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Eng Lang 4 - Virtual Existence

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Aditi Anant
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28 views3 pages

Eng Lang 4 - Virtual Existence

Uploaded by

Aditi Anant
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1) I spend most of my day online.

Whether it’s for my education or my chess career


or staying in touch with long distance friends and family. The action of ‘being
online’ has opened countless doors for me, it helps me learn new languages with
programs like Duolingo, or find books on international history and foreign
literature, in ways that are not possible while being offline. It is ironic that the very
action that is meant to connect me to the rest of the world, and bridge the
physical distance amongst people, it has the ability to isolate us at the same time.
It gives me access to watch other’s daily lives, morning routines or university vlogs
so vividly, via social media, such Instagram and TikTok and YouTube, that it
becomes easier to lose sight of myself.

2) Enslaved – Imprisoned
Enthralled – Captivated
Infantilised – Coddled
Stupedied – Dazed
Jeopardised – Sabotaged

The emboldened words are all examples of emotive language which emphasize the
negative effects of technology on our lives. Words like "enslaved," and "infantilised,"
suggest a loss of independence and agency in our daily lives. While "stupefied" and
“enthralled” creates an idea of a dangerously captivating amusement, that consumes
us entirely. “Jeopardised” is a very strong verb that creates a sense of finality and
doom, to show how this has sabotaged and ruined our lives.

3)
 Addiction to online life can lead to neglect of basic duties, like that couple
prioritizing a virtual child over their real one
 Constant usage of social media and the idea of browsing on it makes us less
intelligent and further distancing us from reality.
 Social media helps creates insecurities and feelings of inadequacy and exclusion,
especially among young people, which could lead to depression and anxiety
 Increased screen time, eats away the time we would otherwise spend, going
outside, and exercising and inactivity contribute to issues like obesity.
 Violent video games and trolling culture encourages violent behaviors#

4) While majority of teenagers do live online, and there may be some who are not
entirely addicted and are just simply conducting various forms of socialising and
activities online, there is an unhealthy amount of teenagers that are severely
addicted and require intense training to be able to break the habit, before it
consumes them and ruins their lives any further than it already has.

5) Point of view 1
 Older generations often misunderstand their usage of technologies, and social
media.
 Teens can lead a balanced life, despite having an active online life, which consists
of both excelling in academics and extra-curriculars, while also gaming online,
texting and posting on social media.
 Teens often multi-task with different forms of technologies at once.
 Being an avid user of social media doesn’t mean equate to being actively
addicted to it

Point of view 2
 Gaming addiction can lead to serious health issues, mental illnesses and
psychological defects.
 Excessive gaming can lead a person to being more violent
 Gaming addiction consumes
 Strict military discipline can help in breaking this addictive habit

6) The arguments presented in both 4A and 4B, present a continuous theme. The
theme which suggests that to be digital is negative, and as a result damaging.
While it is true, that life is becoming heavily digital, where everything is
removed, much like text 4A states that ‘life is happening”. Money, a concept
which has been physical, dating back to 5000 years, has now also become digital.
For example, in India having physical cash is a thing of the past, no one carries
any cash on them, no store keeps change or a physical cashier. What does exist
now, is a phenomenon called ‘UPI transactions’, allowing you to transfer money
from your digital wallet to another person’s or business’ within seconds, all with
the use of a smartphone.
A massive amount of our day has become non-physical, but it has enhanced the
quality of life in many ways, which we often forget to account. Before mobile
phones existed, the only way of contacting a relative was by sending mail by
post, which could take far longer than sending a quick text message nowadays.

7A)
The son of text 4A’s writer believes older generations misjudge modern
technology use, confusing productivity with addiction. He portrays himself as a
well-rounded person, who is successfully balancing gaming, social media, and
academics while excelling in sports and having an active social life. He states that
his use of technology has nothing to do with dependency, and everything to do
with using technology like tools to enhance his daily life.
However, that is not to say that addicts don’t exist. Severe gaming addiction has
taken China with storm, where millions of teenagers reportedly spend up to 20
hours a day gaming. Such an inflammatory use of online games could lead to
significant health issues which could include issues with eyesight and backpain,
potential eating disorders, and a staggering 8% reduction in cognition. Many
suffer from depression and display aggression, sometimes even committing
crimes. Rehabilitation centres, run with military discipline, aim to address this
addiction, though long-term success isn’t confirmed.
(159 words)

7B)

Hello,
Good day!
I recently read your article on teenage gaming addicts, and found your
exploration of the topic our virtual existence both intriguing and grim.

Firstly, as a teenager myself, it was a welcome change to witness how you


differentiated between the stereotypes about teenagers and the truth. The idea
that we, the youth, are so often misjudged by our elders. Us teenagers today are
adapting to a world that has never been explored before by our ancestors, and
at the very same time building this new world that opens further opportunities
for humanity itself.
However, China’s statistics reveals a much more sinister side of technology use,
than we could have ever anticipated. It showcases how sometimes, too much of
a good thing, can become a bad thing. The health and psychological
consequences of excessive gaming can result to anxiety and even depression.
Your inclusion of Dr. Tao’s insights into addiction’s impact on brain function and
behaviour emphasizes the severity of this issue.
It was uplifting to learn about the rehabilitation centres, that employ strict
military regime as a means to, at least temporarily cut off the addiction, because
they do provide some form of hope for the betterment of the part of our
generation that suffers through this addiction. One can only hope that this
treatment is successful in the long run as well. Especially considering their strict
methods as they might raise potential ethical concerns. It prompts a broader
question: should prevention, such as education and parental guidance, take
precedence over such extreme interventions?
Your son’s argument that multitasking does not equate to addiction is
compelling, but in my opinion it’s worth exploring whether constant usage of
social media has more long-term effects, such as reduced attention spans.

In conclusion, your article effectively highlights the complexity of this issue.


Technology can either empower or harm, depending on its use. It is crucial for
society to understand this distinction and support teenagers in navigating the
digital age responsibly.
Thank you for sparking such an engaging discussion.
Yours sincerely,
Aditi Anant

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