Social issue and social problem
A social issue is a debatable challenge, accepted as a problem, and partly not considered a problem. A social problem is a social challenge, which poses a social threat to the society. The effects of technology on socialization of young people, in this case, are a social issue. In some instances, it has a positive impact on socialization of young people. In other instances, it poses a problem to the socialization of the youth. In order to explain this fact, consider mobile telephone technology. Mobile phones are having a profound influence on the patterns of young people’s social networks and their relationships with the elders. This tendency yields moral panic related to fears about children’s social dysfunction as new technologies continually give rise to accessibility of information, which affect cognitive personalities of children. In addition, functionalities that come along with mobile phones and computers for instance violent video games is a social issue, which affect the behavior of the child with exposure on the games.
Positive effects of technology
Despite the negative impact of mobile telephone, it has some advantages. Studies have pointed out that children, have polished their communication skills since the adoption of mobile phones. The use of computers has made it easy for others to improve their talents; creativity and gaming. Obviously, communication has been made easy, discussion, and other activities have been organized through mobile phones. Moreover, many parents have reported improved relationship between them and their children who are away at various institutions of learning. Accordingly, communication has been replaced by internet and mobile phone connection as Sherry asserts. According to research conducted, in 1987, children playing violent games were considered clever and intelligent compared to those who play non-violent games. The difference in the levels of creativity defines their level of success in life (Demeniuk 6).
b. Theory: Functionalist theory
The functionalist theory proposes that the society is organized into a system of interrelated components, which are cemented by shared values. The deviation from this balance results into a social problem. The process of socialization is defined as that process which enables individuals to acquire values, attitudes, and cultures that describe a group. This process is influenced by technology, environment, culture and existing values . These dynamic changes within the social setting upset the societal state of equilibrium hence leading to social problems.
Youth culture is emerging globally, and it finds mobile communication an adequate for of expression and reinforcement. This is referred to as global youth mobile culture. New information and communication technology have introduced new family relationships with regard to the management of autonomy and security. Current or modern family ties have led to the weakening of traditional upbringing of the youths; the society determined the behavior of the youth, not parents, .
c. Causes and consequences of technology on socialization of the youth
Attachment to the technology devices cannot be denied. The attachment to the device is attributed to several benefits it confers to users. Firstly, it is possible to engage several people simultaneously on a chat. This is not the same as physically talking to more than one person; no one can ever achieve it. In ordinary situations, such individuals would find it challenging to conduct successful socialization. Modern form of socialization has been reduced to “can I get your number” or, “what is your social network account name.” all other remaining aspects of socialization take place in contracted, written forms, .
Notably, children cannot handle most of these elementary questions when they face their parents. Therefore, they prefer to communicate with their parents over the mobile phones because there is no proof of honesty required as the questions is asked. The implied improved relationship between parents at home and children is a misunderstood concept. The parents do not grasp the intricacies of mobile telecommunication because some of them were born before modern technology. . Therefore, their children grab the opportunity to teach them; they filter out what to keep out of reach of parents and expose them to every detail of what they consider “harmless.” The technology has significantly propagated the growth of introverts. Modern mobile telephones and smart phones come with full package of media entertainment, social networking application and the internet. The contraction in mobile phone communication is governed with the availability of time dictated by the service provider. This does not allow comprehensive treatment of the subject of communication using better expressions; youths adopt the use of colloquial expressions, which may not be understood by their parents.
Moreover, violent video gaming has influenced the personalities of players to an extent that some have failed to relate well with their mates because of arrogance and revenge motives. Parents have also raised concerns about the rude and arrogant behavior from their children because of violent video gaming (Demeniuk 6-8).
d. Graphic view of the social problem (X-independent variable; Y-dependent variable)
e. Ways of reducing the negative effect of technology on socialization
It is not possible to eliminate the impact technological advancement on the social life of youth. However, the negative effects can be alleviated in the following ways. The first method is the content management. This involves editing the content that is accessed by the youth. Most young persons have free access to content that is not appropriate to them at that age of social maturity. This will allow the youth to attain the right age to be free to access all the information.
Device and technology management
Various mobile phone and similar devices are available in the market at affordable prices. Parents may find it worth to choose the device that their young children have. For example, for young children, they can afford them devices with limited access to uncensored information over the internet. Simple mobile phones that can perform basic communication may suffice. Later on, when they came of age, they can decide what they want to possess. Learning institutions may also contribute by implementing policies to regulate information available to youth and the nature of devices used.
f. Social imagination
This sociological aspect was vital in the development of this report. The foundation within which this paper has been developed is based on a sociological imagination. The functionalism theory has been used to illustrate the theoretical perspective and practical aspect of how mobile phones and other computerized devises have influenced the social behavior of the youth. In addition, it has been easy to evaluate the extent to which parent can control the behavior of their children as it regards the use of technology. Apart from that, one can easily predict the future of the youth considering the growth of technology; social units like the family might lose meaning.
Works Cited
Demeniuk, Chris. Impacts of Technology on Developement of Social Skills in Children: The risks and Benefits of Growing Up in a Highr-Tech Environment. 29 October 2006.
Manuel, Castells. Mobile Communication and Society: A Global perspective. MIT Press, 2007.
Turkle, Sherry. "The Flight from Conversation." The New York Times: Sunday Review 21 April 2012.
Yi-Fan, Chen. The Mobile Phone and Socialization: The Consequences of Mobile Phone Use in Transitions from Family to School Life of U.S. College Students. ProQuest, 2007.
