Communication Breakdown

It's not unusual to see teens glued to their cell phone screens as they await an incoming text.

It's also not uncommon to hear of parents having arguments with their kids because, instead of doing homework, the teens are hypnotized by their computer screens.

Alcohol, drugs and cigarettes are usually the stuff of nightmares for parents, but these days there's a new concern: the teen tech junkie.

Pew Internet and American Life Organization has reported that 84 percent of teenagers own at least one personal media device, such as a computer or cell phone. And as technology has grown and new gadgets have emerged, teenagers have been there with money in hand.

"I think every generation is intrigued by something," says Cheyenne High School guidance counselor Lonna Kelly-Ibarra. "I can understand why they would be so fascinated by texting, but it's not my generation."

But can teens really become addicted to the Internet or text messaging?

"Someone whose behavior demonstrates a need for a chemical substance or is dependent on any type of substance can be considered an addict," says Adrienne Crosle, a counselor at West Care. "There is no difference between a technology addict opposed to a drug addict, because of the rush they're getting from it."

Some teens are aware of their dependency on technology and how it interferes with life.

"Instead of doing homework I'm on the Internet," admits 15-year-old Cheyenne sophomore Jackie Martinez. "And when I'm at school, I'm either texting or I'm thinking about getting on the Internet when I get home."

Cheyenne High School teacher Steven Harson, a father of two, says he has seen teens driven to distraction.

"I see students who can't even sit still without their phone being 3 inches away from them," Harson says.

Rancho High School junior Cristal Enriquez, 16, agrees.

"I really do think it's an addiction," she says. "I see something on the Internet that will catch my eye and I can't look away, or if someone writes me a text message I can't help but write back."

The obsession with technology can interfere with students' education.

"I'll be texting and I'll be paying more attention to how to be sneakier and not getting caught with my cell phone, rather than paying attention to the teacher," says 15 year-old Cheyenne freshman Rebecca Lane. "Technology is a big way to be social, and when it comes to being social it's something I'm more attentive to than homework."

Tanisha Grantham, 17, a senior at Centennial High School, also sees the effects texting has on her education.

"I'm not paying attention in class because I'm too worried about what's going on with the outside world and what's going on with my friends," she says.

Others see the practicality of new technology.

"Texting is an easy and fast way to talk in any situation," says Nathan Gomez, 16, a Cheyenne junior. "Talking on the phone is simple too, but there are times you can't talk on the phone."

Arbor View junior Cassi Hill, 16, says she uses technology to help with communicating.

"I use the Internet and my cell phone to keep in contact with people and to find out what's going on with everyone," Hill says. "It makes life a little bit easier."

Cheyenne teacher Harson agrees the World Wide Web has its good points.

"When I was in Korea the Internet was really the only way I communicated with my daughters," he says. "I called them maybe once a week but the rest of the time it was through e-mails."

Some argue that technology dependence is hurting teenagers' communication skills.

West Care counselor Crosle says relying on texting and the Internet can be isolating.

"You won't know how to be sociable or how to interact with other people or future bosses," Crosle says. "You will become illiterate when it comes to social responsibility."