People of all ages came together Tuesday to listen to a discussion from author and speaker Jean Twenge in Van Meter Hall about the negative effects of technology on the young generations.
Twenge was chosen by WKU to speak for the Presidential Speaker Series for her thorough research, which has been featured in the New York Times, CNN, NPR, and the Atlantic.
Twenge is a professor of psychology at San Diego State University and author of eight books and over 190 scientific publications. Twenge’s research centers on generational differences caused by technology.
Twenge began her interest in the field while analyzing psychological data from teens.
“I got interested in technology by trying to figure out why teens are more lonely and depressed,” Twenge said in a press conference that took place before her presentation on Tuesday.
The presentation showcased statistics with a stark downward trend in teenagers’ mental health starting in the year 2012. Twenge believes the cause is the introduction of smartphones and social media to the public.
Preston Jenkins, chief communications officer for the Student Government Association, recognized the drawbacks of social media during Twenge’s presentation.
“When I get time with my friends, which is more rare these days,” Jenkins said. “I put my phone away.”
Another attendee at the event, Tania Basta, dean of the College of Health and Human Services, said she does not relate to what the statistics show. Basta, having two teenagers of her own, said some of the statistics showing teenagers not getting their licenses as early or hanging out with their friends as much did not apply to her children.
“Some of it personally is a little bit different than I witnessed, but a lot of it was explained very well,” Basta said.
Twenge, having written a book titled “10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World”, shared some of her advice on how to counteract the negative effects of technology. Twenge’s advice included keeping phones and tablets out of the bedroom while sleeping, not using devices thirty minutes before bed and limiting screentime while in social settings.
Twenge ended her presentation by saying she understands the benefits technology can have for us, but it must be used wisely.
“We need to find a way for technology to light our way instead of darkening it,” Twenge said.
