Before Smartphones Achieve3000 Answers

The article “Before Smartphones” delves into the historical concerns parents have had regarding technology and its impact on their children. It takes the reader on a journey back to the 1930s when radios were the primary source of entertainment and information. Parents during that era were worried that the radio might distract their children from engaging in conversations, practicing music, and reading.

The article highlights how each era of technological advancement brought about new concerns among parents, reflecting a recurring theme of worry and adaptation to the changing technological landscape.

The narrative extends beyond the radio era, touching on the transition to television and how it brought about similar concerns among parents. It reflects on how the advent of new technologies, including video games and the internet, continued the cycle of parental worry.

The article also draws a parallel between past concerns and the current apprehensions parents have regarding smartphone usage among children. Through a historical lens, the article provides a perspective on how parental concerns have evolved alongside technological advancements, offering a nuanced understanding of the ongoing dialogue surrounding children’s exposure to technology.

This exploration sheds light on the perennial nature of parental concerns, regardless of the era, and invites readers to reflect on the broader implications of technology on family dynamics and societal norms.

Before Smartphones Article Answers

Question	Answer
The best alternate headline for this Article would be ______________.	Parents Are Concerned About Technology – But It’s Nothing New
According to the Article, why were parents in the 1930s worried about their children listening to the radio?	Parents were concerned that technology might interfere with conversation, music practice, and reading.
Based on information in the Article, which of these happened before Stanford University researchers found that more than half of the children in their study watched “adult” TV programs, such as crime shows?	Adults and children discovered soap operas, westerns, and other types of stories acted out on the radio.
Which is the closest synonym for the word obsession?	Fascination
Which of these is a statement of opinion?	It’s ideal for children to have limited exposure to technology, including radio, television, video games, and the internet.
It’s ideal for children to have limited exposure to technology, including radio, television, video games, and the Internet.	Aghast and pleased
Which passage from the Article best supports the idea that even some technology of the 1930s was once considered both wondrous and worrisome?	Both kids and adults loved tuning in, but parents soon became worried that their children were spending too much time listening to those entertaining broadcasts.
The reader can infer from the Article that __________.	Even the leaders of some of today’s technology companies would admit that it’s reasonable for parents to be concerned about the products offered by their companies.

Vocabulary

Word	Description
concern (noun)	a feeling of worry
conversation (noun)	talking
cyberbullying (noun)	the act of hurting, scaring, or being mean to someone online
interfere (verb)	to get in the way
obsession (noun)	an activity that someone spends a lot of time doing

1. Concern (noun):
   • Definition: A feeling of worry usually marked by a sense of doubt or apprehension about something that might happen or has happened.
   • Example Sentence: Parents often have a concern about the amount of time their children spend on smartphones.
2. Conversation (noun):
   • Definition: An interactive communication between two or more people where ideas, thoughts, or feelings are exchanged.
   • Example Sentence: Engaging in meaningful conversation is essential for building strong relationships.
3. Cyberbullying (noun):
   • Definition: The act of intimidating, harassing, or humiliating someone through digital platforms, such as social media, messaging apps, or online forums.
   • Example Sentence: Cyberbullying has become a serious issue with the rise of social media platforms.
4. Interfere (verb):
   • Definition: To become involved in the activities and concerns of other people when your involvement is not wanted; to obstruct or hinder an action or process.
   • Example Sentence: Parents in the 1930s were worried that listening to the radio might interfere with their children’s studies.
5. Obsession (noun):
   • Definition: An activity or idea that someone thinks about constantly or frequently, often manifesting as an unhealthy focus or compulsion.
   • Example Sentence: The obsession with technology can sometimes lead to a lack of personal interaction.

Summary of Key Points

1. Parental Concerns in the 1930s:

• The article sheds light on the concerns of parents during the 1930s, a time when the radio was a central piece of technology in households. Parents were apprehensive that the allure of radio broadcasts might interfere with essential activities such as conversation, music practice, and reading. This period marked the beginning of a long-standing dialogue regarding the impact of technology on children’s development and family interactions.

2. Transition from Radio to TV:

• As time progressed, the transition from radio to television brought about new forms of entertainment, including soap operas, westerns, and other narrative-driven radio stories. However, this transition also carried forward the concerns of parents, especially with children getting exposed to adult TV programs. The article highlights how each technological shift brought about new mediums of entertainment along with renewed parental concerns regarding content appropriateness and time spent on these technologies.

3. The Continuous Cycle of Parental Worry:

• The article underscores a recurring cycle of parental worry accompanying the advent of new technologies. From radios to televisions, and later to video games, the internet, and smartphones, each era of technological innovation reignited parental concerns about technology’s impact on children. The narrative suggests that this cycle is likely to continue with future technological advancements, reflecting a timeless theme of parental vigilance and adaptation to the changing technological landscape.

Discussion Topics

1. The Evolution of Parental Concerns with the Advent of New Technologies:

• Discussion Prompt: Delve into how parental concerns have evolved with each new technological advancement. What similarities and differences can be observed in parental reactions from the radio era to the smartphone era?
• Possible Sub-topics:
  • The recurring themes of parental concerns across different technological eras.
  • The role of societal norms and values in shaping parental concerns regarding technology.
  • The impact of technological advancements on parenting styles and family dynamics.

2. Comparing the Impact of Radio and TV on Previous Generations with the Impact of Smartphones and the Internet on the Current Generation:

• Discussion Prompt: Compare and contrast the impact of radio and TV on previous generations with the impact of smartphones and the internet on today’s generation. How have these technologies influenced communication, social interaction, and learning?
• Possible Sub-topics:
  • The changing nature of family and social interactions with the advent of new technologies.
  • The role of technology in shaping generational identities and cultural norms.
  • The impact of technology on educational practices and learning experiences.

3. Exploring the Balance Between Technology Exposure and Other Activities for Children:

• Discussion Prompt: Explore the importance of finding a balance between technology exposure and engagement in other activities for children. What strategies can parents employ to ensure a healthy balance?
• Possible Sub-topics:
  • The benefits and drawbacks of technology exposure for children’s cognitive and social development.
  • Strategies for promoting a balanced lifestyle that includes technology, physical activity, social interaction, and creative expression.
  • The role of educational institutions in promoting a balanced use of technology among children.

Resources

1. The Influence of Technology on Family Dynamics – An article from Roger Williams University discussing the dynamics of technology within the family setting.
2. Influence of technology usage on family communication patterns and … – This paper provides a systematic review of literature published between 1990–2020, examining the relationship between technology usage and its impact on family factors like communication and family relationships.
3. (PDF) The impact of technology on families – An article on ResearchGate discussing how technology is changing the way family members communicate with each other, with a focus on the use of messenger and social networking among adults in a family.