Oct
2018
Smartphone Shift and More…
After reading Jean M. Twenge’s article, Have Smartphones Destroyed A Generation, the paradigm shift is clear: there has been a significant change in cultural practices and values between our parents and our generation from the introduction of the iPhone/iPad. These smartphones have caused widespread variation in the way kids and teens have began thinking about not just themselves, but their idea of simply having fun. The introduction of the iPhone and other technologies to society is a paradigm shift itself, but even more, there is a paradigm shift in the values and practices between current teens and their parents.
After the smartphone was introduced and studies were taken, researches were able to view the vast differences between those who grew up in the 1970’s (Gen X) compared to the 2000’s (Millenials/iGen). One major shift we’re able to grasp after reading this article is the shift in the lack of desire to hangout with friends and gain freedom. Teens now prefer to “socialize” on their phones rather than socialize in person. Was anyone really shocked to read this though? We often see teens attached to their phones and unable to hold a conversation, and the older generations are not afraid to point out this flaw.
Many people constantly acknowledge the fact that kids spend way too much time on their phones rather than actually talking to one another, which can be fully attributed to the introduction of the iPhone. Those born in the 70’s valued being with their friends in person, but now, kids value their smartphones. Furthermore, the millennial generation has lost their desire to have freedom; to them, socializing at parties and staying out late is not nearly as appealing as staying at home on their phones.
This major shift in the both the practices and values between these two generations can also be attributed to the kairotic moment when the iPhone became a widespread piece of consumption. Twenge makes her point clear: when the iPhone was released, a significant shift in the values and practices of teens now and teens then arose and stayed. The iPhone gave people a new form of entertainment and had to ability to change the values of its consumers.
And for those of you who were curious like myself, here is the picture of the shirtless teen holding peppermint schnapps at the Sweetheart Roller Skating Rink in Tampa, Florida.
