites and allows users to set timers to limit screen time. Teenagers use them to manage their digital usage and avoid distractions or excessive screen time.

What is meant by 'designed for addiction' in the context of video games and social media?

'Designed for addiction' refers to the way many video games and social media platforms are engineered to be highly engaging and to manipulate human psychology, making it difficult for users to stop playing or using them.

What is the role of app blockers in helping teenagers manage their technology use?

App blockers help teenagers by preventing unwanted apps and websites from appearing and by allowing them to set limits on how much time they spend on screens, promoting healthier digital habits.

What does the expression 'a smoking gun' mean in this context?

In this context, a 'smoking gun' refers to clear evidence that proves something, such as a direct link between technology use and mental health problems. The study, however, found no such evidence.