The Voice of Heard/Technologically-Wired Teens: Progress or Degeneration?

The times are changing fast, and technology is changing even faster.  So what benefits does it provide for teens?  Easy communication?  Deep and satisfying social relationships?  Safety?  Improvement of health?  Reduction of crime?  And what are the negatives of new technologies that can affect teens?  Loss of focus and attention?  Laziness?  Invasion of privacy?  Isolation?  Hunting grounds for predators and child abusers? 

The answers are not really clear?  This is esspecially true when it comes to the issue of recent advances in technology and its effects and impact on teens.  For me, the answer depends on how teens use the technology, how their parents view it, and the goals and actions of the technology developers.  If this issue catches your attention, you can check out the links below that discuss it:

http://www.24dash.com/news/communities/2008-05-15-Technology-experts-to-design-out-crime-against-teenagers

http://www.smh.com.au/news/technology/mobiles-can-help-improve-teens-health-study/2008/04/04/1207249411834.html

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/09/gentech/main1698246.shtml

New technology is great, as long as it is affordable.  But it can be at its greatest if it is used wisely.