[TOPIC] Some believe that smartphones and social media are becoming increasingly more damaging to newer generations. [RESTRICTION] Some of the issues that are focused on include how teen’s mental health and socialization skills are being negatively affected by this technology. [EXHIBIT] This is shown in Jean M. Twenge’s article “Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?” She claims, “The portrait of iGen teens emerging from the data is one of a lonely, dislocated generation” (10). With the “iGen” generation being this newer generation that has grown up with internet, social media, and smartphones, she explains that these are causing the children and teens or this generation to become more isolated. Twenge also explains how a higher use of these devices can also be linked to higher depression rates and less sleep. [ANALYSIS] Twenge’s viewpoint is right in some aspects by the ways in which this technology can create a more isolated generation. Teens are spending more time on technology than with their friends and family and comparing their lives to others. She also explains how technology negatively affects teens’ mental health. They often see everyone else’s happiest moments on social media and it makes them feel less confident themselves and they may become jealous. However, she also pushes the point that technology is making teens feel less of a desire to be independent. An example she uses is that teens aren’t wanting to get their driver’s licenses as often as in the past. In reality, though, gettings a driver’s license is still a big deal in most teenagers’ lives and it’s very exciting. This then makes it something that teens often post on their social media. [CONCLUSION] Although technology may be affecting teens negatively in some ways such as in their social lives and with some aspects of their health, it doesn’t necessarily make them less independent.