What Was That? 5) Adolescents have gotten used to getting information instantly on cell phones and other digital media. They don’t need to retain the information they have read. The answer to any question can be found with a few quick clicks on their smartphones. With each click, there is a response. It’s a reward of some kind. But researchers state that there is a risk for young people. Their brains are still developing. They are becoming used to constantly switching tasks. It makes them unable to focus. Michael Rich, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, said, “Their brains are rewarded not for staying on task but for jumping to the next thing.”

6) Imaging studies have been done on people’s brains. The results show that people process information and connect ideas when their brains are not busy with something. Researchers believe this period of downtime is important for young people. They need this time because their brains have more trouble focusing. But kids are in a constant mode of stimulation. Some will be texting on their phones while talking with another friend. Loud music might be playing in the background. All of this is going on while they are trying to do schoolwork.

7) While working on a task or project, kids may be interrupted by a call or a text on their cell phone. Instead of listening to a lecture, students might be texting a friend or looking something up. This will disrupt their concentration. They have developed the habit of darting from one thing to another. It is what they have learned to do using cell phones and other digital media. They are getting used to concentrating for shorter periods of time, so their attention spans are shortening. It is becoming more and more difficult for them to focus on extended activities that require more in-depth research or attention.

No Time for Small Talk
8) Adolescents are not only missing sleep and are unable to focus, but using cell phones affects how they talk to others. Many have never learned the skills of true conversation. It’s easier to text a message than to have an in-depth conversation. Instead of making eye contact with strangers in line at the store, people look at their phones. It helps them avoid making small talk. Learning the art of conversation takes practice. But kids will never learn this skill if they are more focused on texting or instant messaging. It is especially difficult for children who already have trouble talking with others socially.

9) Melissa Ortega, a child psychologist formerly with New York’s Child Mind Institute, says that children “may have trouble initiating interactions, those small talk situations. They don’t have as much experience doing it because they’re not engaging in it ever.” Dr. Ortega believes that adolescents will have trouble during job interviews. These require a two-way conversation that sometimes has awkward pauses.

10) Another concern is kids may not understand people’s expressions during conversation. When we talk with people in person, our physical cues tell more about what we mean than our words say. These cues can be our facial expression, tone of voice, and gestures. Without practice talking to people in person, kids who use only cell phones to communicate may miss the meaning implied by someone’s tone, gesture, or look. Some experts are worried that today’s children are growing up disconnected from others.

11) Technology provides many benefits. But if we let the use of cell phones consume children, they will not develop some of the important skills we all need to get along in the world.

Type a response to each question. Be sure to save your work.

1. What is the meaning of the adage all that glitters is not gold in Paragraph 1?
Type your answer.
2. What does the word stimulation mean in Paragraph 6?
Use evidence from the passage in your explanation.
4. How does the author support the idea that learning how to have a conversation in person is important?
Use at least two details from the text to support your answer.
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