Communication Technology In Generation X And Z: An Analysis

Technology such as internet, phones and televisions have been adapting and becoming part of an everyday routine. These adaptions in devices have caused positive and negative changes in perspectives and behavioural aspects of generations X and Z. This essay will investigate the communication technologies such as phones in the youth of generation X and Z and how this factor has influenced and impacted the way of social change. By discussing the changes of communication through phones, how peer relationships are established and social perspective towards elders this social change will become apparent. Internet research and an interview conducted on Corinne Cousins, an age carer and past generation X teen, will guide and further the investigation.
Cyberbullying and sexting have become an epidemic since the creation of the internet and with the success of social media and texting it has become an even easier process. Most forms of bullying in generation X were in person and usually thought of as “playground bullying” (Peagram, 2013). Bullying in the 80s was also believed to be a part of growing up and as thought to be a vital step in maturing (Peagram, 2013). “There was always bullying or fighting at football or school…throwing things, swearing and sometimes hitting” (Cousins, 2018). Unlike ‘typical’ bullying interactions in the 80s, bullying of generation Z follows teens home though their phones in the form of cyberbullying. This aspect of bullying has developed into a near uncontrollable disaster with over 750 teens committing suicide a year in Australia because of cyberbullying (Anatolia News Agency, 2012). In comparison to the “playground bullying” these statistics show how drastic the impacts of cyberbullying are on teens. This constant threat was made possible by phones and other social platforms which is evidently affecting teens wellbeing. With this ease of communication, sexting has arisen and become another issue with over 27% of Australian teens either sending or receiving an image (Searing, 2018). This is a serious matter that takes a toll on a teen emotionally and can have
Generation Z becomes more knowledgeable in many aspects of life at an earlier age in comparison with their generation x counterparts, the cause of this is exposure to more emotionally traumatising situations via technology. This consequently causes generation Z to have a different, and arguably more mature, outlook to various situations such as their attitudes towards their respective elders. In an interview conducted with Corinne Cousins, it became apparent that her attitude towards her elders was one of pure respect as they were the base for information on the ways of life, as the simple google search on ‘how to fold a fitted sheet’ etc wasn’t an option. This is supported by Corinne’s primary evidence that “they are the story tellers of life past and present. They were and have always remained a huge part of the community and education” (Cousins, 2018). The elders were seen as a valuable commodity, however as technology took over the need for elderly advice declined as did the instant respect they garnered from their children and community youth. Generation X now see their elders as behind the times, with their knowledge to be outdated and social cues irrelevant. This translates into an attitude lacking respect, as technology paved the way for generation X to make their own plans for events, as Corinne mentioned the elders were