A. Michael Blanche MSS, LCSW amichaelblanche.com

What’s the Problem with Technology ? The Mis-Information Highway Multiple avenues of influence Dissemination of information without any filters or value system Set up for impulsivity (phone and texting) Loss of non-verbal cues in communication UCLA Study 2008: 90% of communication is non-verbal.

Research shows that kids aged 8 to 18 spend, on average, 11.5 hours per day engaging with and through digital technology. Since most kids are awake for only 15 or 16 hours per day, somewhere between 71 and 76 percent of their waking hours are digital. Another study finds that children aged 12 to 17 send an average of 60 texts per day, with kids aged 14 to 17 whipping off nearly 100 texts per day. Most tellingly, this study tells us that texting is now the primary mode of communication between teens and their friends and family, far surpassing face-to-face interactions. Your Kids and Technology

Depth of Dilemma with Technology Today’s texting and instant connection with phone, internet and IM does not allow for process time or perspective. Immediate unfiltered reactive conversations without any time to think through events for an adolescent already with impulse control issues, adds to the complexity of decision making for this generation. Taking images and messages out of context can lead to aggression and depression.

Desensitizing Culture Language / terms Bullying / foul language Images (Body Image, even in males) Video (Pornography) Gaming (Violence) Exposure to multiple media stimuli Lack of depth in developmental conversational pieces

Communication and Technology Fragmented language leads to fragmented relationships Lack of healthy relationships decreases social support Language is changing and lowering standards; disjointed incomplete phrases accepted as relationships; does not develop supportive relationships. Modeling behavior and social cues are lost

Updates 244 million American Internet users in million User-generated reviews on Yelp 150 Times per day mobile phone users checks their devices 100 Hours of video uploaded to YouTube every minute 88% Share of American-made mobile operating systems Video games million year industry Average age of gamer… 34 !

Desensitizing Culture Language / terms Bullying / foul language Images (Body Image, even in males) Video (Pornography) Gaming (Violence) Exposure to multiple media stimuli Lack of depth in developmental conversational pieces

Correlation of Technology and Mental Health Shaming, verbal abuse and derogative statements on a public level Abandonment on a public level Potential of re- trauma of events Potential for obsessive relationships Importance of status update Principle of exaggeration

Impact of Technology on Substance Abuse The Internet is the new drug dealer: Access Medication’s without prescription sites: Affordability Adolescents have more research and language to walk into a PCP or a psychiatrist and say the “right thing” to get the prescription they want. Blog sites and uncensored information: Anonymity Glorification of drug use and lifestyle Texting and instant connections

Symptoms of problematic relationship with technology : Failed attempts to control behavior Heightened sense of euphoria while involved in computer and Internet activities Neglecting friends and family Neglecting sleep to stay online Feeling guilty, ashamed, anxious, or depressed as a result of online behavior Physical changes such as weight gain or loss, backaches, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome Withdrawing from other pleasurable activities

Facebook Delivers News To 30% Of U.S. Adults Pew study shows Facebook looms over its rivals.

Parent messages on social media Parents are a thousand school teachers What message are you sending your kids? How are you conducting yourself around your family with technology? Do you have family rules or expectations around technology? Do you talk with your kids about it?

Interventions for parents Communication communication communication Listening, how do you pay attention Read signs they may not be ready to talk “life is a marathon”.. Pace yourself in communication especially with sensitive issues Regulate your own anxiety (try not to overreact) Follow through with what you say and how you expect them to live… Kids watch what you do more that what is said

More interventions around Technology Create technology free time. Family events that do not need any technology. Live by example and put down your phones and look at your kids…. Attachment theory and importance of feeling emotionally supported is vital part of development Accepting Technology is here it’s how it’s used (avoiding being a fuddy-duddy about it )