the text is about a teen and technology and sharing a future.

Question

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.

Answer 1

This text explores the relationship between teenagers and technology, emphasizing the transformative power of digital tools in shaping both personal experiences and broader societal change. Here’s a breakdown of the key themes and ideas presented in the passage:

1. Experience with Technology

The author reflects on their extensive experience with various technological devices, attending events, and engaging with industry professionals. This experience fuels a curiosity that resonates with the younger generation, highlighting a shared desire to explore future possibilities.

2. Access to Information

The text underscores how technology, especially the internet, serves as a vast resource for discovery. It illustrates the process of researching and finding truth amidst misinformation, likening it to an adventurous journey where each discovery contributes to a broader understanding of the world.

3. Perspective Shift

Comparing technology to sunlight breaking through a polar vortex emphasizes how technology can illuminate our understanding, despite the clutter of irrelevant information. By filtering out distractions, teenagers can harness technology to enhance their education and personal growth.

4. Engagement with Technology

Acknowledging that even those who may not identify as 'geeks' are still deeply engaged with technology, the passage points to how ingrained tech has become in daily communication and social interactions.

5. Empowerment to Address Global Issues

The author expresses optimism about the potential of young people to use technology to tackle pressing global problems. Echoing Thoreau, the text highlights technology's ability to foster connections and empathy across great distances.

6. Potential and Responsibility

The claim that today's teenagers have the opportunity to be the most informed generation further emphasizes a call to action—urging them to engage responsibly and effectively. The author stresses that awareness must be coupled with proactive efforts to enact positive change.

7. Action Over Intent

Finally, the text concludes with the powerful assertion that the will to enact change must be matched with tangible actions. It's not enough to desire greatness; substantial steps must be taken to realize those aspirations.

Overall Message

In summary, the text advocates for a proactive and informed approach to technology, encouraging teenagers to leverage their unique digital landscape to foster understanding, create connections, and address global challenges. Emphasizing empowerment, responsibility, and action, it presents a hopeful vision for the future driven by the younger generation's engagement with technology.