Frequent news reports frequently bring attention to the tragic phenomenon of teenagers taking their own lives, often without considering the reasons behind these acts. We might assume that depression or the loss of a loved one could be the cause, but we rarely consider the possibility that bullying may have driven these teenagers to such extremes. An example illustrating this is Phoebe Prince's case. Phoebe was a fifteen-year-old freshman at South Hadley High School who was bullied to death.
According to the New York Times, Phoebe's torment began after she briefly dated a popular senior boy. Some students called her an "Irish slut," knocked books from her hands, and sent her threatening text messages relentlessly. This relentless bullying led Phoebe to commit suicide. Her self-inflicted death resulted from the ridicule she experienced through social media platforms
...like Facebook, text messages, and derogatory messages left in her locker. The constant focus on what others were saying about her online and on their cell phones caused her to lose touch with herself.
This tragic incident aligns with warnings issued by three authors we have studied who all emphasize the dangers arising from digital media's increasing prominence in our society.Neil Postman argues that electronic media leads to the erosion of childhood innocence, while Gary Sweetheart links social media to the decline of America. Sapphire argues that illiteracy in youth is linked to their reliance on television. I agree with this perspective as I believe that preventing bullying-related deaths is crucial. Specifically, the issue of internet bullying leading to suicide needs to be addressed before it escalates into physical violence. Postman also shares a similar viewpoint, asserting that
the advancement of technology and the internet is causing childhood to disappear. He refers to the Middle Ages when there was no distinction between children and adults, suggesting that the lack of literacy, education, and shame in that era contributed to the absence of the concept of childhood. Everything was open and shared among all individuals.
Postman also highlights the significant impact of the printing press, which brought about a new symbolic world and necessitated a revised understanding of adulthood. He further argues that building a machine can lead to surrendering control to that very machine. It is unsettling to realize that machines not only alter our routines but also influence our ways of thinking. I believe that this statement is highly accurate. We often become so immersed in the digital world of the internet, television, cell phones, and media that we forget how to use our own brains for critical thinking.Technology's dominance has resulted in an increase in violence, self-esteem issues, and even suicide. Postman asserts that living in an electronic environment transforms our nature and merges our individual identities with the collective whole. I fully agree with this idea, as demonstrated by Phoebe Prince's case. Being constantly surrounded by electronic media can gradually disconnect us from our true selves, consuming our entire existence with what happens on our phones and computers, leaving little room for anything else. The significant drawback of surrendering to electronic media is its negative impact on our lives. Phoebe tragically took her own life because hurtful comments made about her on social media platforms like Facebook became her world. Additionally, Postman argues that when communication becomes limited to pointing with
a finger, silence overtakes the mouth, writing stops, and the mind diminishes. I strongly believe that Postman is correct in his assertion. The heartless teenagers who relentlessly bullied Phoebe Prince likely felt empowered to express hurtful things about her due to the anonymity provided by the internet; they would never dare utter such words to her face.The internet provided an effortless opportunity for people to ridicule her without facing any consequences. The prevalence of internet usage has contributed to bullying and suicide, as it hinders face-to-face communication. Additionally, the widespread accessibility of the internet aligns with Postman's argument that emerging media eliminates secrecy and audience segregation by providing equal information to everyone. Unlike books, which require publishing and proofreading for accuracy and appropriateness, platforms like Facebook and instant messaging lack regulations, allowing teenagers like those who bullied Phoebe to freely express themselves without consequences. Phoebe's tragic story exemplifies how childhood and literacy are becoming less important. In Sweetheart's book, illiteracy in social media is discussed as a factor that can lead to a decline in book reading and potentially even the downfall of America. Super Sad True Love Story features Eunice, a 24-year-old character who is constantly immersed in her digital domain—an example of how this immersion contributes to illiteracy. Furthermore, there is mention of a phone from the future called "The Apart" which has no limitations or control. It allows users to access someone's credit score and personal information with just a click.
However, Eunice only scans words instead of reading them, resulting in the use of abbreviations like "LAP" and "TOMATO." This constant use of abbreviations leads to the habit of not using
proper language and gives rise to illiteracy.
Sweetheart demonstrates how machines can control people's lives. Ellen, Niece's partner, reveals that four young people in their building complexes have committed suicide because they couldn't see a future without their apart.
This tragic situation signifies the end of America. I agree with Sweetheart that Eunice is an example of people in today's world who are constantly chatting on Global Teens and not reading. They are too focused on their apart and only scan words instead of reading books.
Our devices allow us to share our thoughts easily, leading to the use of abbreviations as a way to save time. However, this use of abbreviations contributes to illiteracy.
Sweetheart's discussion about the alarming incidents of people taking their own lives due to their dependence on technology demonstrates the profound impact these devices have on our lives. The power of these devices is so strong that they manipulate our thoughts, leading to a loss of critical thinking skills.
This loss in cognitive abilities often results in people resorting to their devices for guidance, and tragically, some individuals have met their demise as a consequence. Although it may seem absurd, these occurrences are taking place in real-time.Sapphire's portrayal draws a parallel between illiteracy and Precious Jones' obsession with television. At sixteen, Precious struggles with reading and writing while being consumed by her fixation on watching TV. Television becomes an escape for her during distressing moments, such as experiencing sexual assault by her father. This preoccupation leads to behavioral issues at school and a disconnect from reality as she indulges in daydreams of being like the girls featured in commercials or encountering someone famous. These
fantasies provide solace and transport her into a world resembling what she sees on Chilean TV. I agree with Sapphire's portrayal as it highlights the negative impact of daydreaming on learning, resulting in missed educational opportunities due to lack of attention in class. Furthermore, Sapphire effectively demonstrates how Precious' mistreatment at home contributes to her disruptive behavior in school, having been subjected to abuse from both parents.The combination of abuse and daydreaming about unrealistic portrayals on television has a significant impact on her depression, leading to lower self-esteem and acting out in class. However, as Precious excels academically and pursues her GED, Sapphire demonstrates a positive transformation in her attitude. This is a common occurrence as education not only provides knowledge but also promotes personal growth and empathy. Literacy is crucial for avoiding mere fantasies. Additionally, when examining Dr. Park's relationship with his daughters Eunice and Sally in the context of Super Sad True Love Story, it becomes apparent that social media's decline contributes to deeper issues within America. The novel Sweetheart suggests that this underlying problem originates from within the family itself, as Eunice and Sally struggle with low self-esteem due to mistreatment during their upbringing. Their father, Dr. Park, lacks emotional connection and behaves harshly and impolitely towards them. This negative treatment negatively impacts Eunice's self-esteem, causing emotional suffering. Ellen observes that while he forgave his own parents for neglecting him, he could not extend forgiveness beyond that point. Eunice's emotional disturbance resulting from her father's behavior can also be connected to Postman's writings.Lloyd Demise's idea, as discussed by Postman, suggests that many parents lack empathy towards their children, resulting in their suffering.
This aligns with Eunice and her father, as he lacks empathy and inflicts emotional and mental abuse on her. Sapphire also addresses emotional, mental, and physical abuse in her novel Push. Precious' mother struggles to relate to her child properly and consistently abuses her verbally, physically, and mentally. Instances where Precious' mother kicks her in the head while pregnant and takes her money are described by Precious. The continuous mistreatment leads to self-esteem issues for Precious. Sweetheart, Postman, Sapphire have valid viewpoints supported by personal observation.
Many parents tend to treat their children based on how they were treated when they were growing up. This becomes problematic if parents have experienced dysfunctional parenting like Eunice's father or Ellen's parents or Precious' mother. In such cases, incorrect behaviors are likely passed down to the next generation. While these writers effectively highlight the issue of parental mistreatment, they do not provide solutions for preventing these personal and political disasters.
The prevalence of low self-esteem among teenagers contributes significantly to suicide rates. Not only do teenagers face ridicule at school but they also endure torment at homeFeeling trapped and seeking an escape is a natural response in their ongoing battle.
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