Response to the article, "Too Much Facebook"

Hernandez, D. (2011). “Too much Facebook time may be unhealthy for kids.” Retrieved January 15, 2011 from

Summary: According to a study done at Cal State Dominguez Hill by Larry Rosen, teens developed problems, such as depression, sickness and insomnia, the more they used technology. Technology, such as social networking and texting, is a big part of the younger generation because they value connection with a wide range of people rather than quality face to face conversations.

   I find it very intriguing all of the medical problems that are now showing up because of technology use.  I would be very interested in finding out why these conditions develop from technology use. I feel that depression and anxiety can set in from large amounts of video and Internet use because students will focus all of their time on video games or surfing the web rather than going outside and playing with friends or meeting others. Video games can be so addicting that young adults become so absorbed they forget about the “real world.” This can also come into play with Facebook and becoming antisocial. It almost seems as if it were a paradox because Facebook is where you talk with people, so how could it make someone antisocial? I think the answer to the question would be again being absorbed in the “fake world” of Facebook and avoiding all face to face conversations. People are forgetting how to communicate in person and are becoming antisocial because they are shy and do not know how to be themselves around others. Rosen does say though, “For shy kids, this [Facebook] could be a real plus and a way to bring them out of their shells… (2011).” I completely agree with Rosen, but I do feel that there needs to be a balance in order for Facebook and technology in general to be beneficial to all. It is important for parents to have conversations with their children about proper technology use and how to not abuse something that is very beneficial. Rosen goes farther to say, “They [the parent] need to ask questions and listen without making judgments so kids feel comfortable discussing how they behave with other kids online” (2011). This can protect not only the parent’s child, but also other children from being cyber bullied. Online anything can be said and it follows someone anywhere they go. It is a very harmful tool that needs to be discussed with teens and children.