Negative influence of technology on our youths

Editor: Technology is on the up, not only here in SVG, but in the world at large. We cannot deny that while it has its many positives, it also has some negatives.

As we try to compare life now in terms of crimes and social issues, as compared to our days, we have to appreciate that technology was hardly present. Very few people owned telephones and televisions and radio.{{more}} Now, today, it would seem that almost everyone owns cellphones, laptops and every home has televisions and radios. Thus, the influence of technology now is more prevalent than it was in olden days.

As a result of the scarcity of technology, parenting was easier and so homes were more disciplined in many areas. At some future time, I would develop the topic on the homes now, as compared to long ago. Be that as it may, we have to agree that technology of various kinds has influenced our society.

The easy access without supervision to pornographic material on phones and laptops has raised the desire for sexual activities. Fashion has changed in terms of the dress code, all because of what is seen on television and other technology. It is a norm for ladies to dress in the most sexually appealing way and for men to dress like women and also have their pants below their waist. It is sad that society accepts these standards as norm. Therefore, with these influences, it is felt that sex must be had even at an early age.

Our children are led to believe that if you don’t have sex something is wrong with you. On the other hand, many persons — both children and adults — take pleasure in having sex and in some cases with several persons. This ideology is also accepted by parents, for in many cases, they themselves are sexually active, sometimes with partners other than their spouses.

So, this standard and the lifestyle that our people are influenced by, due to the influence of technology which portrays this lifestyle as so rewarding, has led to the increase in sexual crimes, teenage pregnancies and HIV/AIDS. It has also led to the break up of many homes, due to unfaithfulness. These effects negatively affect the behaviour pattern of many of our young people and adults. It has also led to many broken hearts, murders, suicide just to name a few.

Until we dismiss from our minds that sex is a must outside the realms of marriage, then we would always have sexual crimes and problems. Until we have allowed ourselves to not be influenced by technology, then we and our children would continue to face many problems.

I recommend that parents be their children’s guide and their friend. It is important that parents be able to influence their children in the right way, by they themselves being role models, as well as being vigilant with the technology.

More can be said on the influence of technology and the home, but time and space don’t allow. What is very important is that we discipline our minds and also pray more than we have ever done. May God bless SVG, the home of the blessed.

Kennard King