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ELECTRONIC
ADDICTION
by Emma Smith, Staff Writer
We live in an age
filled with picturesque big screen TVs, high speed internet access,
and iPods capable of holding thousands of songs, pictures, and
videos. It is hard not to be lured into the world of endless
electronics. They provide ways for us to do everything from watching
something occurring miles away to listening to our favorite music to
customizing our own website. However, is our dependence on these
items really healthy? If it is not, could we live without our
treasured devices?
Every teen knows why people are so addicted to TV,
computers, iPods, cell phones and other similar pieces of
technology. They make our lives easier in many ways. We can
communicate with people from all over the world either on the
computer or using our cell phones. According to Internet World
Stats, about 69% of North America's population are also internet
users. A study done in Pittsburgh this year states that 203 million
people in the United States are cell phone users. As senior Skye
Englund would say, "Life pretty much revolves around the cell
phone." 25 million iPod users can pick and choose what music they
wish to carry on their iPods. We can keep ourselves entertained and
informed about the world around us by watching shows or the news on
TV. Using a computer, listening to an iPod or CD player, and
watching TV are part of most people's daily routine. According to a
survey by Kid's Health, a child or a teen in the United States
watches at least four hours of TV a day. Some surveys say that they
watch TV for 25 to 30 hours per week. However, these devices can
take up time that we would otherwise spend with our families or
others. How much is too much? What is the price we must pay for our
obsession?
The bottom line is that too much of a good thing can be
detrimental to physical and emotional health. Stories circulate
about TV watching contributing to obesity and violent tendencies.
People also speak of how using the computer too often can cause
eyesight deterioration and cause irritability. Studies have shown
that listening to music at high volumes can damage the hearing. Most
people experience these symptoms slowly over time, if at all. Many
users simply don't believe that any of this will happen to them.
Even if they believe that it is possible, people are not willing to
give up their precious devices. Without such pieces of technology
junior, Lizzy Garland says that "you'd have to go to the library and
actually look up stuff. That wouldn't be fun."
We must learn to have everything in moderation. We
can't get so caught up in this age of technological development that
we lose the other important aspects of our lives. Turn off the cell
phone during dinner with your family. Turn off the TV and play a
game with your friends. Turn off your iPod and talk to the person
next to you. We can love our electronics but should not be
dependent on them 24/7 for a good time.
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