DIGITAL NATIVES

Question No. 01

Alia Wong’s main argument is that today’s children are considered to be experts of internet and technology but they lack basic education to have proper experience of the virtual life. We are asked to believe that teens have no idea of the perils they could face online. They need to be given proper education so that they can avoid problems like cyber bullying and internet addiction. She says that, “Social media can be addictive and full of predators” (Wong, 2015).

Question No.02

The most convincing part for me was that online experiences subconsciously influences the identity of kids. There is an obvious example which supports the writer’s opinion. Kids from Eastern countries use social media where they experience Western culture. They subconsciously start to adapt Western culture and values. Social media experiences also influence the gender and gender roles of kids. This is evident from the arguments of the writer. She says, “They (online experiences) shape an individual’s identity” (Wong, 2015).

Question No. 03

I think that least convincing argument in the article is that adults exaggerate the cybercrimes committed against the kids. Cybercrimes against kids are highlighted in social media not to exaggerate the crime but to make the parents aware of the threats that children could face online. This is done to just ensure safety of kids in the cyber world. Wary of cybercriminals, parents use parental controls to keep track of their kid’s virtual life. Wong writes in the article that, “Adults respond to such incidents with fear mongering and information campaigns” (Wong, 2015).

Question No. 04

Wong is trying to persuade the stakeholders in educational system to start programs to educate children about the cyber world. The most important audience for the article is policy makers because they have highest impact on educational policies. Education department officials are also the target audience because they choose the curriculum and syllabus. Teachers and parents are also likely to read the article.

Bibliography Wong, A. (2015). Digital Natives, Yet Strangers to the Web. The Atlantic.