Monday, November 7, 2011

Howard Gardner

Howard Gardner's video had more than pertinent information concerning digital youth. First, he brought about the issues that have been increasing in this new generation: sense of identity, of privacy, trustworthiness, authorship and credibility. The expansion of technology, mostly from the Internet, have indeed affected individuals' privacy and authorship in that all that they write or is written about them on the Internet can be seen by anyone, and therefore, also be copied. Websites such as blogs also give people the opportunity to create different identities which can confuse them as to their real identity. Finally, the fact that anything (sometimes true and proven and other times entirely made up) can be found on the Internet, young people can take the information for granted or plagiarize information, which has effect upon their trustworthiness and credibility.

Being aware of these current issues among the youth, the psychologist suggest that adults should be part of the solution by educating children and teenagers with regard to the use of technologies. For instance, it is the parents and teachers' role to teach young people that when creating an identity, ''trying different masks is ok'',  but not if it hurts someone.

1 comment:

  1. I would also like to add to your post by stating that both parents and teachers are responsible for the education of our children regarding the use of new technologies. Even though the Internet is a gold mine of information, it is essential that adults surrounding the younger generation coach them properly regarding privacy issues. We tend to feel so at ease behind our screens that sometimes we forget that there are people out there just waiting for a chance to hack through our system and steal our identities. Sad, but true.

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