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.

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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.According to the author, in what way is technology like a superpower?

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According to the author, what must this generation do to fulfill the potential it has to influence the world in a positive way?

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What does the author say is better than wanting to do great things?

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Notebook List three important ideas- from the selection to show your understanding?

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Research to Clarify Choose at least one unfamiliar detail from the text. Briefly research that detail. In what way did the information you learned shed light on an aspect of the blog post?

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The information helped me

Research to Explore Choose something that interested you from the text, and formulate a research question.

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### According to the author, in what way is technology like a superpower? **Answer:** Technology connects individuals and allows them to share experiences and information with others across vast distances. **Cite:** The author states, “What superpower could one possibly want when we have technology that lets us meet new people, invent new things, and help others?” **Explain:** This likens technology to a superpower because it enables users to transcend physical limitations, connect with people worldwide, create innovative solutions, and contribute to collective human knowledge and welfare. It enhances human capabilities, much like a superpower would, by fostering communication and collaboration beyond traditional barriers. --- ### According to the author, what must this generation do to fulfill the potential it has to influence the world in a positive way? **Answer:** This generation must step up to the challenge, wake up, and take charge in an informed, responsible, and powerful manner. **Cite:** The author states, “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.” **Explain:** By emphasizing the need for responsibility and informed action, the author suggests that merely possessing technology or potential is not enough. Young people must actively engage with their resources, be proactive about solutions, and navigate their influence thoughtfully to ensure they contribute positively to societal challenges. --- ### What does the author say is better than wanting to do great things? **Answer:** The actual actions that will make those great things happen are better than merely having the desire to do great things. **Cite:** The author states, “What is better than a will to do great things? The actual actions that will make those great things happen.” **Explain:** This highlights the importance of translating intention into action. It’s not sufficient to desire change; it requires taking concrete steps to achieve it. The author stresses that the effectiveness of efforts in making a difference relies on tangible actions taken to bring about desired outcomes. --- ### Notebook List three important ideas from the selection to show your understanding. **Answer:** 1. Technology as a Tool for Empowerment 2. The Importance of Responsibility in the Use of Technology 3. The Role of Connectedness in Solving Global Problems **Cite:** - “Technology connects us in ways no one has ever been connected before.” - “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.” - “Today’s teenagers have the potential to be the most influential and informed generation of human beings ever seen.” **Explain:** - The first idea emphasizes the capacity of technology to enhance human connections and collective intelligence, making the world more interconnected. - The second idea underscores the necessity for young people to approach technology use with a sense of responsibility. This includes critical thinking and actively seeking out reliable information. - The last idea conveys the unique opportunity that today’s young generation has, enabled by technological advances, to influence the world positively. However, realizing this potential hinges on their willingness to act. --- ### Research **Research to Clarify** **Unfamiliar Detail:** Polar vortex **Research:** The polar vortex refers to a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding the Earth's poles. It can lead to intense winter weather events when it weakens or shifts. **The information helped me:** The information about the polar vortex illuminates the author's metaphor comparing the beauty revealed by technology to the beauty of snow revealed by sunlight breaking through the polar vortex. It illustrates how technology can unveil new perspectives and clarity in our understanding of the world, similar to how sunlight reveals the beauty in a snow-covered landscape. --- **Research to Explore** **Interest:** The influence of technology on youth activism **Question:** How has social media transformed youth activism in contemporary society?