Boyd's "It's Complicated" was a great and insightful read that I would recommend to anyone who is interested in the use of technology by teenagers (especially if you don't necessarily agree with it or like it).
Going into the book, I was hesitant, yet willing to learn about this new social phenomenon. I often scoff at my younger sisters addiction to her cell phone, and wonder if it is hindering her learning and the cause of her bad grades. However, Boyd carefully and factually addresses many of the myths surrounding the use of technology by teens. Personally, I think it would be a great read for parents of teenage children. Boyd uses facts and research to clear up some of the biggest fears that shroud the technology bubble, including online predators and cyber bullying. She easily forces the reader to think from the perspective of teenagers, and to ask them their opinions on the matter in order to view the information in the right context. You see, context is everything when it comes to students using technology. Many parents, media sources and the like are blasting information out to the many parents of the world promoting and exposing the "threats" of the internet, but using studies and statistics, Boyd is able to show that it does not happen as often as people assume.
While it makes sense to me that in order to better understand this new world we are living in, we must look through the proper context, I still question its use and impact on current teenagers educations. Especially, the use of it in the classroom.
Going into the book, I was hesitant, yet willing to learn about this new social phenomenon. I often scoff at my younger sisters addiction to her cell phone, and wonder if it is hindering her learning and the cause of her bad grades. However, Boyd carefully and factually addresses many of the myths surrounding the use of technology by teens. Personally, I think it would be a great read for parents of teenage children. Boyd uses facts and research to clear up some of the biggest fears that shroud the technology bubble, including online predators and cyber bullying. She easily forces the reader to think from the perspective of teenagers, and to ask them their opinions on the matter in order to view the information in the right context. You see, context is everything when it comes to students using technology. Many parents, media sources and the like are blasting information out to the many parents of the world promoting and exposing the "threats" of the internet, but using studies and statistics, Boyd is able to show that it does not happen as often as people assume.
While it makes sense to me that in order to better understand this new world we are living in, we must look through the proper context, I still question its use and impact on current teenagers educations. Especially, the use of it in the classroom.