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The Wired Generation: iPods, Internet, Games, Myspace and More | Chap Clark, Ph.D.
Introduction: It seems everywhere you look these days young people are wired! I don’t mean pumped up but
literally wired to something electronic! Whether it’s an iPod, game system, or whatever it may be, these kids are
gadget crazy – but what does it mean? Are they really that crazy?!
Adult (esp. post-college adults) often slide into technology as a tool for their own personal interest and gain.
Technology becomes a new window. But we are talking about children - adolescents. It is not tools of necessity;
technology is just what is in their life.
Good: Quicker accessibility (control our lives if it is a tool); Wider network of friends (email; facebook; internet);
Greater access of information (more data to glean truth from)
Bad: Superficial knowledge and understanding. No longer the age of the printed page (linear thinking) now you
have the age of the image (mosaic thinking). Haven't mastered the material before they move on; Superficial
relationships (they don't know how to talk to each other. Very difficult to have relationships); Inauthentic or
dangerous relationships; Controlling or relationships & communication (not to text someone or caller id); Time
management has become nearly impossible (fragmented & busy)
How do we respond?
1. Primarily focus on the home setting: the one place where kids truly feel, when they are pushed or given
opportunity in a safe context...they let their guard down. Make sure the home is real, warm & safe.
Among the superficial relationships that one has...want kids really want is someone who is stable,
accepting, even in the midst of conflict, betrayal, etc. Ex. TV has to be off 30 min before/after dinner.
Everyone has to be a part of the meal. We have to eat dinner at least 20 minutes. Romans 12:9ff.
2. Never forget that every child and adolescent is desperate for an authentic human connection. John 4 -
Jesus honored her by connecting; honored her continued her story by asking questions; honored her by
focusing on her. Ex. eye-contact; someone to listen.
3. Recognize and remind ourselves that every single kid is desperate for an authentic connection with the
Lord. Col. 4:2ff. Do you pray for kids in the wired generation? Are we watchful for our youth? We do allow
ourselves to be their guide? Are we thankful that we work with youth? The majority of youth do NOT
believe that leaders and teachers and parents do NOT "like" them.
Six Tips:
1. Be proactive: Take steps to engage in the lives of youth
2. Be an adult: Don't overreact
3. Train rather than punish: Teach how to think deeper
4. Have an attitude of gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15)
5. Use counseling with prescription medication
6. Address familial issues when counseling a kid
Afterword by Justin: Teens & adults alike cannot “just escape” technology. It’s something that has come and is
here to stay. In Jesus’ High Priestly prayer in John 17 he asks for wisdom on our behalf while we are still in the
world. In Genesis 1, God creates everything good and delights in it, however because of sin, it has tainted
everything that we see and touch. Therefore, with wisdom that comes from following Jesus, we walk faithfully on
this earth. Technology in and of itself is not evil…our job is to train and equip the youth that they might utilize it to
grow deeper in Christ and make his name famous.