What actually defines our generation?

Every generation is defined or at least influenced by something. The generation in college right now is focused on making things easier. Certain types of technology help make life easier, but is that always a good thing? Today, students are surrounded by technology such as cell phones, computers, smart boards. They are always around us.

Students are losing critical thinking skills because technology makes everything easier. Who uses the library anymore? There a not many people who think about the library when they are in need of an answer. Everyone always says "Google it" because it is faster. If students were asked to look up an answer in a book, the first thing that pops into someone's mind is how long looking up the answer will take. Also, people do not even know how to express themselves anymore. There is time people take in planning a text message, but if a professor wanted to talk to us in front of a class, there is a loss for words. It is harder to form sentences on the spot. This generation has become used to communicating behind a screen where they will not be judged.

In addition, technology can be a major distraction. The big thing are people's smart phones. Some cannot leave the house without their phone because students wait on text messages, emails, and notifications from their social network sites. All of these things create a distraction during what is supposed to be homework time. As a result, the student's mind is not totally focused on on the material. Grades will drop while the student's social life increases. It is hard for this generation to put aside the phones, computers, emails, social networks because our social lives seem way more important than our school work.

I am not saying that this generation is lazy or stupid. I mean to say that this technology that surrounds us makes us want quick answers and too focused on social life. It's the shiny new thing that everyone wants to have. Technology influences our lives in so many ways, some good and some bad. Once we figure out what is actually happening to us when the phone is the first thing to remember to pack, the sooner students can correct themselves.