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Justyn Smith
Connie Douglas
English 112
8 September 2016
Technology, Danger in Disguise
Technology has been around for centuries now. Time has only given people the
opportunity to update it. Most people have come accustomed to the newfound conveniences
technology has brought to society as a whole. Things; such as, cellphones, televisions, and
computers are not only a convenience to civilization, but instead also carry negative traits. Two
databases give information on the negative aspects of technology, and how it can actually have
the wrong impact on the lives of people.
Data conducted by Akanksha Srivastava, and Ram Kalap concluded that technology has a
negative effect on mental health, as well as the well-being of adolescents. Their studies found
that ninety percent of adolescents have media sources; such as, television, computers, and cell
phones within their home. Excessive users were found to feel more emotionally unstable, less
self-confident, have minimum sociability and unhappiness in their daily activities (Srivastava).
The Media has many ways to pull people in, whether it be with music, television shows, or even
the internet. Although, the virtual world can be very interesting, too much of it can isolate an
individual from reality. Media is able to grab the attention of people for very long periods of
time. While interesting, the activities are inactive, can be bad for the health of consumers in the
long run.
The second article written by Suzanne Rosenburg followed a similar topic; however,
found technology to have a negative impact on people for what may be a worse reason; cell
phones emit radio frequencies. Radio frequency has not yet been deemed unsafe by the United

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States government. Such statement could not be made without decades of studies on frequent
users. However, with new technology, there are usually risks or potential harm that goes
unnoticed until what can be years later (Rosenburg). Radio frequencies are believed to have
dangerous effects after a long term use which could be as bad as a tumor on the brain.
Aggressive video games for example, have been found to enhance the aggressive traits
and violent behavior in young consumers. Introducing young people to such violence can
potentially lead he or she to exert those traits in everyday life, with the assumption that is it cool,
or acceptable. With that said; it can be dangerous to cognitive development in youth. During the
early ages guardians should make sure a child has their morals in order. Lead by example, do not
allow entertainment today to do so, for the influences it has are not always positive ones.
Srivastava and Kalap go on to explain that the youth of today spend anywhere from one
third to half of their working hours alongside some form of media whether it be for conversation,
education, or entertainment purposes, Surveys showed that adolescents who play more than one
hour of video or computer games daily were rated as having more attention difficulties than those
who spent less than an hour a day on gaming (Srivastava). Cell phones and computers have also
altered the forms of communication eliminating factors; such as, space and changing the timing
of messages received and sent. Being social has become so simple, it is no longer as genuine.
Many researchers have raised the issue of the possible harm considering the increased use
and cumulative effect radio frequency has according to Rosenburg; children have thinner skulls,
and brains which are still in the developing stages. This factor makes them more susceptible to
cellular damage. It is very important that the risks are understood in society today; they should
not go unnoticed. Ongoing research examining the health effects of radio frequency energy

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exposure is funded and supported by federal agencies, international organizations, and the
mobile phone industry. Evidence to support the concerns do continue to emerge (Rosenburg).
Overall, both sources of information are very detailed and well written. Each grabbed
attention, and provided the reader with valuable knowledge on the effects of technology. General
technology is growing at an almost infinite rate, and is affecting society today in more ways than
one. The first reading, written by Srivastava and Kalap, seemed to have a better argument.
Having concrete statistics acquired to support the definite relationship technology has with
people. Their writing provides clear, current, and direct correlations backed by research
including statistics, and examples. The second database seems to be more of a research paper on
that could be.

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Work Cited
Rosenberg, Suzanne. "Cell Phones and Children: Follow the Precautionary Road." Pediatric
nursing 39.2
(2013): 65-70. ProQuest. Web. 7 Sep. 2016.

Srivastava, Akanksha, and Ram Kalap Tiwari. "Impact of Media use on Adolescent's Mental
Health and
Well-being." Indian Journal of Positive Psychology 4.1 (2013): 103-10. ProQuest. Web.
7 Sep. 2016.

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