Information Communication Technology Spectrum - Essay Example

Information communication technology is a technological spectrum that keeps on progressing with time. The methods of exchanging messages keep on advancing such that the differences in location is no longer a communication barrier. Billions of peoples are connected in social media by which various interactions that include social, business, and political interactions take place (Leung 381). However, there have been arguments regarding the impact of social networks and other forms of media on the interpersonal lives of individuals. Some people argue that time spent online negatively impact the intellectual and social lives of children while others perceive online interaction as the modern form of communication and hence important in the interaction process. Kenneth Goldsmith, in the article, Why you should give your kids unlimited screen time, presents the view that there is no problem associated with children spending time on screen as it is perceived by most parents or guardians.

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Goldsmith begins with a description of the modern day interaction among teenagers by which they have adopted their screen time with their social lives such that most time is spent on screen. He uses the phrase an electric energy in the group to describe the adoption of the screen in their interaction. He argues that despite the argument that screen time affects social life, children spend most of their time interacting, making plans with their friends, learning from each other and hence not a negative aspect. Apart from plenty of digital communication taking place among teenagers, online interaction facilitates creativity by which children learn various aspects and try to apply in their lives. He uses the examples of children using cameras in their smartphones to update every aspect of their life. He presents the view that children are engrossed in their screens such that aspects such as homework, calendars on extracurricular activities and social events are organized online. It, therefore, becomes challenging for them to plan meetings or interact with several friends when they are not using their devices. Goldsmith states: I find it equally ironic that most of the places I read about how addicted we are to the web are on the web itself, scattered across numerous web sites, blog posts, tweets, and Facebook pages, (3) to show that despite the opposition, critics still use the screen to present their arguments and hence proving the effectiveness of the internet.

From a personal perspective, the view that plenty of interaction takes place online among children such that their social skills are not affected is acceptable. The screens at times work as scapegoats in the sense that they allow an individual to express himself or herself well in situations that they find it difficult to interact verbally. Furthermore, the screen allows group interactions whereby despite the location differences, children may interact freely. A good example is the WhatsApp application that allows the formation of group chats in addition to voice and video calling and hence allowing children to interact more (Leung 382).

Goldsmith also argues that denying children access to the screen interferes with their social lives and activities (3). The view can be attributed to the fact that most activities these days are done online. Students use online platforms to access assignments, form group discussions in addition to being updated on changes taking place in their environments (Oh 69). Children plan their social meetings and also functions online and hence, from a personal perspective, the screen plays a significant role in the day to day lives of children.

From a personal perspective, Kenneth Goldsmith, in the article, Why you should give your kids unlimited screen time, presents the view that there is no problem associated with children spending time on screen as it is perceived by most parents or guardians. His argument is credible with the views that time spent on screen facilitates more interaction and allows children to engage in various activities. Online interaction should be embraced as ICT is already a big part of society with billions and billions of users benefiting from its services.

Work Cited

Goldsmith, Kenneth. Why You Should Give Your Kids Unlimited Screen Time. http://qz.com/767100/why-you-should-give-your-kids-unlimited-screen-time/26 August 2016

Leung, Louis. "Loneliness, social support, and preference for online social interaction: the mediating effects of identity experimentation online among children and adolescents." Chinese Journal of Communication 4.4 (2011): 381-399.

Oh, Hyun Jung, Elif Ozkaya, and Robert LaRose. "How does online social networking enhance life satisfaction? The relationships among online supportive interaction, affect, perceived social support, sense of community, and life satisfaction." Computers in Human Behavior 30 (2014): 69-78.