Change of Plans Taking in a breath of the warm air, Sherie wished she had more time to relax. Such a pretty day, she thought as she looked up at the birds happily chirping in the trees. Sherie smiled as she thought about her schedule for that day. Soon she would no longer be able to swim, watch television, or take long naps. She would be attending a new school, Transformative Technology Center, next week. Because her new school required uniforms, Sherie needed to go shopping. Unfortunately, most of Sherie's friends were going to Kingsville Junior High School, so this would be their last chance to see each other before the end of summer vacation. Feeling energized, Sherie jogged home. When she arrived, she heard a startling yet familiar noise coming from inside her home. Sherie recognized the sound of her little brother screaming. She forced herself to climb the porch steps and open the door. "Sherie?" a frail voice asked. "It's me, Mom. What are you doing here? Is everything okay?" Sherie asked. Sherie's mother was standing in the kitchen with her little brother Shawn. He was clutching a cowboy hat to his face, but she could see the tears streaming down his cheeks. All Sherie could think about were her plans for the day. After all, she had just one more week. "Shawn's cowboy summer camp was canceled," Mom explained. "And his daycare is closed this week, so he is stuck here with us. I have a lot of work to do this week." "Looks like you have your hands full, then. See you later," Sherie said as she mounted the stairs. Mom sighed and looked at her daughter. "Sherie, I need you to watch him." "What?" Sherie complained, pausing at the top of the stairs. "You know this is my last week off from school. I have a lot of things I need to do." "It's only for a few hours each day. I really need your help. You can still spend time with your friends in the evenings," Mom pleaded. "Each day? He never listens to me, so I don't see the point in trying," Sherie complain

modern day technological advancements are constantly seen throughout every aspect of life. cell phones, portable internet availability, laptop computers, ipods, mp3 players of every brand, and many other devices, are everywhere. they seem to possess unending possible detriments, but, along with such issues, technology also has positive impacts on today’s youth. in some situations, the internet and ipod prevent sociability, though in others they may be the cause of increased social activity. overall, modern technology has the capability to bring people together as well as enhance the social abilities of the today’s youth; however, if used without discretion, can also create a less interactive generation, frequently depending on technology for contentment.  

the immense capabilities of the internet today are astonishing, and offer many positive opportunities for teens. primarily, the internet makes sharing information fast and simple, despite factors that in other cases would prohibit such simple distribution. according to jean-francois coget in source c, “with the internet, information can be transmitted and received with ease at any time of the day to and from any number of friends.” it is possible to send videos, pictures, papers, projects, and a quantity of other things with the click of a button. the transfer can happen in seconds. the amazing capability of modern day internet simplifies teenage life, by providing a way to convey knowledge. another way in which internet proves positive is by providing a way to keep in touch with friends and family worldwide, or just across town. whether it’s a friend that switched schools and is never around, or a family member in london, the internet makes it possible to email, instant message, and even video chat. such qualities of internet communication bring people together with more frequent contact, boosting sociability and relationships. in addition, the internet also has the capability to, “foster openness, self-confidence, and a greater sense of ease, and comfort in dealing with others” (source c). since it is not obligatory to reveal physical appearance or social status over the internet, it grants an opportunity to be a completely new person, who is entirely open and confident. internet chats, even with mere acquaintances, can supply a chance for socially challenged teens to experience a form of social interaction, in order to create a sense of composure. modern day internet advancements not only offer an easier way to share information, but also contribute to sociability by providing a way to communicate with distant friends and family, as well as giving socially challenged teenagers an opportunity for interaction.

likewise, another modern day technology, the ipod, may also have a positive effect on some teenagers, by presenting a different view of the world as well as uniting individuals through musical taste. in the eyes of kelly doyle-mace, in source d, “music deepens the experience of walking through the world, rather than detracting from it.” there are millions of songs out there, one to match every possible mood. sometimes, turning on just the right song can be motivational and provide a completely new outlook on a certain circumstance. in addition, lyrics are often relatable to personal life and can be significant or simply encouraging. another way in which ipods and personal musical taste is a positive effect on teens is by uniting people of different backgrounds and diversities through their music choice. lisa and johnny rocket, hosts of “ipod dj nights,” describe that one night a month they invite guests to bring their ipods to a london bar. where they can play whatever songs they choose (source d). “even more diverse than the music are the members… the ipod acts to bring people together,” lisa explains (source d). these gatherings prove that as diverse as music can be, it is also unifying. the multitudes of people attending these parties, from every race background and belief, are united through their assorted music taste. ipods have the potential to positively affect today’s youth by matching any and every mood with music, resulting in a deeper walk through life, as well as bringing people together by means of musical interest.

the alternative argument is that the internet can be a significantly negative influence on teenagers, if overused. constant internet use detracts time that could be spent with friends and family. hours wasted away typing useless messages is detrimental to personal relationships with the ones who really matter. it was discovered through a study in pittsburgh that people who use the internet most often are “spending less time talking with their families…keeping up with fewer friends” (source b). it is of no use to spend so much time talking to people over the internet, when one could just as easily walk down the stairs and spend time with family, or go to see friends instead. according to source

no, but sometimes i do.