The Effect of New Media on Young Children

My project will focus on how young children these days adapt to the New Media and how New Media changes the ways children used to be a few generations ago. I want to research on how New Media affects children’s cognitive and social development. Children nowadays spend more time indoor in front of a computer or television instead of outdoor playing active sports that involves interacting with other children. Children who try to escape from reality sometimes find it easier to associate with a computer or television than another human being. Children who have the least amount of authority in a society can gain that power from controlling what they want on their computer and television screens. We must not forget that New Media has not only affected adults and teenagers but also smart, innocent young children.

New Media & Children

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I'm going to share some amazing obervations with you that I collected over the summer working as a counselor at an elementary school. Everyday of the summer I saw 95% of the 5th graders playing with a Nintendo DS in the morning, during lunchtime, and snacktime. The remaining 5% are those who doesn't own a Nintendo DS but they didnt mind watching and advising those who are playing. Their eyes were glued to the screens as long as they have one in front of them. I wished I had photographed it.

In a friendly conversation during dismissal time I asked one of my student (2nd grader) what he was going to do once they get home. He told me he was going to play with his computer. So then I asked him what he does on his computer. He told me he watches videoes on YOUTUBE.COM! I was pretty speechless.

It is amazing to see how much technology affects our daily lives! New Media is like a potion that consists of many digital ingredients we have to consume daily to stay alive. Here is just a funny cartoon I found of a kid asking his mother if he was downloaded.

LITTLE MISS LAUREN

As I said in my introduction I'm am a dog lover. Well, here is my precious pup, Lauren. She just turned 1 year old this month. She is a cocker spaniel/jack russell mix. She loves being in the center of attention so people can pet her. She is very playful and contains a lot of energy. Raising her is like having my own kid- potty traning, checkups, and daily feeding/exercise. It is a lot of work but I love her to much to care. All of friends agree that I spoil this dog. The first picture was taken when she was about 9 months old. The picture was taken when she was still a puppy (2 months old).