Technology is one of the most impressive and incredible phenomena in life. The main reason is the surprisingly high degree to which our society uses technology in everyday life. It occupies every single realm, affecting people both positively and negatively. There are many different forms of technology, but the two most used are cell phones and the Internet/computers in general. Today's younger generation has grown up along with technological development. Nowadays, children learn to use computers and cell phones at an early age, either through their own technological possessions, or through those of a friend or their parents. They grow up knowing how easily accessible technology is and the infinite amount of ways it can be used. This article will largely focus on the effects of technology on younger generations because childhood is when these effects have the greatest impact. I am very aware of the topic because I belong to the younger generation. In addition to the important effects on study and communication skills, there are also the effects of the media on the self-esteem and mental health of adolescents. Perhaps even more important is the growing problem in our world of unnecessary and overpriced consumerism. Over time, our society has created a very unhealthy form of reliance and dependence on technology as a whole. People essentially live through their devices. Cell phones are with people all the time, making it nearly impossible to not reach someone at any time, day or night. In 2011, 2.4 trillion text messages were sent and 28,641 cell phone towers were added in the United States. 1 We use our phones and the Internet for directions, communication, information, self-diagnosis, games, movies, music, schoolwork, work, photos, shopping...... middle of paper......Print. (2) Mac, Ryan. “Mark Zuckerberg's Net Worth Rises by $3.7 Billion as Facebook Shares Rise on Earnings.” Forbes. Forbes magazine, July 25, 2013. Web. December 14, 2013. . (6) Madden, Mary. "Pew Research Center's Internet and American Life Project." Teens and Technology 2013. Pew Research Center, March 13, 2013. Web. November 10, 2013. (3) Velazco, Chris. TechCrunch.com. Rep. Np, 28 October 2013. Web. Oct.-Nov. 2013. . (5) Warner, Brian. “One year ago today: 27-year-old CEO Kevin Systrom sells Instagram for $1 billion.” Celebrity Net Worth. Np, 10 April 2013. Web. 14 November. 2013. . (6)