Old people just don't get it! They think young people are helpless and stupid. They think if a young person sees a rated "R" movie, they will become a criminal or a drug addict. They think a violent video game will make us violent in real life. They believe the Internet and the rest of popular culture will destroy us. Whatever!
They fail to realize that, in large part, it is we young people who have created all this. In truth, the Internet and new technologies allow us unprecedented access to information to further and enrich our lives. Do we need instant access (from our desks at home, workstations at school!) to do quick research for a school project? We find what we need on the Internet! A question about a health, or some other more personal problem? We can get help on the Internet; we can take responsibility and get what we need without relying on other people or adults! We can effectively organize ourselves politically over the Internet. We can raise consciousness about social issues seamlessly and effortlessly. We can meet and befriend other teenagers from all around the world with a few clicks of the mouse. Can any generation before us claim so much? No!
We are remaking the world. The future is now. The adults are making much ado about nothing when it comes to the Internet corrupting young people.
Questions to keep in mind:
