Growing Up With Technology

Megan Lokuta, Student Writer

Technology was something that kids born in the 2000s had the opportunity to grow up with. There were many different coming of age brands such as Nintendo, Apple, and many more who were making devices that children craved. Children, such as myself, loved exploring devices to find the endless amount of games they had for us to play. I remember begging my parents for the latest Just Dance game for my Nintendo Wii when I was in elementary school, or begging my parents for the latest version of Mario Kart. Children also were getting phones in late elementary school and early middle school. It seemed to be that the kids who didn’t have phones were left out. We were introduced to a whole different way of communicating from such an early age. As we have grown up, that technology has only grown up with us.

My Nintendo DS was my prized possession growing up. I would carry it everywhere, and I think most of us can say the same. I interviewed Aubrey Maher, a senior at Pennridge High School, where I was able to ask her a few questions on the role technology played in her childhood. She talked about how she loved using her iPod and DS growing up, and it was something she remembers she enjoyed doing in her free time. Aubrey mentioned she got her first iPod in fourth grade. She states, “I was not able to actually text people on my iPod, but now a days people get phones at this age.” As time has passed, kids in elementary school are no longer begging for the newest iPod but are now begging for the newest iPhone. It is important that children learn to communicate face to face when growing up and not just over the phone. Childhood is when you play outside with your friends and are probably the most active you will ever be. I interviewed another senior at Pennridge High School named Emily Padva. She states, “My best memories as a child were playing outside with my friends and family.” It is important to find that balance with technology when growing up. Technology can provide children with educational opportunities, access to more information, and entertainment so technology can be a crucial part of a childhood.

Overall, growing up with technology was fun for many of us. It opened up new opportunities that kids before us didn’t have. It was a very fun experience for kids to get the latest device and be able to explore them. Growing up with technology helped us learn the important balance we need to have with it as well. That has followed us as we have grown up. Technology in a way has prepared us for our future, because it is something that won’t be going away anytime soon. Most of us will never forget the time we got our first iPod or even received our first phone. I remember many good times hanging out with my friends trying to get to the next level in our favorite games on the Wii. Technology has been able to bring out our creativity and make us more curious in unique ways growing up.