How has technology shaped our modes of expression, sense of self-worth, and value systems?

Sadie notes that the kids in her class have a very different attitude toward telling their stories, in life and in games, compared to when she was growing up in the 1980s. How have you observed similar shifts within your own families and communities? How has technology shaped our modes of expression, sense of self-worth, and value systems, especially among teenagers?

Wow! What a complicated question. I feel that teenagers today have so many influences beyond what teenagers of even a decade ago had. Peer pressure is no longer limited to acquaintances, but expanded to internet influencers and social media trolls. It is almost impossible to have a private life. At a time when teenagers are the most vulnerable, trying to figure themselves out, they are bombarded with judgments and unreal expectations.

I think advancements in technology can be positive and negative when it comes to our expression and self-worth. On one hand, we have immediate access to a wealth of knowledge. On the other that immediate access can create a lack of effort to develop interpersonal relationships. As a teacher, I am constantly striving to encourage my students to break away from their computers and phones and work on the social-emotional skills that really matter!

I agree with Loveslife - technology is an incredible tool for learning, knowledge, design, work, creativity … but it can also be incredibly destructive, especially to girls. Social media has taken striving for perfection (which can be unhealthy in any decade) to a whole new level, a dangerous level.

I agree with the previous comments. Artificial intelligence is changing so rapidly that people may become obsolete as AI will be able to complete most jobs. I’m not sure if humans will be able to keep ahead of or control AI. technologies.

It's certainly changed communication styles. I think people talk less and type more, and I think interactions are much briefer. I also think that many people have a harder time concentrating on just one thing - distractions abound! Spelling, grammar and punctuation have gone out the window, too.

Technology has provided access to incredible amounts of data and information we would otherwise be unable to find, including both close to home and in the world at large. Technology has also allowed production of massive amounts of misinformation. Humans are social animals but technology has disrupted our social structures, including communities and families. We are presented with unrealistic standards of appearance, of performance, and achievements, even sexuality. Teens are inevitably confused, frequently depressed, and burdened with more complications than they are capable of understanding.