In the modern world, technology has become an integral part of day-to-day life, especially for Generation Z. Generation Z refers to people born in the approximate period from the 1990s to the 2010s (Saran 9). Nowadays, technologies are developing more actively than before and a huge number of inventions appear. While there are noticeable impacts of technology on the representatives of this generation, people born in generation Z also actively influence the development of technology, being technically educated and creative.
One of the negative aspects of the influence of technology is a change in how people perceive themselves. The Web, as one of the sources of data, broadcasts large volumes of information, and for those who do not know how to filter this stream, this sometimes becomes critical. An important point changes in the perception of one’s own life and self. People of any age are influenced, but especially during adolescence. This is happening largely due to the broadcast of lives that are not related to reality on social media and blogs. As a result, the number of deaths and attempted suicides among Generation Z has increased (Hinduja and Patchin 333). It is important to limit and carefully consider the information consumed online.
Cyber-bullying is another topic that plays a big role in the impacts of the technologies on Generation Z. Not everyone can stand for themselves when facing bullying in real life, and the online version problem has become even more aggravated since, in some cases, the abuser, blackmailer or persecutor is out of reach (Hinduja and Patchin 333). According to Saran, it’s important to warn parents of the possible negative effects of the Web and especially social media on children’s mental health (10). Without the attention of adults, technology can become a negative tool in the hands of a child instead of being useful.
Technologies available for general use began with computers, then phones and tablets. The use of computers was initially and is still more formal for work-related matters for most people (Bayhan and Karaca 4). Phones were originally intended for communication, but now they perform many functions. The tablets were initially multifunctional, adapting to the needs of the user. At the same time, different price categories did not appear immediately, so the use of technology used to increase social inequality significantly. Currently, the three most common use cases of the technology, including computers, phones, and tablets, are already presented in a wide variety of price categories. Basic technologies are affordable to all classes of the population making internet access and many sources of information, learning, and other platforms commonly available.
There is another side to social media, such as communication. Currently, it is possible to interact with people regardless of location, time of the day, employment, and other factors. Additionally, it became easier to find people with the same interests by using social media and forums (Freeman 5711). At the time, while there are many advantages of online communication, there are also some disadvantages. People lose the habit of communicating in real life, soft and social skills, and become more closed in regards to sharing thoughts and opinions. This affects communications at school, university, work, and with friends and family members. At the same time, this issue is not so critical for Generation Z as the preference for face-to-face communication is still being tracked, in contrast to millennials, who prefer digital communication (Freeman 5711). Nevertheless, it is important to maintain a balance between online and face-to-face communication.
New technologies have also led to the development of the education system. Access to information resources without personal presence began to appear, as well as opportunities for distance learning and communication (Bayhan and Karaca 4). Thus, universities gained an opportunity to reduce the cost of education by transferring studies to online platforms, attracting students from different countries, and the decrease in the volumes of printed educational materials.
Generation Z representatives are more erudite due to wide access to information. They are aware of this and use their skills in everyday life to achieve the desired results in a variety of directions. This generation also has good employment chances due to a close connection with the rapid development of technology (Freeman 5711). Not only IT companies but also other areas of business require specialists who quickly learn and adapt to new realities.
People from Generation Z were born in an age of active development of technology when many vacancies and professions are associated precisely with the application of technology in different areas of life. Generation Z is more active in the development rather than the use of technology compared to Millennials. They not only observe but also contribute in several ways (Bayhan and Karaca 4). Examples include the increasing popularity of the desire to get a job in the field of technology development, as well as an increased interest in the creation, rather than consumption of informational and entertainment content.
Online games have become an integral part of the development of technology. Export has become a profession, special competitions are held, and there are opportunities to work as a player or a game tester. Technology has created a unique concept of immersive entertainment. Currently, the gaming industry is a profitable niche for developers, which keeps increasing in popularity. On the other hand, some people develop certain opinions, habits, or beliefs based on the persuasive aspects of a game (Jacobs and Jansz 185). In addition, some develop an addiction to games and start spending more time at home. Virtual reality is becoming the main reality in life.
The most modern technologies that are still in development also affect Generation Z. For example, some perceive artificial intelligence as a threat to their workplaces, assuming that it will completely replace humans. However, such resistance to change is becoming less common. Most already perceive technology as an integral part of life and try to get the most out of the opportunities for use. This can help the world to come to the joint work of people and machines.
Perseverance at home and the transition to the online space also affect the physical development of people. Inactivity hurts general health and the further development of diseases. People become weaker and unbearable and the immune system no longer adapts to threats of being out of the house and possible viruses.
With the advent of technology in people’s lives, habits, and mental and physical characteristics have changed. There are both advantages and disadvantages of technology. However, the positives far outweigh the negatives, so it is expected that technology will continue to develop at the same rapid pace, covering more and more needs and desires of people.
Works Cited
Bayhan, Hasan G., and Karaca Ece. “Technological Innovation in Architecture and Engineering Education – an Investigation on Three Generations from Turkey: Revista De Universidad y Sociedad Del Conocimiento.“ International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, vol. 17, no. 1, 2020, pp. 1-22. ProQuest. Web.
Freeman, Shannon, et al. “Intergenerational Effects on the Impacts of Technology Use in Later Life: Insights from an International, Multi-Site Study.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 17, no. 16, 2020, p. 5711. ProQuest. Web.
Hinduja, Sameer and Justin Patchin “Connecting Adolescent Suicide to the Severity of Bullying and Cyberbullying”, Journal of School Violence, vol. 18, no. 3, 2019, pp. 333-346. Web.
Jacobs, Ruud, and Jeroen Jansz. “The Present of Persuasion: Escalating Research into Persuasive Game Effects.” Persuasive Gaming in Context, edited by Jeroen Jansz et al., Amsterdam University Press, Amsterdam, 2021, pp. 185–200. JSTOR. Web.
Saran, Cliff. “Gen Z: What It Means to Be Born Digital: We Speak to Robert Wigley about His Book, Born Digital, Which Looks at the Societal Impact of Generation Z and Their Technology-Filled Lives, as Well as How the Influence of Social Media Leads to a Lack of Empathy.” Computer Weekly, 2021, pp. 9–12. EBSCOhost. Web.