Is My Smartphone Hurting Me?

 Is My Smartphone Hurting Me?

In the article “Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation”, Jean Twenge explains how she believes that there have been many negative effects from smartphones and social media on this generation of teens. She believes that the excessive use of smartphones causes higher depression and anxiety rates. She also points out that it could be impacting teenagers' sleep schedules, causing sleep deprivation. On the other hand, researcher Sarah Rose believes that smartphones are not the cause of the teens mental health rates declining. In her blog post she explains that the only way to know for certain that cell phones cause depression, we’d have to conduct very specific experiments that would be quite difficult to do. Jean Twenge gives multiple statistics and examples that explain why she thinks smartphones are ruining this generation. She states that, “The more time teens spend looking at screens, the more likely they are to report symptoms of depression. Eighth-graders who are heavy users of social media increase their risk of depression by 27 percent, while those who play sports, go to religious services, or even do homework more than the average teen cut their risk significantly”. This quote demonstrates the data that proves spending time on phones increases the risk of depression. She explains that teens spend less time socializing with each other, but they are instead sitting on their phones in their rooms. She points out how teens feel lonely and left out because of this, especially because you can see when people hang out without you just by going on social media. Sarah Rose argues in her blog that Twenge only uses data that supports her claims. She says that she ignores the possibilities of other factors affecting depression rates. There are many things that could contribute to a teens mental health, not just smart phones. Rose points out how Twenge explained that teens have lower rates of alcohol use, teen pregnancy, smoking and car accidents. This statement was to support Twenge’s claim of teens not going out enough. Rose believes that this is not a bad thing, and definitely not what a “destroyed generation” looks like. All in all, Twenge believes that smartphones are the leading cause of teen’s depression and suicide rates, sleep deprivation, and lack of social skills. Rose disagreed with her statements, and instead believes that there are many other factors that contribute to this, and cellphones aren’t the only ones.

My personal experience with cell phones align more with Sarah Rose’s claims. When I first got my cell phone, it felt really normal after only a short time. I was surrounded by technology, and it seemed like I needed to have one. I never abused it or spent too much time on it because it didn’t seem like the whole world to me. I never had social media at a young age, which I am grateful for because it’s obviously not good for young kids that are growing up. Sarah Rose explained in her blog that sometimes cell phones can have positive effects. I agree with that because I used to see the phone as only entertainment. It would never mess with my mental wellbeing, or give me anxiety because I simply didn’t care enough about it. I was glad to have it though, incase of boredom. Now, I do find that I am on my phone quite a bit. The only downside to that is when it becomes a distraction to me when I’m trying to get work done. I never found that it impacted my happiness or mental wellbeing. If I had to stay away from it for a day though, I would most likely be bored not knowing what I should do. In Jean Twenge’s article she explains how the phone is very negative for kids and is hurting them mentally. I personally haven’t had any experiences like that. She states that it causes sleep deprivation but I believe that is only when people don’t have enough self discipline. Anything can become a positive if done in moderation and Sarah Rose supports that in her blog. 

I think the overall lesson about smartphones is that they should be used in moderation. Cell phones can have both positive and negative effects on people, and if focused on the positives, it could become a very beneficial thing. I believe smartphones shouldnt be given to young kids but should wait until they are mature and old enough to generally know what’s right for them. As long as we’re careful and aware of our cell phone usage, it shouldn’t damage us mentally. I think using data to make an argument helps persuade readers to believe it. Using data like statistics give examples that enhance the message you're trying to convey. Using factual evidence makes your writing more reliable and effective so the readers will be more likely to understand it. These articles both give factual evidence that supports their claims. This makes us more likely to believe it and take them seriously.