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Mark Bauerlein, in his book “The Dumbest
Generation”, says that constant exposure to computers and the
Internet is draining the brains of our younger generation.
There
are concerns that social networking sites promote a form of social
isolation, in which the younger generation looks inward to itself for
role models and mentors, instead of outward to other sources.
Teachers bemoan shortening attention spans and declining literacy,
psychologists warn about social isolation, and doctors say sedentary
computer users are subject to a host of health problems.
Is the Internet Age helping anybody? I say,
“Yes!”
It’s probably true that kids who spend hours a day surfing
the
net and playing electronic games can end up with shorter attention
spans. Even baby boomers notice that as they adapt to the
internet, they tend to gravitate to shorter “information
bites”, and have more difficulty concentrating on long,
involved
text.
Moderation is the key. In households where computer time (and
television time) is balanced with other physical and intellectual
activities, both kids and parents benefit from the huge social and
educational potential of the internet, without suffering the
much-publicized declines.
But the real winners in the internet age are the older
generation. For many health-conscious seniors, learning new
computer skills offers a way to stimulate their minds.
“Use
it or lose it” is the byword for mental acuity at any
age.
What’s more, in tandem with their doctor’s advice,
the
internet can be a valuable source of health and lifestyle information.
Computers and the internet are even more of a boon to those seniors
whose health is beginning to decline. For those who are
dealing
with a loss of mobility, activities like paying bills, shopping, and
banking can by simplified by going online.
For anyone confined to their home, computers can increase social
contact with friends and family, particularly with younger generations
who prefer to communicate electronically. In fact, the
American
Psychological Association reports that seniors who use computers show
fewer depressive symptoms than those who don’t, possibly as a
result of increased social connections.
In addition, the internet can be used for phone/video
conversations. This makes it an invaluable tool for children
who
live far away from their senior parents to “check
in” as
often as they want. Being able to actually see each other
makes
it much easier to evaluate health and welfare, and enhances
the
social experience as well.
While electronic communication will never, and should never, take the
place of human contact, it can dramatically widen the world for seniors
who may be struggling with health or mobility issues that keep them
from being as active in the community as they once were.
If learning to use a computer can reduce isolation, provide health
information and reassurance, and counteract depression and mental
deterioration, then learning to use a computer could turn out to be
just what the doctor ordered.
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By: Diane Henders, Bright Ideas Personalized
Learning Inc. For more information or computer training services,
please call Bright Ideas Personalized Learning at (403) 692-2255.
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