Exposición Docente N1

How teachers can guide students in the digital age

Nowadays, almost everything can be found on the internet. This can be an advantage, but also a big challenge in education. Students have access to a lot of information, but they don’t always know how to use it properly. Additionally, the internet can hide dangers such as fake news, distractions, and security risks.

That’s why teachers must learn to manage technology effectively. It’s not just about using the internet but knowing which digital tools truly help learning. Also, technology cannot replace the teacher. Virtual classes have shown that learning without face-to-face interaction is very difficult. Students need a teacher’s guidance to better understand topics.

Negative Impact of Technology on Children and Teenagers:

One of the biggest problems is the impact of technology on children's and teenagers’ development. Many spend hours watching videos, playing games, or browsing social media, which affects their thinking, behavior, and emotions.

Overstimulation and Fake Dopamine:

The internet, video games, and social media are designed to constantly capture users’ attention. Kids receive an excessive amount of visual and auditory stimuli in a short time: fast videos, bright lights, loud sounds, and constant notifications. This causes overstimulation, meaning their brains get used to receiving too much information at once and then struggle to focus on slower tasks like reading or writing.

Additionally, every time they receive a “like,” a positive comment, or win in a video game, their brain releases dopamine, the chemical that generates pleasure. However, this dopamine is artificial and short-lived. As a result, when they are not in front of a screen, they may feel bored, anxious, or even depressed because their brains are not receiving the same stimulation.

How the Internet Shapes Children’s Personalities:

Children and teenagers are at an age where they are still forming their identity and values. Much of the content they consume online can negatively influence them if they don’t have proper guidance.

• Imitating dangerous behaviors: Some influencers and YouTubers promote viral challenges that can be risky or irresponsible. For example, my brother, who loves watching YouTube and playing on his tablet, got into trouble at school because he attempted a challenge from a MrBeast video. The challenge involved hurting oneself with the tip of a pencil to see who could endure the pain the longest. We had to talk to him and explain the consequences of his actions.
• Comparison on social media: On platforms like Instagram and TikTok, young people constantly see images of people with “perfect” lives. This can make them compare themselves to others and feel insecure about their appearance, achievements, or lifestyle. In many cases, this can lead to self-esteem issues, anxiety, and depression.
• Lack of interest in education: Screen addiction makes students lose interest in learning. They prefer the instant entertainment of videos and video games over the effort required for studying. This can affect their academic performance and intellectual development.

Strategies for Healthy Technology Use:

To avoid these problems, it’s essential to teach children and teenagers to use technology in a balanced way. Some useful strategies include:

• Setting time limits on screen use.
• Encouraging critical thinking, teaching students to question the information they see online.
• Discussing the dangers of the internet and how to protect themselves from harmful content.
• Promoting offline activities, such as sports, reading, art, and family time.
• Teaching the value of effort, helping kids understand that not everything in life is instant like in video games or social media.

In conclusion, technology is a great tool, but it must be used responsibly. If not controlled, it can negatively affect children’s and teenagers’ personalities, mental health, and development. Teachers and parents play a crucial role in guiding young people to use the internet in a healthy way, helping them take advantage of its benefits without falling into its risks.