Our generation is the iPod generation, the cell phone generation, and the Facebook generation one that speaks through technology. That is how our voices are heard: through texts, messages and blogs.
Pew Internet and American Life Project reports that 75 percent of teens own cell phones and 87 percent use the Internet. When faced with a room containing strangers, many of us don't even look up from our phones long enough to see the people around us let alone communicate with them.
We believe our voices can be heard by those all across the world. And more important, our methods of communication, because they're saved somewhere on the Internet, are immortal. They never go away. With the Internet and books, our ideas and words remain forever.
What about the power of these words and ideas? What impact do they have? How many of us truly stop to ponder these questions before updating our Facebook statuses or sending texts? Considering there are more than a billion texts sent every day, the number of teens who do is most likely small. As for the 42 percent of teens who could potentially text blindfolded, according to Mobl21, they probably don't even read the texts that they send.
According to a survey by CTIA: The Wireless Association, 57 percent of teens believe their cell phones have enhanced their lives. The cell phone technology has improved our generation's ability to maintain contact with guardians and family members. However, mostly, I believe technology has let the words of my generation become seemingly meaningless.
Without considering the effect of what we type or text, we bring upon ourselves many problems unique to our generation. The National Crime Prevention Council reports that more than 43 percent of teens have been cyber-bullied. This problem only occurs due to thoughtless behavior online.
Immortality, the ability to live forever, is a great power.