Technology and development piece of writing

Examine the use and impact of technology on adolescents aged 13-18 years.

Discuss the impact of technology on human development. You will choose a life stage and address the included topics in your written work. Your report should be 3–5 pages in length and formatted in APA style. No abstract or cover page is necessary, but you must include in-text citations and a corresponding References page.

Your assignment must be typed in 12-point font and double-spaced. You should include no fewer than three (3) sources, with at least one coming from the textbook, an academic article, or another source beyond typical internet materials. If you do use online resources, ensure they are credible. Any information or ideas from primary or secondary sources (including internet content), whether directly quoted or paraphrased, must be properly cited using footnotes or endnotes. Failure to cite your sources constitutes plagiarism, which may result in a failing grade for the assignment, failure of the course, or expulsion from the university.

Introduction
Define the age range of adolescence.
Briefly describe the types of technology commonly used by adolescents (e.g., social media, smartphones, online learning platforms).
Main Body
Types of Technology: Describe specific technologies used by adolescents and their purposes.
Identity Formation: Discuss how technology influences adolescents’ self-identity and self-esteem.
Social Interactions: Analyze the effects of technology on peer relationships and social skills.
Academic Performance: Evaluate the impact of technology on learning and academic achievements.
Challenges: Address issues such as cyberbullying, addiction, and mental health concerns.
Conclusion
Summarize the key points discussed.
Reflect on the overall impact of technology on adolescent development.

Full Answer Section

        Main Body Types of Technology: Description and Purposes Adolescents engage with a diverse array of technologies, each serving multiple purposes that intertwine with their developmental needs.
  • Smartphones: These devices are the central hub of digital life for most adolescents. Their purpose extends beyond communication (texting, calls) to encompass internet access, social media engagement, gaming, content creation and consumption (photos, videos), educational apps, and entertainment (music, streaming). They offer constant connectivity and serve as a personal portal to the digital world.
  • Social Media Platforms (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube): These platforms are primarily used for social connection, self-expression, and information gathering. Adolescents use them to share aspects of their lives, observe peers, maintain friendships, engage with online communities, and follow trends or influencers. YouTube, in particular, serves as a major source of entertainment, learning (e.g., tutorials), and news.
  • Online Gaming (e.g., Fortnite, Minecraft, Roblox, Call of Duty): Gaming serves as a significant form of entertainment, social interaction (multiplayer games), problem-solving, and skill development (hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking). For many, online gaming communities provide a sense of belonging and a platform for competitive engagement.
  • Online Learning Platforms and Educational Technology (e.g., Google Classroom, Zoom, learning management systems, educational apps): Accelerated by recent global events, these technologies are fundamental to academic life. They facilitate remote learning, access to educational resources, collaboration on projects, and submission of assignments.
   

Sample Answer

       

The Digital Adolescent: Examining the Use and Impact of Technology on Development (Ages 13-18 Years)

  Introduction Adolescence, generally defined as the developmental period spanning from approximately 13 to 18 years of age, marks a critical transition from childhood to adulthood. This stage is characterized by rapid physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes, including the crucial process of identity formation, the deepening of peer relationships, and the development of abstract thought. Coinciding with this pivotal developmental phase is the pervasive integration of digital technology into daily life. Adolescents today are digital natives, having grown up in an era where smartphones, social media platforms, online gaming, and digital learning tools are ubiquitous. Understanding the multifaceted use and profound impact of these technologies on their development is essential for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals alike.