Question

Are smartphones making, like, a whole lot of teens isolated, lonely, depressed? What do you think and why do you think that? I mean if they really are, that's pretty messed up, right? So, I'm actually interested; what do you think and why?

Answer 1

I agree with the observation that the use of smartphones is leading to a lot of teenagers experiencing isolation, loneliness and depression. In my opinion, the excessive involvement with a technology equipment is taking away quality time spent in face to face interactions with others. If we were to assume that the time spent on smartphones was akin to an existence in a virtual world, it would become immediately apparent that teenagers today are in the outside of developing their sense of identity based on the norms and standards of what is considered acceptable on the internet. In my view, this is perhaps the danger because most of the content out there is modified and filtered to appeal to its audience. If this unrealistic content becomes the basis of establishing a sense of self, it naturally leads to feelings of inadequacy.