The Adolescent Brain: Decision-Making, Social Impact, and Technology

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This essay examines the key changes in the adolescent brain, particularly focusing on the prefrontal cortex and its role in decision-making, impulse control, and problem-solving. It discusses the influence of digital technology on adolescents, highlighting both its positive aspects, such as access to information and communication, and its potential negative impacts, including attention disorders and behavioral problems. The essay references studies that explore the relationship between technology use, mental health, and societal implications. It concludes by suggesting ways to leverage brain changes for productive outcomes and emphasizing the importance of planning for the future to mitigate the negative effects of increased technology use among young people. The essay incorporates references to support its arguments, providing a comprehensive analysis of adolescent brain development and its societal impact.
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The key changes in the brain during adolescent development include the prefrontal cortex and
front part of the brain. These segments are involved in the decision-making process, planning
and perspective thinking for consequences of action, control of impulses and problem-solving
skills. According to the report of George (78), the changes in the brain during the stage of
adolescence is primarily associated with instinctive behavior, compulsions, emotions, and
aggression.
In the present world scenario, increased digitalization tends to become the major source of
information provided as well as a distractor for young adults (The New York Times, 2010). The
changes in the brain during the adolescence stage is highly attracted to the latest trends which in
turn have both positive as well as the negative impact on this society. On one hand, digital
technology has enabled rapid gratification of knowledge, high-speed communication, and form
of open discussions. This includes the use of YouTube for educational purposes, Facebook and
Twitter for sharing information as well as updating status, and the search engine to find answers
to relevant queries (Science Daily, 2017). On the other hand, search communication and digital
practices can also be harmful for society. For example, to facilitate drug abuse, trafficking
rackets, and/or pornography. According to the report by Orben, Amy, and Andrew (173), the
increasing technological trend has also shown that the development of children is primarily
mediated through gadgets and technology tools. As a matter of fact, the coming generation is
more linked through the social network, but have limited or no physical contacts. Likewise,
teenagers are more interested in playing video and mobile games rather than involving in outdoor
sports.
Overall the increased time spent by an average adult on the internet and technological tools is
alarming. In long-term this might facilitate attention and hyperactive disorder symptoms, sudden
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outburst of emotions, and related behavioral problems. However, according to a recent report, it
was suggested that increasing the use of digital technology by adolescents tends to help them in
overcoming depression and anxiety-related symptoms (Science Daily, 2017).
The effective ways with which we can make a positive change in terms of societal and personal
decision making an impact, might be to link the changes of the brain into the productive arena.
For example, the crucial aspects such as developing marketing strategies, designing video games,
implementing civil and construction designs, reviewing the public policies; could be used to
engage along with the changes in brain for adults (The New York Times, 2010). As a matter of
fact, the evolutionary trend could we link the two words progressive and constructive
development. Conversely, such changes will also be implemented with digital education in
schools, prioritizing the use of internet tools among teenagers, and facilitating the bright specks
of technological trends to youngsters. However, it remains the primary concern to think about
future implication (negative impact) off increase technological usage among the young
generation. An advance planning from now could be effective in reducing future harm, and can
facility perspective development of our society.
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References:
“How technology use affects at-risk adolescents” Science News, Science Daily. Web. 03 May.
2017
George, Madeleine J., et al. "Concurrent and subsequent associations between daily digital
technology use and high‐risk adolescents’ mental health symptoms." Child Development 89.1
(2018): 78-88.
Orben, Amy, and Andrew K. Przybylski. "The association between adolescent well-being and
digital technology use." Nature Human Behaviour 3.2 (2019): 173.
Richtel, Matt “Growing Up Digital, Wired for Distraction” The New York Times, Web. 21 Nov.
2010.
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