Below are quotes from KHS students and staff discussing their views regarding technology addiction and the role it has played in their life.
“I feel like I haven’t had horrible experiences with [smartphone addiction]. It has helped me in a way. I’ve made friends on social media [and] I like seeing what people do in their free time. [I] watch funny videos and take my mind off of things.” -Catherine Bettag, junior.
“The main detriment on your psyche and your mind that [technology addiction] takes has to do with social media [and] the fact that [people] are so connected now. You’ll just sit there [feeling] worried about the girl or the boy that isn’t Snapchatting you back and if they’re ignoring you. In reality, you just need to set your phone down. [You need to] focus on what you’re doing [at] that moment, [so] you can focus on the person you’re worried about [while] conversing with them in person.” -Ross Stauder, senior.
“I don’t talk about how I have a technology addiction. Everyone has one because we all have phones. It’s drained a lot of time that I could be using doing homework or I could build myself more as a person [instead of] just scroll through Instagram or Twitter for an hour or two.” -Sophia Zimmerman, sophomore.
“I’m 100% addicted to technology. I’m on my phone all the time, it’s a problem. I try not to be on it during school, but on the weekends if I’m not with people I’m definitely on my phone. It hurts my sleep schedule.” -Hallie Klopfenstein, junior.
“I think [technology addiction] is real and it’s a big problem. I manage it [with my kids] by [monitoring] time and exposure. I’m a big advocate for limiting [violence], commercials, shows, video games and the time. They get about an hour of screen time [each] day.” -Katie Bekebrede, KHS dance coach and P.E. teacher.