Henry, T. (1997, April 24). Techno-kids can’t live without their computers. USA Today, pp. E1, C1.

OVERVIEW

Youth leaders should be aware of how important computers and the Internet are for youth as an expression of their cultural awareness, education, career goals, and pride.

An independent research firm, Science and Technology Week, conducted telephone interviews with 744 students in grades 7 through 12. Linda Roberts, director of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Educational Technology, says the poll is comprehensive and " ‘is giving us new insights into today’s cyberkids.’ "

Almost 98% of students today have used a computer; they spend an average of 4.4 hours per week on a PC at home or at school. The poll is insightful to student attitudes:

• 89% Have written a report for school using a word processing program.
• 56% Have used the Internet to do research for a school project.
• 48% Have chatted on the Internet or sent e-mail.
• 77% Say they would prefer using the Internet for school projects to using books and magazines.
• 82% Think they won’t make a good living unless they have computer skills and understand other technology.

Economics affects youth involvement on the Internet. Only 38% of students with a family income of $20,000 or less have a computer at home, compared to 83% of those with incomes of $50,000 or more. Using the Internet, sending e-mail, and searching the Internet for non-school work sites was done by respectively, 46%, 30%, and 43% of low-income teens, compared with 64%, 60%, and 67% of kids from wealthier families.

One reason kids enjoy the Internet is respect. Roberts notes that youth generally feel trapped in normal social situations and derided and patronized by adults, but they are free to experiment on the Internet: "The thing that fascinates the students is talking to other people (on the computer), being taken for adults. They use the network to get in touch with other people and to be treated for what they say, not for what they look like."

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. How widespread is Internet use among the youth with whom you work?
2. How can the Internet boost young people’s sense of self-esteem? How can it damage it?
3. What do you find most convenient about the Internet? How does this ease affect your mood?
4. Do youth in your group experiment with identity on the Internet?

IMPLICATIONS

• Interest groups such as Science and Technology Week are interested in how youth demographics will help their advertising and product promotion.
• Create a skit, discussion group, or games to help students use the Internet as a tool to benefit—and not damage—their lives.

Chip Falcone cCYS