Читать книгу Overcoming Internet Addiction For Dummies - David N. Greenfield - Страница 66

The developers of the Internet viewed the web as a utilitarian tool. They never envisioned it as entertainment or a detour from life. The Internet has now almost morphed into having an identity of its own. It’s no longer a tool used to accomplish something, but rather it’s equivalent to what a car used to be to a teen or young adult. I’ve heard others refer to the Internet as essentially a virtual mall, and kids now hang out in cyberspace instead of physically. Some children likely feel more at home on their device than with people. Talking on the phone is done. Conversation has changed. It has been replaced by chatting, texting, IMing, DMing, snapping, commenting, liking, following, and Instagramming.

When teens use the word “talk,” they don’t mean verbal communication; rather, they mean texting, chatting, or snapping. It’s likely that your child’s ability to communicate verbally is either underdeveloped or has atrophied to the point where they may need some skills development. Words have been abbreviated to the point where a few letters or symbols (emoji) are used instead of complete words, sentences, and thoughts. Everything is streamlined and cut short. Although this may or not be equivalent to more in-depth forms of communication, it may be this generation’s form of social and cultural differentiation. Screens have become integral to personal expression, and they seem to be augmentations to help express aspects of their identity — such as personal appearance, fashion, politics, friends, or interests.