Can someone please correct this persuassive essay?

American Literature

March 28, 2011

The dangers of technology on the youth of America

With the turn of the century, the availability of technology in America began to rise. It appeared that everyone was hopping on the band wagon. A survey taken in 2006 by the Harrison Group showed that one in three American teens own an iPod. The youth of our nation has become obsessed with technology. They use it everywhere. In a recent survey taken by Allstate insurance company, Forty nine percent of teens claimed to text while driving. A survey taken by the Pew Internet and American Life Project revealed that an astounding ninety seven percent of teens play videogames regularly. With so many distractions it should be no surprise that test scores are plummeting. It is time for the people of this nation to wake up, and walk outside for a change. It is time for this generation's technology privileges to be restricted. It is time for this generation of teens to awaken to the possibilities available, socially and educationally.

When previous generations were growing up, one went outside for entertainment. Fishing, building forts, and running foot races, are all things one could do for entertainment. In the modern world teens are staying inside instead of exploring the natural beauty of the outdoors. This loss of social experience and exercise results in childhood obesity, and socially challenged teens. The way one interacts with others in the modern world is via videogames, Skype, and social networking. You cannot truly know someone without first observing their actions. However teens now days are only observing each other's text. Making real friends, ones who will be with you no matter what is becoming increasingly rare. Teens of our nation are picking quantity instead of quality of friends.

Technology has also become a hindrance on teenagers learning experiences. Go to a class room and you will observe teens texting, listening to music, and even playing videogames. Teens will fall asleep in class because they spent the night before playing the latest videogame. This behavior has become accepted in society. Not just accepted, it has become expected from teens. A teenager that does not text, play videogames, or use social networking is as rare as finding a hundred dollar bill on the ground. Although both are possible, neither is very likely to occur.

Some would argue that technology has become a tool for learning. This tool has come at a great price. This tool has been used and abused for too long. This tool needs to be stopped before another generation is subject to its cruel tentacles, which reach and snatch teenager's creativity away. Contesting the abuse of technology can and will only result in a society of happier teens. Like a drug addict teenagers will cling to their cell phones and iPods. However this generation will be thankful when they are relieved of these addictions that are holding them back.