IMPACT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ON LIFESTYLE

CULTURE AND PERSONALITY OF ADOLESCENTS WITH

REFERENCE TO CHENNAI CITY

As we are living in a revolutionary world and within seconds, several

bombardments of new inventions are happening around the globe, technology
being one of them. Technology has changed lives giving us the freedom to perform
activities from the comfort of our homes. In our daily life, we see the reflection of
technology everywhere, such as TV, telephones, computers, cell phones, , text
messages, email, internet, online banking, booking a vacation, GPS, online
shopping, online education, online liberalities, online books, online gaming and
much more.
At the end of 20th century, information technology and its effects was
powerful as it was never before. The invention of the cell phone, appearance of
computers, laptops, and internet communication has become a vital link in
communicating with others. It has become inseparable part of our life and it is
everywhere and it is impossible to escape them. Youngsters all over the world are
growing up in a world, where the Internet, cell phones, text messaging and other
technology dominates the communication and it is an integral part of everyday life.
Technology has changed rapidly. Technology is a double edge sword; it can be
used for good purposes or for bad purposes. The evolving technology has a strong
impact on individuals life and especially Youngsters as they are vulnerable to
change.

TECHNOLOGY:
The word technology comes from the Greek word technologia, which
means craft. Computers, iPods, game systems, and television would be some
examples of technology. However, the definition technology can refer to material
objects of use to humanity such as machines, hardware, or utensils. The most
common type of technology used by todays youth would be a television set, game
system, cell phone, computer, or an iPod.
Information is the result of applying data processing to data, giving it
context and meaning. Information can then be further processed to yield
knowledge. People or computers can find patterns in data to perceive information,
and information can be used to enhance knowledge.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY:
Information

technology

is

the

application

of

computers

and

telecommunications equipment to store, retrieve, transmit and manipulate data,

often in the context of a business or other enterprise. The term is commonly used
as a synonym for computers and computer networks, but it also encompasses other
information distribution technologies such as television and telephones. Several
industries are associated with information technology, including computer
hardware, software, electronics, semiconductors, internet, and telecom equipment,
and e-commerce, computer services. Information Technology (IT) is the
acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of vocal, pictorial, textual and
numerical information by a micro-electronics-based combination of computing and
telecommunications.

Information Technology (IT) is the industry, which through the use of computers
and other supporting, equipment helps in the spread of knowledge and with the
rapid advancement in various information delivery system such as Radio, TV,
Telephone, Newspapers, Fax and of course computers and computer Networks,
information technology refers to the entire gamut of Media and devices used to
transmit and process information for use by various target groups in the society.
The Information Technology Associate of America (ITAM) defines information
technology as:
The study design, development, information, support or management of computer
based information systems, particularly software applications and computer
hardware. IT deals with the use of electronic computers and computer software to
convert, store protect, process, transmit and securely relative information.
INTERNET AND TEENAGERS
The Internet is a part of todays culture that many youngsters cannot even imagine
the world which was like before the Internet existed. The Internet is fun,
informative and a great source of communication with others. It's an educational
tool and users can learn about almost anything. Sharing information through
Internet is easy, cheap and fast. youngsters have access to billions of websites
containing information in the form of text, pictures and videos.
Online Education
Online education does have an impact on the lives of students; online learning can
contribute to a gain in self-discipline. Educational goals can be reached by getting
an online education. Students become more computer savvy from continuously
using technology to do research, type assignments, and use specific software to

complete projects. Some online programs even offer fast-track programs that allow
prospective graduates to complete degree programs faster.
Currently, most high school students in North America have access to the internet
in their classroom setting. Student can get extra helps through online learning
environments (OLE) provided by schools. OLE provides students quick and easy
access to course resources and material. Most OLE environments are virtually
available from any location that has a computer and internet. The OLE resources
usually include: online books, lectures, instructor help, peer-to-peer support,
technology support, multimedia activities, instant updates, self-testing applications,
comprehensive reviews and much more! Students that have fallen behind can take
extra help online to achieve their required credits.
Internet as Job Search Tool
The internet is an excellent online job search tool for teenagers to find a job.
Teenagers can search different types of jobs through various job search engines i.e.
Craigslist, Monster, Workopolis and Job Bank. These search engines can teach you
to fill out an application, create a resume and prepare for an interview. You can
apply for the required job through Internet, which is more direct and easy. Jobs can
help teenagers feel more confident and independent which can help teenagers
explore potential career paths.
Communication and Online Social Networking

Teenagers can communicate with each other through Internet chatting, video

conferencing, e-mail or internet telephony. For this purpose, different services are
provided on the Internet such as Facebook, MSN, Skype, Twitter, Hotmail etc
Teenagers spend a significant amount of time everyday on the internet on
networking sites. Teenagers use social networking sites to share information with
others, connect with friends, create new friends, send messages and comment on
others profiles pages. However, teenagers may become addicted to these
networking sites and can be exposed to legal repercussions. Most teenagers create
at least a basic profile, with their name, age, status, photos and interests, but many
go much further. It's far too easy for predators to find victims using online social
networking.
Internet and health issues among teenagers
Teenagers who spend most of their time on internet have an increased risk of
smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, poor school performance, and early sexual
activity due to higher media exposure.
A recent study has revealed that teenagers who use the Internet pathologically are
more likely to develop depression than those who dont. Pathological (uncontrolled
or unreasonable) use of Internet has been associated with relationship problems,
physical ill health, aggressive behaviors and other psychiatric symptoms. (Read
more)
Instant Messaging (IM) affects linguistic among teenagers
Instant messaging (IM) is a form of real time direct text based communication

(Chatting) through computers or cell phones with one or more individuals while
connected to the Internet. It is an extremely fast-growing communications medium,
especially among teenagers. Teenagers use IM on a frequent basis often use bad
grammar, poor punctuation, and improper abbreviations which affects their
academic writing.
Recommendations:
Limit the time your teenager spends on the internet
Disconnect the router
Turn the machine off
Use technology to restrict access on the web
Have family sessions- bring the computer out in the family room so
everyone is involved
Dont allow an internet connection in your teenagers room
Become a safety sleuth- observe these websites for yourself
Give them alternatives to boredom i.e. positive outlets through family
centered alternatives
Join them- listen and become involved
Discuss with them what they are watching

 Change locations- move computers to a common area

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Labels: Internet and Teenagers
Television (TV) and Teenagers

TV has become a key member of the family. It tells most of the stories most of the
time. We depend on TV for entertainment, news, education, culture, weather, and
sports. With the recent advancement of satellite TV and internet TV we have access
to both good quality and inappropriate contents. Television affects the teenagers
attitude and orientation and has strong impact on teenagers because visual message
compels them more. First, it gives them information and awareness and persuades
them to do something or adopt new trends afterwards. The following context
describes the positive and negative impacts of TV on the teenagers today.
Education and Entertainment
Television has its good side. Television is a source of entertainment and education
and opens up new worlds for teenagers, giving them a chance to travel the globe,
learn about different cultures, and gain exposure to ideas they may never encounter
in their own community. TV shows and programs with prosocial messages have a
positive effect on teenagers behavior. The programs with positive role models
influence teenagers to make positive lifestyle choices.

On the other hand, television is giving negative exposure to teenagers like

promoting alcohol, smoking, violence, sexuality etc. For example, there are too
much contents of sex on television in ads, soap operas, music videos and movies.
Watching sex on TV increases the chances a teen will have sex, and may cause
teens to start having sex at younger ages. Even viewing shows with characters
talking about sex increases the likelihood of sexual initiation.
Obesity among teenagers

Obesity is a big issue in teenagers. Teenagers who watch too much TV are more
likely to be inactive and tend to snack while watching TV. They often spend most
of the time in front of the TV on weekends, holidays and evenings instead of sports
and healthy activities. Many TV ads also encourage unhealthy eating habits like
fast foods, sugary drinks, snacks, candies and etc. The food and beverage industry
targets children with their television marketing through commercial and product
placement.
Affects reading habits
Teenagers who are heavy television viewers dislike reading and tend to read
materials of lower quality. Moreover, teenagers who spend more time with
television and other screen media report lower grades and lower levels of personal
contentment. In general, mostly heavy TV viewers get poor grades (mostly Cs or
lower) compared to moderate and light TV viewers. Teenagers spend most of their
time in front of their TV rather than study in the library.

Sleep problems among teenagers

Regular sleep schedules are an important part of a healthy life. Teenagers who
spend most of the time in front of TV have more irregular sleep schedules. Teens
who watches TV late night and do not have enough sleep per day have high risk of
sleep problems by early adulthood.
Cause Injuries
Different studies have proven that TV has strong effects on teenagers. Teenagers
who watch too much TV sometimes try to mimic unsafe behavior on TV. Teens
have been injured trying to repeat dangerous stunts they have seen on television
shows.
Promote alcohol and smoking

The alcoholic drinks are the most common beverage

portrayed on TV and they are almost never shown in a negative light. TV ads are a
major factor in normalizing alcoholic drinks and tobacco use in the minds of
teenagers. Alcohol and smoking ads portray people as being happier, sexier, and
more successful when they drink or smoke.
Promote Violence
Television has a powerful influence in developing value systems and shaping
behavior. Unfortunately, much of today's television programming is violent.
Teenagers who watch too much violence and horror become:
"immune" or numb to the horror of violence

 gradually accept violence as a way to solve problems

imitate the violence they observe on TV
Promote Sexuality
The average American teenager watches two to three hours of television a day.
Sexuality is often presented on TV as a casual activity without risk or
consequences and the messages from these content let the young viewers absorb
and promote sexual activity.
Therefore, teen sex, teen pregnancy, rape in teen, teen victim of violence, crime
and murder is getting common these days.
For more information read more.
Recommendations:
Television itself is a good thing and has many good aspects but teenagers are more
impulsive and may not think clearly or to differentiate between right and wrong
things. Here are some recommendation for parents, guardian, teachers, counselors
and other interested people.
Parents or guardians please take control of TV watching for teenagers
No late night TV and limit the day time TV watching
No TV during the study time, and limited weekend TV watching
Keep the TV off during family mealtimes
Make conversation a priority in your home
Do not use TV as a reward or punishment

 Encourage active recreation

Get the TV sets out of your teenagers bedrooms
Watch shows with your teenagers and talk about them afterward
Pay attention to what is in the TV shows your teen watch
Encourage educational shows, Avoid violent shows
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Labels: Television (TV) and Teenagers
Cellphones and Texting

Cell phone technology has increased dramatically over the last 5 years. We can
now send emails, use social networking sites, download various apps as well as
communicate to our friends by text messaging. A recent study has shown that how
cell phone ownership has increased among teens.
45% of teens had them in 2004
63% in 2006
71% in 2008

To read more about this study go to: Teens and cell phones
There are many advantages of teenagers owning a cell phone, such as you can call
for help in an emergency situation, be accessible by your friends, parents or co
workers. Cell phone ownership helps maintain friendships, where you can store
your contacts in your phone book. Most cell phones have PDA capabilities which
allow you to access the internet, send and receive email and send and receive text
messages. However, teenagers arent using it for constructive purposes. Some
teenagers tend to text message while driving which can put their life in danger as
well as others. Teenagers may use their cell phones to send explicit photographs of
themselves to their peers and sending intimidating messages to others.
Motor Vehicle Act- Electronic Devices- Texting

Effective January 1, 2010 the BC Government issued a new law stating that all
drivers are no longer permitted to use a hand-held cell phone device while driving
in their car. However, the use of hands-free cell phone devices is permitted only.
In reference to, BC Injury Law Article, this article discusses the impact of using a
cell phone while driving. "Driving while using a cell phone increases the chances
of an accident. In fact, a recent study has shown that distracted drivers can be more
likely than impaired drivers to cause an accident."

The BC Government issued this law to decrease the risks of accidents in motor
vehicles. It is unlawful to text, email or use a hand held device while driving. If
you are caught using a hand-held device, a fine of $167 will be issued. This
includes if you are caught texting and or emailing. In addition to the fine, you will
receive 3 penalty points on your drivers license. This is preventative legislation
that focuses on being responsible with new technology in a way that doesnt put
peoples lives at risk (Dr. Brian Brodie, president of the BC Medical Association).
"On average, about 117 people die each year in B.C. and 1,400 are sent to hospital
because someone was not paying attention behind the wheel" (Dr. Brian Brodie).
Please refer CBC website for additional information on the new BC Government
hand held device ban.
Recommendations:
Limit cell phone use at home (i.e. no use of cell phone past 10pm or during
meal times)
Keep your teenager involved by showing them their bill at the end of the
month
Teach your teenager responsibility by perhaps getting them a pre-paid cell
phone with only a certain amount of minutes
Give your teenager a phone bill limit (i.e. you will only pay the bill up to
$40 and if your teenager goes over the limit, they are responsible for paying
the difference)

 Advise your teenager not to use cell phone when driving, except in an
emergency
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Labels: Cellphones and Texting
Gaming and Teenagers

Teenagers, who play games, have the highest reflexes,

thanks to video games, and obviously sports. Parents may think that all that button
pushing and game playing may make your teenager addicted, and it does. The only
benefits that come from video games are high reflexes, strong and flexible fingers
and joints, and a higher processing brain with advanced eye and hand
coordination.
On the other hand, teenagers may become completely addicted to video games and
they do not go to work (or school), do not eat properly and do not exercise enough.
Teenagers can become desensitized to violence when they play a lot of violent
video games. There have been reports of criminals copying violent video game
crimes (such as those featured in the controversial Grand Theft Auto series). Video
games may give teenagers false expectations of real life, as real life cannot be
perfectly simulated by video games.
Recommendations:
Join your teenager in playing family oriented video games

 Make sure you look at the advisory for PQ rating for each game
Limit the video game playing in your house
Limit the access to violent video games
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Labels: Gaming and Teenagers
Music and Teenagers

It is nearly impossible to avoid media, whether or not

its electronic or print. Media surrounds us through the radio, TV, internet,
magazines and music. Music can affect teenagers hair, clothing, and lifestyle.
Teenagers listen to the words of music like a sponge and absorb it without thinking
about how the music they are listening to may affect them. Whether we listen to
music on the radio, IPOD, MP3 Player or on TV, music surrounds us and can
impact teenagers either positively or negatively.
Music allows for a connection with others, inspires creativity, provide cognitive
development in teenagers and builds confidence among them. On the other hand,
music videos that show violence often lead teenagers to condone violence on
others or themselves. Sexually charged music videos can change the view of most
teenagers that premarital sex is okay. Antisocial music videos allow teenagers the
acceptance of being anti-social themselves.

Recommendations:
Evaluate what your teenager is listening to and seeing in the music videos
Discern what your teenager is watching and discuss the music or music
videos with them
Decide if you want your teenager to be listening to this type of music,
compromise with your teenager
Provide alternatives, family activities, communicate with your teenager
Set limits on types of music that is allowed to be played in the house
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Labels: Music and Teenagers
Print Media
Print media refers to publications that are distributed in a printed form on paper,
such as newspapers, magazines, and advertisements. Print media is one of the most
common ways for people to stay informed about current events, technology and
other special interests (Answerbag). Print media plays a huge role in influencing
teenagers culture all over the world. Does print media reflects today's teens, or are
today's teens influenced by media portrayals of young people? It's important that
parents discuss these issues with their teens, and challenge the materialistic values
promoted in the media. The following context will discuss the major issues
teenagers are facing today through print media.

Print Medias Influence on Teenage Smoking

The print media and advertisements have an influence on our teenagers. For
example, Joe Camel smoking ads were used for the purpose of showing teenagers
that smoking is cool. Joe Camels ads influenced other tobacco companies to
follow suit in promoting smoking among teenagers. Tobacco products were banned
from radio & TV in 1971, so the tobacco corporations have been finding other
way to infiltrate into the lives of adolescents. This shows how print media has
affected teenagers through the use of images to change the lifestyle and acceptance
of our youth. (Read more)
A survey was conducted of 117 teenage students about the portrayal of smoking in
media. Teenagers showed signs that smoking was normal and acceptable. Some
young people noted the acceptance of smoking in a social setting as well as
looking cool among their peers. It states that, positive images of smoking in the
media have the potential to down-play the serious health consequences of smoking
by portraying it in a way that young people interpret as a normal part of everyday
life (Health Education Research, Vol. 18, No. 5, 554-567, October 2003).(Read
more)

How Magazines Impact Female Teens

Many magazines can impact female teenagers in either a positive or negative way.
Print Media has proven to show teenagers how to look good through articles on
appearance, advertisements or photos. Articles on appearance often show young
girls information on how to get perfect abs, how to have the perfect makeup look
and it shows tips on what to wear. Advertisements often show beauty products, hair
products, clothing and perfume. In these advertisements, however magazines often
show underweight women and over muscular men. The photos shown in
magazines are often photo shopped and only show flawless skin and no
imperfections in women. When teenage girls see this, they want to have the
appearance that the magazine is portraying. The ideal look of beauty can make
teenagers feel depressed when they compare their bodies to the ones shown in
magazines.
Recommendations:
Talk to your teenagers about health risks of smoking
Show your teenagers after effects of smoking

 Limit the magazines your daughter has access to, dont subscribe to a
magazine without looking through it first
Talk to her about health risks of becoming too thin
Talk to her about how the models in magazines have been photo-shopped or
airbrushed
Start an advertising awareness program at her school

THE POSITIVE EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON YOUTH

THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON YOUTH

The impact of technology on social, mental, physical and environmental health can be
devastating if we dont keep ourselves in check. Theres no denying the benefits we have gained
from technological advancements, but as with all things in life moderation is key. Being aware of
the harmful aspects of the overuse of electronics will help you avoid any unnecessary pitfalls. We
have also compiled a list of reading material that delves deeper into this relatively new area of
study.

Obesity and Physical Fitness

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry notes that obesity -- or having a
body weight that is at least 10 percent more than the recommended number of pounds for the
child's age and height -- has multiple causes, one of which is a lack of exercise. Spending hours
in front of screen, whether it is a television or computer, can quickly contribute to a serious
decrease in the amount of physical activity that a child gets during the day. Children need at least
60 minutes of physical activity each day to maintain a healthy weight and level of fitness,
according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The more tech-time that a

child engages in, the less likely it is that he will get in his daily dose of physical activity. This
can, in turn, contribute to negative effects such as weight gain.

Knowledge and Learning

Along with advances in technology comes an ever-growing ability for kids to get in touch with
information and educational resources. Although this seems, on the surface, a positive when it
comes to a child's learning and development, there are times when it actually has negative
consequences. While trusted sources such as universities or major educational organizations have
websites that contain real, verifiable information, other websites may not have the same
authority. Technology and the Internet allow almost anyone to post information and call it an
authoritative source. As an adult, you may know that Mr. Bob's bio facts are far from true, but
that doesn't mean that your child has the same understanding. She may take everything that she
reads online as fact, leading to misinformation or even a slightly skewed way of thinking.

Social Media
Social media can help your child to connect to his friends, develop interpersonal skills and come
out of his shy shell, but it also has a much more destructive side. Adolescents who use social
networking sites regularly demonstrate narcissistic tendencies more often than those who don't
use this type of technology, according to the American Psychological Association. Additionally,
children who use social media may not fully understand how the anonymity of the Internet
allows predators to pose as kids, putting them at risk in the event that they give out personal
information or plan an in-person meeting.

Media Images
Between the TV, laptops, tablets, cell phones, iPods and all of the other technological devices
that your child uses, he is constantly inundated with an array of media images. These often
include, and glorify, negative behaviors such as underage drinking, drug use or risky sexual
situations. Additionally, the media may portray an idealized image of the child or teenager when
it comes to weight and appearance. Your child can develop a warped sense of reality and what is,
and isn't, acceptable when it comes to his actions. The American Academy of Pediatrics, on its
Healthy Children website, recommends that parents screen what their kids are watching and
discuss negative media images.