Screenagers Part IV: Mind over Matter

Notebook, check; pens and pencils, check; calculator, check; Wi-Fi password, check? I’m sure all of us have asked for this information from somebody at some point this school year: we roam the halls searching for the best cell phone reception, or try to find out the Wi-Fi password from someone in the know without being caught. However, doesn’t it seem somewhat extreme the lengths we go in order to know this, “holy grail” of information? For some, finding out the best techniques to use their phones in class and where to go for the best reception have become much more pressing matters than that of learning- in an environment where all attention should be on academics. This urgent matter has become such a nomenclature in society today that we, as a generation, have remained unaware of these extremes we go to, mainly due to it being almost second nature to us; for these reasons, technological use in school districts has started to become a hot-button issue all over the world. We have already seen the addictive nature of technology today: we have heard from a psychologist, read scientific studies, and seen the statistics, now, instead of simply proving the validity of this theory, it’s time to take a look at how professionals are trying to combat technologies control in our lives by taking a look close to home: the Patchogue-Medford School District.

Recently, I was able to get in touch with the superintendent of our school district, Dr. Hynes. He is in a unique position to offer his viewpoints on the subject presented, along with being the most knowledgeable on the steps the Board of Education are taking to handle this technological boom we now face. The following was the discussion he and I shared regarding the subject:

Red & Black: The first question is one that I have asked everyone so far and it has garnered a mixed response. So, I would love to hear what your take is on this: based on what you have seen professionally and/or personally, do you believe technology is something people can legitimately become addicted to?

Dr. Hynes: I 100% agree and know this to be true. If someone doesn’t believe this, watch the latest 60 Minutes report, “Why Can’t We Put Down Our Smartphones?”. It is highly addictive.

R&B: As the superintendent of the school district, has technology-as it advances- and its aggregation with the students and education ever been discussed in-depth? If so, what are the negatives and positives you and the Board of Education feel come along with this merger?

Dr. H: I believe like anything else, there is a need for balance. Too much of anything is bad for any system. For a school system, technology must be viewed as a tool and nothing more. If Patchogue-Medford puts too much stock into purchasing the latest and greatest gizmos but doesn’t define the true purpose of technology, it is not only a waste of money; more importantly, it’s a waste of someone’s time. Right now, we are mapping out the proper balance.

R&B: In my previous interview with Dr. Norman Shulder, he shared with me how he feels that technology is not necessarily evil in nature; rather, it depends on the user. With this in mind, do you feel it is important to teach kids-especially the youth as they are growing up in this full-on technological age- more about how to properly manage their lives and the importance of moderation? Moreover, do you feel this responsibility lies more in the hands of parents or schools?

Dr. H: I believe it lies with both the school district and parents. I believe parents are a child’s first teacher. My hope is that we are on the same page when it comes to teaching children how to manage technology. When we say technology…the word can mean so many different things to many people. I’m most concerned about social media, texting, and the smartphone in general. Please watch the movie Screenagers — it is spot on!

R&B: Moving away from the educational aspect, overall, do you feel the interdependence we share as individuals and a society with technology has gotten out of hand?

Dr. H: I am going to sound like I’m stuck in the past but it has gotten way out of hand. My concern is that we are only in the beginning stages of this pendulum swinging forward. I don’t know the answer as to how to swing it back toward a more balanced state because we have so many digital natives who only know this way of living. My fear is that as a society we will lose the ability to think deeply because the buzzes, beeps, and vibrations of our smart devices continuously distract us.

R&B: To further expand on that question, have social media and our incessant urge to post everything online overall impacted adolescents more negatively or positively? For example, as it does allow us to keep in contact with people, it has created problems like cyber-bullying and private data being shared. So I would like to hear if you believe the pros outweigh the cons or vice-versa.

Dr. H: I use social media in ways that I believe allows communities outside Patchogue-Medford to learn about all the great things we do here. I also use it to educate, and hopefully shift, mindsets about children with special needs and the importance of public education. I am greatly concerned about cyber-bullying and our love affair with selfies but again, like anything else, with balance and moderation…it can be a positive experience. I think the trick is finally acknowledging how addictive social media can be so we can better prepare our youth how to navigate through this very new terrain.

R&B: Finally, just out of curiosity, do you feel you have an addiction to technology?

Dr. H: I feel I have the ability to become addicted. I find myself going through technology detoxes once in awhile when I see myself becoming too dependent on it. I plan on going on a month long sabbatical before the summer. When I do, I will share my experience so hopefully others can learn from it.

As we can see, as of this moment, there really is no clear solution to solving this fairly new issue we now have to accept and deal with. Based on this interview and all the evidence gathered from research, I think it is safe to say we are dealing with a long-term issue that can be fixed as time marches on. Currently, we are at the stage of acceptance: we understand there is an issue and we now are looking towards the best way to handle said issue, before finally spreading awareness. Just as Rome was not built in a day, the solution to technological addiction is not there; rather, scientists and experts around the world are laying it the framework for how to cope with. All in all, Screenagers, while not perfect, makes us ponder the question it presented and look at our lives differently as a result. With all the information laid out to you and all the testimony you’ve read, we ask you to consider this question one final time – are you addicted?