iGen - the first generation

to spend their entire adolescence with smartphones

the i-generation, born after '95

From today's discussion on the effects of technology on childhood development, here's one perspective.

“There is a silent tragedy developing right now, in our homes, and it concerns our most precious jewels – our children…. Researchers have been releasing alarming statistics on a sharp and steady increase in kids’ mental illness, which is now reaching epidemic proportions:

• 1 in 5 children has mental health problems
• 43% increase in ADHD
• 37% increase in teen depression
• 200% increase in the suicide rate in kids 10-14 years old“

“Today’s children are being deprived of the fundamentals of a healthy childhood:

• Emotionally available parents
• Clearly defined limits and guidance
• Responsibilities
• Balanced nutrition and adequate sleep
• Movement and outdoors
• Creative play, social interaction, opportunities for unstructured times and boredom

Instead, children are being served with:

• Digitally distracted parents
• Indulgent parents who let kids “Rule the world”
• Sense of entitlement rather than responsibility
• Inadequate sleep and unbalanced nutrition
• Sedentary indoor lifestyle
• Endless stimulation, technological babysitters, instant gratification, and absence of dull moments”

(Quotes above are from The scary truth about what’s hurting our kids based on research published in Emotion, a journal of the American Psychological Association, by Dr. Jean Twenge, professor of psychology at San Diego State University and author of "IGEN".)

Note: Correlation vs Causation -- smartphone use does perhaps correlate with the changes we see but it is not necessarily the cause.  Electronic device usage may be detrimental to development, or it may be the refuge to which our youth turns to escape a difficult environment.  Researchers have suggested both as answers to the changes we see.  Thoughtful parents are fighting a difficult battle.

"I spent my career in technology. I wasn't prepared for its effect on my kids," says philanthropist Melinda Gates, whose three children were also born after 1995.  "Phones and apps aren't good or bad by themselves, but for adolescents who don't yet have the emotional tools to navigate life's complications and confusions, they can exacerbate the difficulties of growing up."

Social media is easier than face to face; you can usually slip in and out without stress, unlike dealing with the tensions of hallway encounters at school.  It's not real life, of course, and provides no development of interaction and communication skills.

In a 2015 report, 92% of teens surveyed said they went online daily, according to the Pew Research Center. This includes 24% who were online "almost constantly."

One perhaps helpful perspective:  Dr. Twenge found that happiness correlated most strongly with sports, followed by socializing in person and religious services. On the negative side were online computer games and social media.  Interesting.