Socioeconomic Factors and Digital Media Use

This page delves deeper into the socioeconomic aspects of digital media consumption. It presents findings from a survey that reveals significant differences in screen time based on family background.

Highlight: Teenagers with parents who don't have a college degree spend an average of 90 minutes more per day on digital media compared to those from higher socioeconomic families.

The author argues that children from poorer families often lack parental guidance and regular checks on their digital media use. This can lead to more time spent on entertainment rather than educational activities.

Vocabulary: Time-wasting gap - This term is used to describe the negative aspect of excessive digital media use, particularly when it detracts from more productive activities.

The text lists various digital activities that contribute to time-wasting, including watching shows and engaging on social networking sites. This enumeration serves to illustrate the many ways in which people can become distracted by digital media.

Definition: Digital literacy - The ability to use digital technology, communication tools, and networks to locate, evaluate, use and create information.

Negative Aspects of Digital Media Use

This section of the article focuses on the drawbacks of excessive digital media consumption. The author provides several examples of individuals who use digital media in ways that he considers unproductive or wasteful.

Highlight: Many students reportedly use digital devices for entertainment rather than for homework or educational purposes.

The text notes a growing trend of increased computer use in schools, suggesting that some trainers and educators are pushing for more integration of digital technology in education.

Example: The author uses a climax (a rhetorical device where statements or ideas are arranged in order of increasing importance) to emphasize the increasing prevalence of digital media in various aspects of life.

Matt Richtel employs repetition and inclusive language to engage readers and draw attention to the main points of his argument. He balances his discussion by mentioning both positive and negative aspects of digital media use early in the article.