Dear Editor of The Guardian,

I am writing this letter to you today to express my views in response to the article which was recently published about teenagers. I was outraged. It was not only disappointing, but very offensive to read the comments made by Jonathan Franzen along with others. The comments portray an abysmal perspective on the younger generation. Miss Samantha Taylor makes clear that she disagrees with the statements raised. Personally, I feel these inaccurate accusations made about young people must be corrected, and I along with the younger community will help to conquer these judgements. Although the information concerning online privacy is very useful, it must be made available to more people so they have an understanding of the damage that could transpire. I wish to provide a perspective from a teenager’s point of view with regards to the recent editorial so that I can dispel any misinterpretations.

Firstly, Jonathan Franzen states that teenagers are unable to socialise face-to-face because there is too much socialising online amongst teenagers. However, the article conveys minimal evidence. What he says about teenagers and their digital lives is an attempt to trigger deterioration of the reputation of the younger generation. He claims that ‘online socialising is creating a shallow and trivial culture’, but the man has no right to say that teenagers have little depth and are of no value. The declaration might consider teenagers to be a disgrace. Nonetheless, with reference to the evidence provided, it suggests that Franzen doesn’t recognise that people are evolving. There is not a problem with using social media and I believe that Jonathan Franzen is blatantly targeting the younger generation. Moreover, from his section of the article, it will have an influence on how people look at teenagers. Franzen unfairly uses the younger generation as scapegoats, and the sole reason for them to ostensibly be unable to socialise face-to-face.

Additionally, American comedian Louis CK along with scientist and writer Susan Greenfield both proclaim that ‘mobile phones and social networking sites such as; Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat will stop teenagers development of empathy’. These things are the preferred channels of basic communication between youngsters and their friends. Technology is advancing every day, and the usage of electronic devices is becoming more consistent but is not only used by the younger generation. According to the survey by the Pew Research Centre in 2014, it conveys that 89% of people aged 18-29, and 82% of people aged 30-49 also use social media. This data undeniably advocates that not only are teenagers use social networking, but people from older generations are also. Therefore it is ambiguous to suggest that these individuals are targeting the teenage community.

Furthermore, the view expressed by Louis CK who believes that ‘digital communication controls teenagers lives’ is a remark once again intended to destabilise young people, not to mention continue to set a negative opinion on them. There are many great advantages that come from teenagers using social media, positive activities can be expressed on the internet to assist the youth. Additionally, Youtube is a great example as it allows people to post videos and receive feedback. These things are a great addition, which can give the younger generation confidence for them to prosper in the future. Also the internet is an immense and uncomplicated way to communicate with family and friends if it is difficult to meet them face-to-face. Not to mention, you can easily share unforgettable moments on sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Let’s not forget, Susan Greenfield implies that kids are turning into emoticon-addled zombies, unable to connect, unable to form a coherent thought or even make eye contact, this view is far from the fact. If you come to my school then you will see that teenagers interact perfectly well and are more than capable of engaging in conversation and we are nothing like zombies.

Finally, I want to make clear that the concerns raised on online privacy and safety is very important, and was a great addition to the article. People and teenagers don’t fully understand the consequences of what can happen whilst being online. Based on the numbers that John Henley provided, it is distressing from a teenagers point of view to see that young people, similar to myself are posting information which anybody can see. Hence this conveys a lack of awareness, and the younger generation don’t think of the long term impact from leaks. People, not only teenagers, must be acquainted with the threats and damages that can occur online because personally, the data that was included in the section was very disturbing and pessimistic.

In conclusion, Jonathan Franzen, Louis CK and Susan Greenfield present young people as apathetic, utilising newspapers to influence how people view teenagers. These claims are extremely controversial, and we must come together and challenge these false allegations. I am someone who uses social networking, but it doesn’t stop me from socialising face to face, and I share the same energy and emotion as someone who doesn’t use social networking. So I hope you’re able to take these things onboard and confront these invalid assumptions on me and the rest of the teenage population.

Yours sincerely,

Jack Noone