What is happening to our communication and practical skills???!! Technology has something to answer for.....

As a teacher, I have noticed a change in the thinking skills and communication skills of young people, particularly in the last four years. It seems that although electronic media has its place in terms of being able to keep in contact with lost friends or family members, a marketing tool for small business' and the ability to send an instant letter/information to the recipient, it seems to also be having a negative effect on our communication skills and problem solving skills.

After speaking to a few people involved in the Trade industry who regularly receive apprentices and trainees, many have expressed concern that over the last few years in particular, their students are not able to communicate things properly, they are unable to comprehend things that are physically shown to them and repeat those skills on their own and even seem to have less of a sense of responsibility or commitment to regular working hours.

Our increasingly fast paced world seems to have created a reliance on hiding behind a computer screen or text messaging on a phone, instead of being able to develop and practice social skills which are an important skill for any young adult.
The result is young people and adults that are unable to deal with difficult conversations, unable to hear anything critical or slightly negative about themselves (which although isn't the best thing to hear...can help us to learn and refine our skills in the future)

Many studies have started to show us the negative effects of being too exposed to electronic media and not enough time in social interactive situations:

- Our brain is designed to adapt its cortical networks to the environment in which it lives (e.g., to master the local language). A socially interactive environment that stimulates curiosity and exploration enhances the development of an effective brain. Thus, excessive childhood involvement with electronic media that limit social interaction could hinder the development of a brain's social systems.
- Regular long hours in front of a computer or television screen lead to weight gain and increase the risk of developing a lifestyle related disease, despite involvement in regular exercise.
- Using abbreviated and slang language through text and instant messaging systems decrease the grammar, spelling and language skills of particularly young people who are exposed to it at an early age.
- The lack of 'hand on' practical skills learnt while sitting in front of a screen is very minimal, which seems to be leading to a decreased ability of practical application in people.
- The ability to simply turn off the computer or phone if you do not want to know how to respond to a message or email means that it is simply too easy to not have to communicate with friends, family, colleagues or partners if the conversation might seem confronting or difficult. This can lead to negative and unhealthy relationships in workplaces and the home - increasing pressure on all parties as they are unable to express how they feel about various situations.
- Emotions or responses can be misunderstood without seeing a persons face or hearing their tone in an email, which can lead to unfounded conflicts.
- The access to the workplace through constant exposure to computers, emails, phone calls, text messages and alike mean that stress and anxiety levels are generally increased. People cannot simply leave work and give themselves a break with family, friends or leisure time. Employers and clients can have constant access to people if they need or want extra work completed. 'Burnout' seems to occur more regularly over the last decade since electronic media has cemented its places in modern society.

Of course electronic media has its place in society, without it, we would all be left behind in a changing and fast paced world. However, the use of technology should be limited to ensure that we are all maintaining and continuously developing our communication and people skills, our practical and hands on skills and our coping mechanisms.
Our electronic and information technology world is constantly improving, it would be a shame to let our own race become insignificant and unable to be self reliant by eventually surrendering all of our time and energy to technology.

Give yourself a weekend away from technology and you will be amazed at how fresh and invigorated you are when you return to work on Monday! You will learn how to entertain yourselves all over again without relying on sedentary technology and you might even re-kindle some old friendships - it's a great excuse to head out for brunch or a nice coffee/wine with some girlfriends!!!

Xxx