Teens have their say on technology

newspaper. This week students, assisted by teacher John Bush, weigh in on a recent column that criticized teenagers' reliance on cellphones and other communications devices ("MY VIEW: We may never miss a call, but we're missing out on life," by Jim Osterman, AJC Northside Opinions, Oct. 28).
Teens need more time outside, not on computers
As a 15-year-old I hate to admit it, but I agree with [Jim Osterman]. He says that teenagers today are so technology oriented we miss out on life. He's right. Most teenagers spend what free time we have at home in our rooms overdosing on technology. With MySpace, cellphones, e-mail, AIM (instant messaging), video games and the Internet, there's no time for anything else.
Teenage obesity would not be as much of a problem if technology wasn't so advanced. The percentage of children and adolescents who are overweight has more than doubled since the early 1970s. My parents constantly remind me about how they always played outside, riding bikes, climbing trees and playing games.
Mr. Osterman also states that technology today has made everyone too accessible. There's no hiding from someone you don't want to talk with anymore because they can always find you. A little privacy might not be a bad thing sometimes.
ERIKA ASPENSON
Technology brings family, friends closer together
Technology helps us more than it hurts us. Think of all the medical discoveries made because of technology.
Technology also brings people closer together. You can e-mail someone much faster than sending a letter. And, with technology, it's much easier to find an old friend or a family member.
CAILIN MACE
Time to unplug and live in real world
I agree with [Jim] Osterman 100 percent that technology rules our lives. We are addicted to technology. Our idea of fun is watching TV or playing Xbox, or going onto Facebook. Kids are missing the joys of childhood, such as building a tree house or drawing a picture of your family, or catching fireflies. Adults are missing their kids growing up or the chance to have quality time with family.
Teens need to lose the cellphones and pick up a book. Instead of calling friends, have a get-together.
We should all take a day off from technology.
ABIGAIL THOMBLEY
Future depends on tech-savvy teenagers
Sure, teenagers may be on MySpace, Facebook, or iPhones, but we are learning the technology that is the basis of our country. Our world is dependent on technology. If we shut down the computers, cellphones and televisions, how would we deliver the information that our country and the world deserve to hear?
Kids are learning the technology they will need to make something of their futures.
AMELIA HAYS
'Too much information' can be helpful
Too much information is better than not having enough information at our fingertips. This teenage generation may be hooked on the Internet and the iPhone, but, so what? Technology is a wonderful tool for teaching, communicating, and for just enjoying ourselves.
With technology, we can go to Yahoo.com, CNN.com, or ajc.com to read the headlines and get insight on topics.
And, is it such a crime to be in contact 24/7 with your friends or family, or to do background research for a project? Having things such as YouTube and MySpace allows us to express our personality and make new friends.
We should focus on the benefits of technology rather than the flaws.
BJ TOVAR
Well-rounded teens use technology, but also read, play sports, socialize
Every day I see people sneer and scoff at teenagers. They see teens with a cellphone on one ear, a headphone in the other, and a laptop sitting in front of them.
They say that we don't know anything about the world, that we spend all our time on MySpace and Facebook.
We are the GenTech teens. We have grown up with this technology. It is all we have known. Yet, I am an avid reader and adore all types of music. Not all teenagers have a cellphone glued to their ear, or a keyboard permanently bonded to their fingertips. We play sports, we love going out with friends, we dance, we write, we run.
We are stereotyped as zombies that do absolutely nothing that isn't technologically orientated, slowly becoming obese, and utterly uninformed about what goes on around us.
Today's teenagers will be the next world leaders. Do you really want your next commander-in-chief to be technologically ignorant?
CAROLINE ATKINS
Live life, turn off phone
What is being avoided or missed due to phone calls, text messages and MySpace?
Maybe it's a late-night movie with family, or just a peaceful ride home in the car with someone.
Technology seems to be taking over, and I feel the losses.
[Jim] Osterman asks, "What would happen if for one day we turned off our phones, shut off our computers and unplugged the answering machine?" Well, we would truly understand what it means to live life to the fullest.
COLTON CLOUD
Web, technology broadens teens' worlds
It's true. Teenagers are hopelessly dependent on iPods, cell phones, computers and television. But along with these technological dependencies comes an understanding of a much broader world than the one our parents grew up with.
While they had to walk to the library, we look up our information at home and get twice as much done. While adults babbled hours away on the phone, we send a message and (click!) we're done.
Aside from aiding us with communication, technology has become a vital news source. For instance, charity, anti-genocide, and artistic awareness Web sites are among the many tabbed as favorites by teens. With information of the world at our fingertips and hearts, we are responding with community service and clubs to counteract these horrific events.
KIMBER LAWSON
Economy, businesses need tech devices
The Earth might not tumble off its axis, as [Jim] Osterman asserts, but the economical aspect of Earth sure would. Businesses could not function properly without telecommunication.
KEITH GILBERT
Exercise moderation with computers
To an extent I agree with Jim Osterman. Everyone spends too much time using technology. I know people who spend hours a day playing games on the computer or texting each other.
On the other hand, our society would move slower if this technology wasn't around. I understand that teens tend to use it to play games or watch pointless videos, but we also use it for homework and research. As for the phones, they are useful to call parents or friends any time we need them. Only irresponsible people who don't use technology in moderation and for good reasons are the ones who let it take over their lives.
LAURA ILARDI
Internet prompts teens to help others
You can't stop technology. Talk all you want about its negatives, but you must mention the positives, too.
Ever heard of Invisible Children? It's a group dedicated to helping the children of Africa. Where do they get most of their supporters? MySpace.
Sure MySpace does a lot of harm, but it also does a lot of good.
BECCA DANIELS
Teens rely too much on Web
I agree with Jim Osterman. We have a lot of information right before us constantly, and it probably is too much information. I can't remember the last time I read a book just for fun.
We are so wrapped up in texting, surfing the Web, listening to our iPods, getting on MySpace or YouTube, etc., that we don't have time for reading, writing, or simply relaxing.
If someone wants to learn something, they simply go to the Internet. Many people don't even know how to look something up in an encyclopedia, dictionary or thesaurus.
McKENZIE SLOAN
Source: ajc.com