The article has been automatically translated into English by Google Translate from Russian and has not been edited.

Why do modern teens grow up late and often feel lonely

'14.08.2017'

Source: The Atlantic

American psychologist Gene Tuengi has been studying the difference between generations for years already. Gene argues that today's teenagers are significantly different from all previous generations. An excerpt from the new book Jean Tuengi published The Atlantic.

The teenagers of the 21st century are growing up late, have little communication in real life and feel lonely, and virtual communication via smartphones is to blame for many problems. Tuengi has given new definitions for modern teenagers: Ay-generation, iGen.

Changes in the economy and methods of education definitely play a role. In the information society, higher education is more valuable than early attempts to earn. Parents want their children to stay at home and not earn money.

Modern teens prefer virtual communication. Photo: depositphotos

Teenagers are also happy with this - because their whole social life happens on the phones anyway. To spend time with friends, it is not necessary to leave the house.

Modern teenagers are really very different from all previous generations. The statement itself is not new, it is common to say about each new generation that it is completely different. Usually - each next generation is more arrogant, more relaxed, less motivated.

Even scholars who did not agree with such statements recognized that the generation born in the period from 1995 to 2012 a year differs significantly from its ancestors.

Children who grew up before this period were not subject to such a strong influence of social networks and the use of smartphones. And the changes that came with each new generation were smooth and predictable.

Dramatic changes scientists who study the life of teenagers, noticed in 2012 year, after the number of users of gadgets in America passed the mark in 50%.

Modern teenagers communicate much less in the real world. Even with regular meetings, they still use social networks and gadgets.

Romantic relationships do not begin with dates, but with correspondence. Photo: depositphotos

Romantic relationships they also begin with correspondence in social networks. And very often, instead of the first romantic dates, teenagers have round-the-clock correspondence with the help of messengers. Meetings with friends also fell. During the period from 2000 to 2015, the number of children who prefer to communicate live has decreased by almost 40%.

According to scientists, this is not necessarily bad, as there is a downside to rare meetings - fewer parties, less alcohol, less likelihood of rash actions.

Virtual communication is so overwhelming adolescents that they no longer have the time and effort to communicate with their parents. Moreover, for those parents who have mastered modern technologies, there is a chance to communicate with teenagers using instant messengers.

For adults, there is another plus - they can closely monitor their children and watch who and what the child communicates with.

As a consequence of the limitations of the real world, modern teens begin later adulthood. For example, the current teenagers get rights much later and seek a part-time job than their peers in previous generations.

There are also advantages of a late transition to adulthood. Due to the fact that teenagers grow up more slowly, they begin to have sex later. In recent years, the number of teenage pregnancies in the United States began to decline significantly.

Using smartphones before bed reduces hours of sleep. Photo: depositphotos

Teenagers have ceased to comply with normal sleep patterns. Due to the constant use of the smartphone before bedtime, the time allotted to fall asleep is increased, and the sleep itself remains less than 7 hours. And at the rate for teenagers, sleep should be no less than 8-10 hours.

Lack of sleep at such a young age can lead to serious ill health. For example, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.

Well, the last factor, which tells Tuengi in his book. Modern teens feel more lonely than all previous generations. Is there a causal relationship with the use of a smartphone, scientists have not yet been able to establish.

But there is another aspect. Social networks have become a platform for harassing each other. An unfortunate photo or video can put an end to reputation, defame not only among friends, but also the entire school, thereby causing a serious psychological trauma to a teenager.

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