Adolescent Technology Interview

I chose to interview my female cousin who is in the 7^th grade. I asked her 4 questions:

1-     What forms of social media do you use?

2-     On a scale of 1-10 (1 being you hate and 10 being you love), how do you feel about technology in general? Can technology ever be “too much?”

3-     If you were moving and could only take one item from your house with you- what would you take?

4-     What would you do for the day if Mom and Dad took away your Ipad, Computer, Laptop, Ipod, and Iphone?

            When I asked my cousin what forms of social media she uses, I was very surprised when she had a one-word response “Instagram.” She did mention how she browses for videos a lot on You Tube but doesn’t have an account herself. I would have definitely assumed that my cousin used at least three- four social media sites. Because of this- I asked her if she is interested in any other forms she replied that my Aunt and Uncle will not let her make a Facebook- even though she really wants one. “My Mom and Dad say “You’re too young Katie!” I was very happy to learn that her parents are being very Internet aware and pro-active about her Internet safety!

            For the second question regarding her feelings for technology, my cousin said “No way there can never be too much technology, I’d be like SO bored without it. Since there is nothing bad about it and only good…10 DUH!” At this point in the interview I was not surprised at all that my cousin voted on loving technology because I know just how much technology she uses on a daily basis (which is a lot!) I also wasn’t surprised she didn’t see anything bad about technology- because she is at that age where its her way or the highway, her thinking hasn’t quite evolved or matured yet to think of the bigger picture and impact it can and is having on people (the negative effects.)

            After asking Katie what the one item or belonging she would with her if she was moving she immediately (without ANY hesitation) replied “ MY IPHONE 5!” I was a bit surprised to hear how her parents allowed her to have the latest Iphone, however, I wasn’t surprised her phone was the one thing she would take away with her.  Being that typical teenage girl- she is glued to that thing always!!

            The best part of our interview came from me asking her what she would do for the day if Mom and Dad took away all of her technology like her Ipad, Computer, Laptop, and Iphone? Katie answered “Oh my god, maybe like go to a friends house so I can use her Ipad for the Internet?” She seemed completely dumfounded and at a loss when I then had to tell her she couldn’t borrow anyone else’s technology. She then responded “I guess I would do what I usually do just without my phone like play lacrosse outside or go to the mall. I just wouldn’t Instagram what I did that day like my Lacrosse jersey or if I went to Starbucks in the Mall.  The day wouldn’t be a big deal I don’t think cause’ I’ve forgotten to take my phone places before. The night time when I’m at home or in bed would just stink cause’ then when it’s dark I’d be bored.”  At this point in time I learned that my cousin, being so active in sports, first thought not having her phone would be the biggest deal ever but then when she thought about it she realized she is so busy that she has left her phone at home before and survived just fine! I also learned that it’s a night where she uses the most technology- because this is when she is typically unable to be active outside (involved in sport activities or friends.) I can definitely agree and even relate to her comment because similar to myself, I'm using technology most at night when I have finished my work/activities for the day in the comfort of my own time at home.