Thoughts on Technology From a Recent College Graduate

Dani is a recent college graduate and attended one of my full-day trainings. I wanted to get her thoughts on youth and technology. She is an amazing writer and  I asked her to use whatever medium she wanted to convey her thoughts after sitting through the training. She did not disappoint! Read her thoughts on youth, technology and adult responsibilities in this digital world. 
~ Ryan

Imagine.

You are deep in the Pennsylvania woods on your first lone hike. Sweat beads on your forehead and forges a path down your back. A quick peek at your watch tells you that you’re still hours and hours away from your car. You’ve grossly underestimated how long this would take.

In front of you the trunks of pines, birch, and hemlock trees slice the setting sun; golden slivers of light overpower the rich greens until all you see are dark silhouettes. Everything is still for those beautiful couple minutes, as if the entire forest is entranced by the display. But then the Sun leaves to bring morning stretches to new faces and the Moon opens mouths wide in a yawn. A chilly breeze startles you out of your end of day daze. Awareness of your situation and surroundings unsettles you. 

You are in the middle of the woods. Alone. At night.

Mentally you list all possible dangerous scenarios: You get lost, strangers come looking for trouble, bears…

Now, snap back into reality. You are not this hiker. Maybe you aren’t scared of bears, or you know your way around the woods, but I’m sure you fear something. If you’re a parent in the 21st century, I’m going to make an educated guess and say that you fear technology. More specifically, social media and it’s impact on your child. 

The fear is not unbased. As a 2002 baby, technology and I have grown hand in hand. I know it like one might know their childhood friend. We grew together, changed together. When I was four, the most interaction I had with it was watching Curious George while my sister got on the bus. When I was five, my parents bought my sister a Nintendo DS. Of course, I needed to have one too. But back then (you older folks might laugh as I say that) my usage of these devices didn’t require heavy monitoring. The device had no external contacting capabilities. It was just me and my Nintendog (an electronic puppy that I had to bathe, feed, and play with) against the world. At this time there was certainly some apprehension, but I would argue that curiosity still outweighed fear.

When Apple released its first iPhone with its flat surface and touch screen in 2007, something changed forever. It was what, from my youthful experience, kickstarted the era of rapid technological innovations. Facebook was right there on your phone. Then Instagram released in 2010. Then Snapchat in 2011. Everything was right there, literally at your fingertips. But unlike my Nintendo DS or my bulky TV, there was nothing confining users to their own little world. And when the amazement at such new creations faded, the fear began to sink in. 

We realized that snapchat users could add anyone they wanted to and send whatever message or photo they desired with few repercussions. Instagram established algorithms that pushed harmful ideologies, like eating disorders. And by the time we called out these issues, ten more platforms had formed. There was, and still is, nothing we could do to slow things down. We cannot go back to that moment when social media was rare and beautiful, much like our hiker’s sunset, instead we feel like we are stuck in the night. Bombarded with fear for the children who can so easily access the dangers of the internet.

Let’s go back to our hiker. Why are they afraid? Because they are alone in the woods at night? No, that’s what they are afraid of. My question is why are they afraid? 

If you haven’t gotten the answer yet, I’ll tell you.

They are underprepared. They did not do their research before the hike. They have not learned how to handle bears. The list could go on, but it all comes down to this: They are afraid because they lack knowledge.

Compare this to the fear parents have of the internet, of social media. I know that my parents weren’t raised on social media. It took almost my entire four years of high school to convince them to let me get an Instagram. And even longer for Snapchat. They were worried about my safety, my attention span, and my mental health… rightfully so. Even as someone who was raised in the 21st century, I experience some concern when I consider both the content I know is so easy to locate on these apps and how quickly they are multiplying. Social media, when you don’t know how to navigate it, can be a lot like being alone in the woods at night. 

But does that mean our hiker should never try hiking again? Does that mean they should trade in their Keens for a pair of flip flops? 

No.

What they should do is lean on their community; ask seasoned hikers how to safely journey through the woods. They can read books, and even Google articles written by professionals. Then, when they are properly educated, they can try again. And they can keep trying until they are no longer worried when night falls or unsure of what to do when confronted with a bear. 

This is the same logic that I suggest parents, educators, and general role models follow. Don’t shy away from things like social media. You are of no help to children if you fail to educate yourself. That is why it is so important that you attend trainings from places like Shape the Sky. Because right now, maybe you are that unexperienced hiker, but the goal is that you evolve into a professional that can guide a younger generation safely through unfamiliar territory. 

And if you aren’t inclined to listen to the ramblings of a twenty-two-year-old girl, then remember the age-old adage: The blind cannot lead the blind. 

It is paramount that you educate yourself, so that you can educate others.

About Dani

My name is Danielle Pajek and I recently graduated from La Roche University where I earned a degree in Professional and Creative Writing. When I’m not working or writing my hundredth cover letter, I’m either paddleboarding, running, or calling my parents to ask them questions that they claim I could just google. I also have an older sister and two little brothers that I love to pester.