Outsmart Your Smartphone PDF

B Outsmart Your Smartphone...

B Outsmart Your Smartphone NOTICE & NOTE Argument by Catherine Steiner-Adair As you read, use the This author writes about how teenagers use side margins to make notes about the text. technology and makes suggestions for using it © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Image Credits: ©SpeedKingz/Shutterstock; (inset) ©ober-art/ responsibly. 1 A dolescence has always been a hero’s journey of growing independence, exploration, and self-discovery. When smartphones swept onto the scene in 2008, teenagers used them for familiar purposes—to connect to each other and share interests out of adults’ view. But was the technology itself significantly changing the landscape of teen life? At first, people took sides on this issue based on their own gut feelings. Now with more than a decade of experience, it’s possible to hold a more informed perspective on the effects of engaging perspective with social media and life online. In writing my book The Big (p∂r-sp≈k´t∆v) n. A perspective is a viewpoint on or understanding Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in of something. Shutterstock the Digital Age, I studied the current research and interviewed hundreds of teenagers around the country. I can say without hesitation that though social media is a useful and enticing tool, it poses unique risks to adolescent well-being. Outsmart Your Smartphone 407  ANALYZE STRUCTURE 2 The benefits of social media are obvious. You can use Annotate: Mark all the positive smartphones and social media to build healthy relationships and effects of using social media listed a sense of belonging. You can partner with others to help, share, in paragraph 2. volunteer, collaborate. Never before have middle school students Infer: How might identifying been able to take a class with students in China. You can get in these benefits at the beginning touch with total strangers who like the same rock band, write fan of her argument help the author achieve her purpose? fiction together with people anywhere in the world, or join an online gaming group. Texting and social networking sites make it easier to connect with kids right where you are, too. Social networking lets you get together with friends where your parents aren’t around. Expressing yourself, figuring out who you are and developing a sense of self and identity that’s separate from your parents and family are important parts of adolescent development. 3 But there’s more to the story. While it’s tempting to believe NOTICE & NOTE that social media is just a new version of what’s always been, CONTRASTS AND with the same dangers and benefits, studies suggest that’s just CONTRADICTIONS not true. A growing body of scientific evidence and everyday When you notice a difference experience show that social media is not simply a natural and between two or more elements in the text, you’ve found a Contrasts healthy extension of teens’ social lives and development. It can and Contradictions signpost. negatively affect the brain and behavior in ways that mimic Notice & Note: Mark the two addiction, adversely affect learning, distort normal aspects of sentences in paragraph 3 that social and emotional development, and increase anxiety. There introduce a sharp contrast or is too much research and too much everyday evidence now for contradiction. us to ignore the risks. You have to approach social media with Analyze: Why does the author restraint and caution if you want to avoid harm. point out this contrast? 4 How and how often you use social media matters. Ninety- two percent of teens report going online daily. Twenty-four percent of them say they are online “almost constantly,” according to a 2015 study by the Pew Research Center. More than half (fifty-six percent) of teens, ages thirteen to seventeen, go online several times a day. Most use mobile devices and three-quarters of the teens say they have access to a smartphone. The more time you spend texting or online, the greater the risks of harm. This is especially concerning in adolescence. It’s a critical window of time for brain growth, physical development, and social and emotional development. © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company stimulant 5 Social media is a stimulant to the brain. Texting and (st∆m´y∂-l∂nt) n. A stimulant is an other use triggers release of dopamine, a natural chemical agent that excites or temporarily speeds up mental and/or physical that produces a pleasurable sensation that most brains crave functions. to repeat. But the more you use social media, the more you deliberate want to use it, and that impulse can override the deliberate (d∆-l∆b´∂r-∆t) adj. Deliberate decision-making activity of the part of the brain called the decision-making activity is the prefrontal cortex. It also creates a sense of urgency. You feel process of making a choice only compelled to react or respond right away and hit send. after carefully considering its likely effects. 408 UNIT 5 COLLABORATE & COMPARE  6 The combination of the stimulants to the brain and the Don’t forget to Notice & Note as you fact that you feel anonymous or at a distance from the person read the text. you’re communicating with can lead you to behave differently than you would face to face. You become impulsive, quick to act and react, even when it carries a risk. You feel less inhibited, more likely to say mean or careless things without a thought inhibited to the impact of your words, or the consequences. It’s easy (∆n-h∆b´∆t-∂d) adj. If you feel inhibited, you feel restrained, held to say things you later wish you hadn’t. On the receiving (or back, or self-conscious. waiting) end, you feel anxious when someone doesn’t respond right away, or you feel antsy or bored when there’s a lull in communication. Every ping, buzz, or text you send or receive ANALYZE RHETORICAL keeps you hooked. DEVICES 7 A false sense of privacy can trick you into thinking it’s safe Annotate: Review paragraphs to share anything—or text or post private or inflammatory1 5 and 6. Mark the sentences in which the author uses direct things. Plenty of teens have found themselves entangled in address. social drama made worse when posts went viral. At the most Analyze: What is the impact of tragic extreme, social media has provided a platform for using direct address to convey cyberbullying. In a study of teens and social media use, nine this particular information? out of ten teens reported that they had seen bullying online. 8 Bullying gets a lot of attention and for good reason, but let’s look at other common social media behaviors or beliefs with negative consequences. 9 First, texting is easier than talking and seems like the same thing, but it isn’t. Social media is no substitute for face-to-face conversation or hanging out, a handshake or comforting hug, © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Image Credits: ©monkeybusinessimages/iStock/Getty Images; (inset) shared laughter or even shared quiet time. Texting, tweeting, email and other text-only forms of messaging eliminate two essential aspects of human communication: the power of voice and the ability to see the impact of your words. 1 inflammatory: provocative; likely to provoke a strong reaction. ©ABC vector/Shutterstock Outsmart Your Smartphone 409  10 Tone of voice gives meaning to our words. You might use the phrase “I hate you!” jokingly to mean “I’m so jealous of you!” but what if that’s not clear? Even a simple text like “sorry” can be difficult to decipher—are you being snarky or sincere? Distanced from the impact your words have on others, you can’t see their reaction or correct a misunderstanding. 11 Also, when texting takes the place of face-to-face talking, you don’t get the real-time practice of conversation skills and the confidence that goes with it. You can’t get a driver’s license just by passing an online test. You have to log hours of actual driving time to develop the real-time, real life skills to drive. The same in-real-life practice is required for the social and emotional skills you need to navigate life. Direct communication is one of the most important. 12 Second, social media expands social networks, but not necessarily the deeper stuff of meaningful friendship. Research and life experience tell us that “likes” and casual online “friends” are no substitute for friendship. Friendship includes a deeper knowing of one another, shared respect and trust, and acceptance. It’s easy to think that your “street smarts”—your ability to assess if someone is trustworthy or not—work just as well on social media sites as in real life, but research tells us that we tend to trust too easily online. Social media was designed to be a way to connect people. But it also has put a crimp in teens’ ability to connect in deep and meaningful ways. Some find it harder to be emotionally vulnerable and emotionally honest with one another. Emotional growth and learning how to be a partner in relationship are hard work, and part of natural development that emerges in adolescence. But it takes time and practice to develop that natural capacity. The default text of hey what’s up? mutes those moments for more ANALYZE STRUCTURE textured conversations. You might find it easier to say things Annotate: In paragraph 13, that are serious and important to you by texting, where you mark the effect of “constant connectivity,” according to the don’t feel as vulnerable as you might face to face. Ultimately, author. Then mark what that, in though, it’s important in life to be able to say directly to people what’s on your mind and what’s in your heart, and have difficult © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company turn, can cause. Evaluate: Does this cause-effect conversations. That takes practice. relationship help the author 13 Third, the “everywhere, always on” presence of social media support her argument? Explain. and life online creates new kinds of psychological issues. The constant connectivity can create psychological dependence. This can cause anxiety when you’re separated from your phone or unable to go online. Some teens experience a form of separation anxiety if they don’t have their phone, or if an adult takes it away. 14 If you are “always on,” the fear of missing out often creates anxiety with no relief. On social media, like never before, you can see every party, every event, every “inside joke” that you are 410 UNIT 5 COLLABORATE & COMPARE  not a part of. You see the endless stream of nasty comments or Don’t forget to Notice & Note as you trending gossip and might start to quietly fear you’ll become read the text. the target of it. A growing number of studies have also found that looking at “perfect” photos of other people may increase anxiety and make people feel bad about themselves. A 2016 study by researchers at the University of Cologne in Germany described so-called Facebook envy and depression as a serious concern, echoing other studies of social media’s negative effects on mental health. Students often tell me that class outings or summer camp where cell phones weren’t allowed were “the best ever.” Why? Because after a short withdrawal period, classmates enjoyed the freedom from the pressures of social media and the fun of being together. 15 Fourth, social media distraction has a negative effect on learning and on grades. When you multitask on different devices or online activities your brain makes you feel really powerful. It makes you think you can multitask effectively. That’s one reason it’s so hard to listen to teachers or parents when they say don’t do it. But actually, in your brain, multitasking on digital devices takes away from your attention to any one thing with a continuous stream of mini- interruptions. 16 Studies show that multitasking with social media makes homework take longer. It also weakens short-term and long- term memory. Students who used social networking scored twenty percent lower on tests, and had lower grades compared to those that stayed off social media until their work was done. Even when users just go on social media for a “quick” break, the average amount of time off their task is typically twenty to twenty-five minutes. That increases the time it takes to complete a two-hour task by thirty percent. A study conducted by scientists at University of Texas-Austin in 2017 found that just having your smartphone nearby reduces cognitive performance—how well your brain can think and learn—even when the phone is silent or out of sight. © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 17 Fifth, the distraction of social media can pull you away from your best self, drawing you into the online culture where it’s cool to be cruel or disingenuous,2 and where snarky, mean posts get lots of “likes.” This dark side of social networking is not just about meanness. It’s that social media cultivates an image-based value system that creates unrealistic expectations and rewards shallowness. As shaming, hate-talk, and other destructive behaviors online get worse, social media becomes increasingly antisocial. 2 disingenuous (d∆s´∆n-j≈n´y◊-∂s): insincere, false. Outsmart Your Smartphone 411  18 A generation ago, parents worried about their kids watching too much TV, which was also seen as spreading poor values. Today’s “screen time” is even more problematic. While TV and online entertainment both use screens, our brains don’t connect with them in the same ways. TV is at a distance, compared to the close-up visual stimulation on a smartphone or computer screen. Think of how different it feels to binge-watch on the big TV screen versus on your smartphone. TV also tends to be a more social activity. You watch with other people, share the experience, and perhaps talk as you do so. 19 All of this does not mean we must abandon social media entirely, along with those prosocial benefits it does have. But you need self-awareness so that you use this tool to be your best self, make the most of your education, and protect your brain and your own well being. It’s important not to let any new app, virtual reality, or whatever the next tech innovation is delete what science has told us for years and still stands true: As a species, we thrive in the context of healthy relationships. We need to manage our use of © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Image Credits: ©David Pereiras/Shutterstock; ANALYZE RHETORICAL social media to create supportive connections for learning and life. DEVICES 20 For example, you don’t have to be part of every social Annotate: An imperative sentence media stream your friends are. Be conscious of how much is a direct command, instruction, time you’re online and limit yourself. Take breaks. Take off or request. Mark the imperative one day a week or at mealtimes. Even when it seems easier to sentences In paragraph 20. stay home and text with your friends, make an effort to get Analyze: What rhetorical device together somewhere and see them instead. If your school allows are these sentences examples of? students to use phones, exercise restraint. Resist the temptation to multitask when you need to have singular focus on your (inset) ©ABC vector/Shutterstock homework. Educate your peers—remember that just having your phone on your desk or in your backpack interferes with your attention. 21 Adolescents have always been the pioneers in evolving cultures, and today’s teens are, too. Given the information and education needed to make sound choices, you’ll learn to master the social media tool and be able to share tips with the generations before you and after you, as well. 412 UNIT 5 COLLABORATE & COMPARE  Respond A B Compare Arguments When you compare arguments, you identify similarities and differences between important aspects of each. You might compare and contrast the claims, reasons, and evidence in each. Alternatively, you might focus more deeply on an analysis of one of the following: Fact and interpretation: Do the arguments introduce conflicting information on the topic? Where do the texts disagree on matters of fact or interpretation? Opposing viewpoints and counterclaims: Are the most important or common objections raised and addressed? Are opposing claims refuted with effective reasons and evidence? Rhetoric and quality of writing: Are rhetorical devices used effectively? How persuasive are the authors’ writing styles? In a small group, complete a chart like this one, adjusting the headings in the left column to reflect your particular focus. EVIDENCE IT’S COMPLICATED BOTH “OUTSMART YOUR SMARTPHONE” Credibility Relevancy © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Image Credits: (t) ©Leo Patrizi/E+/Getty Images; Currency Analyze the Texts Discuss these questions in your group. 1 COMPARE How are the authors’ points of view alike and different? 2 COMPARE How does each selection make use of counterclaims? (b) ©SpeedKingz/Shutterstock 3 ANALYZE What kind of evidence does each author rely upon most? 4 CRITIQUE Which selection do you think presents the stronger argument? Cite evidence from both texts to support your opinion. 418 UNIT 5 COLLABORATE & COMPARE  A B Respond Create and Present With a partner, play the role of an adult and a teenager in a discussion about social media use. The adult may be a parent, a teacher, or someone who is an expert on the topic. The adult and teen should take opposing viewpoints. Follow these steps: 1 CHOOSE A ROLE AND A POSITION With your partner, decide who will play the adult and who will play the teenager. Also choose the viewpoint you each plan to promote. This may mean that one of you must adopt a viewpoint that does not match your own. 2 GATHER INFORMATION List reasons and evidence from the texts and from your prior research that support your chosen viewpoint. REASON 1: Evidence: REASON 2: Evidence: 3 PREPARE YOUR COUNTERCLAIM Anticipate the other person’s claim as well as his or her objections to your points. List reasons and evidence you will cite to challenge the opposing viewpoint. OTHER’S CLAIM AND/OR OBJECTIONS YOUR COUNTERCLAIM © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 4 ROLEPLAY THE DISCUSSION In your chosen roles, have a conversation with your partner in which each of you tries to convince the other to adopt your position. Be on the lookout for flaws in one another’s reasoning, and point them out as appropriate. Consider beginning your argument by acknowledging the other’s position and its merits and then countering it. It’s Complicated/Outsmart Your Smartphone 419