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1Perhaps it is the years of experience I’ve had in front of a computer, a laptop, or some sort of device with a screen. Talking about technology, attending press events in NYC,1 and meeting the industry’s most interesting people—all older than me, but all with the same childish hunger to see what comes next.

2With its microchips, input methods, operating systems,2 and everything in between, technology of the twenty-first century is a window into a new world for all of humanity, but especially for teenagers. Are you curious about something no one you know has even heard of? Then, search for it online—and maybe even come across the wrong answer, initially.

3You do more research and eventually uncover the truth. Inside, you feel a little like Indiana Jones,3 finding information that you believe will make you a more complete human being. In the grand scheme of things, you’ve done us all a great service: You’ve turned over a small stone of information, one in a river of millions. With every stone turned, our picture of the world becomes clearer.

4It’s similar to my experience with the polar vortex4 that has been plaguing New York for more than a month: Only when the sun breaks out for a moment do I realize how beautiful the snow can be. That’s what computer technology can do—like sunshine breaking through the cold, it changes how we see things. When you filter out the useless Facebook messages, out-of-context tweets, and all the GIFs from Reddit,5 you see that you—yes, you—are in control of your own information network. Best of all, you can do anything you want to do with it. There’s no excuse to be confused by that math problem in trigonometry, or lack a source to cite in an essay. It’s all on you now.

5Of course, right off the bat, you may be thinking: “Here comes a geek, obsessed with technology, preaching about its effectiveness and adaptability, and how it’s great for everyone who is currently a teenager.”

6You’re absolutely right. But even if you are not as much of a geek as I am, you are still immersed in technology. How else would you be reading this blog? How else would you understand what “LOL” means, or be able to send a text message without even thinking about it?

7The world is facing many problems, but young people—using the power of technology—have the opportunity to solve them. Technology connects us in ways no one has ever been connected before. As Henry David Thoreau6 put it in an age before the Internet, “Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes, for just an instant?” If only Thoreau had known that we would be able to look into another person’s eyes—even if they are actually just pixels on a screen—thousands of miles away! What superpower could one possibly want when we have technology that lets us meet new people, invent new things, and help others?

8Today’s teenagers (as of 2014) have the potential to be the most influential and informed generation of human beings ever seen. But that will only happen if we step up to the challenge, wake up, and be prepared to take charge in an informed, responsible, and powerful way. (Hopefully, we will not make our problems worse.)

9What is better than a will to do great things? The actual actions that will make those great things happen.Passage, you want to revisit

4

1 answer

It seems you would like to revisit and analyze the fourth paragraph of the passage provided. Here it is for context:

4 It’s similar to my experience with the polar vortex that has been plaguing New York for more than a month: Only when the sun breaks out for a moment do I realize how beautiful the snow can be. That’s what computer technology can do—like sunshine breaking through the cold, it changes how we see things. When you filter out the useless Facebook messages, out-of-context tweets, and all the GIFs from Reddit, you see that you—yes, you—are in control of your own information network. Best of all, you can do anything you want to do with it. There’s no excuse to be confused by that math problem in trigonometry, or lack a source to cite in an essay. It’s all on you now.

Analysis of the Fourth Paragraph

  1. Metaphor of Change: The author uses the metaphor of the polar vortex and the momentary sunlight breaking through to illustrate how technology can transform our perceptions. Just as the sun reveals the beauty of the snow, technology can enhance our understanding and access to information.

  2. Filtering Information: The reference to filtering out "useless Facebook messages, out-of-context tweets, and all the GIFs from Reddit" highlights the overwhelming nature of information in the digital age. The author suggests that clear, meaningful insights can emerge when we consciously choose to focus on valuable content.

  3. Empowerment: There is a strong sense of empowerment in this paragraph. The author emphasizes that individuals have control over their own information networks. This points to a broader message about personal responsibility in the digital age—it's up to the individual to seek out and utilize information effectively.

  4. Call to Action: The concluding sentences urge the reader (particularly young people) to take initiative in their learning and problem-solving. The phrase "It’s all on you now" reinforces that the tools for success are available and that students should utilize them responsibly and proactively.

Conclusion

This paragraph effectively illustrates how technology can serve as a powerful tool for personal growth and understanding. By drawing parallels between the external beauty of a winter landscape and the internal clarity provided by technology, the author encourages readers to harness their digital resources actively. The tone is both reflective and motivating, aiming to inspire action in the face of challenges, which resonates well with the overall message of the passage.

If you have specific questions or aspects you'd like to explore further, please let me know!