Reasons Why Teens Should Use Technology to Communicate

Self-Worth

• Scholar of computer science Keith Beard points out in a chapter he contributed to the book editor Casey B. Yarnall assembled, "Computer Science Research Trends," that communication through technology can improve a teen̵7;s sense of self-worth and self-esteem. The distinctive advantage that technology has in bringing like-minded people together through forums, chat rooms or apps allows teens who would otherwise not find others like themselves to interact with similar personalities. A teen who enjoys composing electronic music, for example, might not have any peers in his school that have a similar interest. Given this lack of any connection, his skill might be going unappreciated, which could lower his sense of self-worth and appreciation. But through technology, he has the ability to share his compositions and discuss his hobby with others, even gaining feedback on his improvements. This feeling of community and acceptance can lead to enhancements in feelings of self-worth.

Practice

• Today̵7;s working world and modern academia make heavy use of technology to communicate and compile information. A teen who is not familiar with using technology will have a clear disadvantage in society, when compared to her techno-savvy peers. A teen who familiarizes herself with the capabilities of technological communication is positioning herself for better job opportunities. Parents who wish to encourage their teen̵7;s technological skills should be willing to explain how to use new technologies, and show their teen how to upgrade her hardware and software, as well as introduce her to useful websites on technology. Thus, parents might not look at technology as simply a toy or a distraction, but an opportunity to practice important skills for later use in a career or higher education.

Communication Ability

• The ability to exchange information improves through communication. This improvement comes regardless of the presence of technology, but today̵7;s teens are employing forms of communication that they would not likely have engaged in if it were not for technology, leading to improvements in very specific types of communication, such as writing. For example, a teen encouraged by his parents to practice his written communication skills at home through keeping a journal or diary might resist, preferring other activities. But at the same time, he might be highly willing to write a blog or provide written social media updates. A blog allows a teen to submit long articles for the online community to see and evaluate. This type of writing, plus the feedback it engenders, can help a teen improve his written communication skills quickly, even in another language. And these opportunities do not stop at writing. With technologies such as video sharing, MP3s and webcams, teens of all different personalities can find a form of communication to engage in, simultaneously improving their communication skills in that category.

Social Support

• Teens have a knack for avoiding parent-teen communication. Teens, who often believe they live in a separate world, not only prefer not to share their lives with their parents, but also doubt that their parents can understand what they are going through. But technology provides an outlet for teen needs. When going through a hard time, a teen can use technology to communicate her problems with like-minded peers. According to Dr. Robert Larose at Michigan State University, who wrote a chapter in "Internet Addiction," compiled by Kimberly Young, this form of under-the-radar communication implicitly builds a social support group for her. Teens going through similar problems can interact and discuss their problems, as well as solutions. This social support can make a teen̵7;s life much easier, at least emotionally. Yet parents should still keep up-to-date with their teen's online behaviors while allowing a certain degree of privacy, as supervision can help a parent know about inappropriate behaviors before they get out of hand, such as online bullying or illegal behavior.