Is the Class of 2028 the “Technology Generation”?
The Class of 2028 is often referred to as the “technology generation” because they have grown up surrounded by screens, social media, and digital devices. Many people believe that this constant exposure to technology has defined the way today’s youth interact with the world. A survey of freshmen revealed that three out of ten students feel they practically “grew up with technology.” One student even stated, “The internet sort of raised me more than my own parents.” This comment reflects a common belief that technology has become an inseparable part of today’s youth, influencing everything from education to socialization. However, the experiences of students in the Class of 2028 vary greatly, raising the question, Is this generation truly defined by their relationship with technology?

Technology’s Growing Role in Childhood
It has become normal to see young children using tablets or smartphones, even during family meals. In many households, technology has taken the place of traditional forms of interaction. As one freshman noted, “Children now tend to build emotional bonds with inanimate objects rather than their close ones.” This suggests that, for some students, technology has replaced face-to-face communication and family bonding. However, not all students share this experience, and some still have a more traditional childhood without constant screen time.
Various Experiences with Technology
While many students embrace technology, some, like Colin Eleson, have had a different experience. Colin, a freshman, shares that he didn’t receive his first phone until this school year. He explained, “I never was really allowed to have a phone or technology. It never negatively impacted my life because I was absent from it for most of my childhood.” Colin’s experience contradicts the stereotype of the “technology generation” because he grew up with little to no digital influence. His story shows that not all students in the Class of 2028 are heavily connected to technology. Some have managed to live without it and feel no negative impact as a result.

What is “Brain Rot”?
“Brain rot” is a term used to describe the negative effects of constant exposure to technology, especially social media and internet culture. Some believe that constant engagement with memes, viral videos, and online trends can shorten attention spans, reduce critical thinking, and make communication less meaningful. For example, phrases like “gyatt” (an exaggerated expression ) and “cooked” (meaning something is extremely bad) are commonly used online. While they can be humorous, when overused, they can make conversations feel shallow or unthoughtful. Even though Quinn is an academically gifted student, his use of “brain rot” language shows how technology’s influence can still affect even the brightest students.

The Impact of Social Media
To better understand how technology affects the Class of 2028, I interviewed 10 freshmen to find out which apps they use most often. The most common app mentioned was Instagram. Nine out of ten students said they use Instagram daily, with some saying they spend hours scrolling through posts, watching stories, and checking their feeds. Instagram, like many other social media platforms, is designed to be addictive. Its algorithms show content that keeps users engaged, leading them to spend more time on the app. For many students, Instagram isn’t just a way to connect with friends; it’s a space where they find entertainment, trends, and even a sense of belonging.
While social media platforms like Instagram allow students to stay connected and express themselves, they can also have negative effects. Studies show that social media can contribute to lower self-esteem, body image issues, and even anxiety, especially when students compare themselves to the idealized lives they see online. Many of the freshmen I interviewed mentioned feeling pressure to post “perfect” photos or to present a curated version of their lives. One student admitted, “I feel like I have to look good all the time, even if I don’t feel like it.” This pressure to appear perfect online can affect self-worth, especially when students struggle to meet unrealistic beauty standards.
Social media also affects the way students communicate. The constant use of emojis, memes, and shorthand phrases like “huzz” or “lmao” can replace more meaningful conversations. This results in communication that feels more surface-level and less personal. Additionally, the addictive nature of social media means that students spend less time in face-to-face conversations, which can affect their social skills and emotional development. While social media can help students stay connected, it also has the potential to hinder the development of real-life communication skills.

Technology on Communication and Learning
On the other hand, Quinn Birthell’s experience aligns more closely with the idea of the “technology generation.” Quinn is described by his teachers as a highly intelligent and gifted student, but he still finds himself using “brain rot” language and phrases commonly associated with internet culture. This raises an interesting point: how can someone who is academically gifted still be affected by the digital influence many associate with lower-quality thinking? Despite not growing up with constant exposure to technology, Quinn’s language and communication habits show how pervasive digital culture has become.
This highlights a complex issue, while some students may avoid the more addictive elements of technology, the influence of the internet is pervasive. Whether through social media, online gaming, or simply browsing the web, technology shapes how students speak, think, and interact. Even if students like Quinn didn’t grow up with tablets or smartphones, they are still affected by the internet’s influence.

Conclusion: A Generation Shaped by Technology, But Not Defined By It
In the end, the Class of 2028 cannot be fully defined as the “technology generation.” Some students, like Colin, have had little to no exposure to technology in their early childhoods and don’t feel the negative effects that some people associate with being surrounded by screens. However, other students like Quinn, are still influenced by technology in ways that can affect their communication, language, and even their thinking. Social media platforms like Instagram have become a huge part of the way students connect with others but they also contribute to issues like self-esteem problems and shallow communication. The Class of 2028 is a generation that is shaped by technology in different ways, but not all of them are consumed by it. The impact of technology on this generation is complex, and while some students are immersed in it, others have a more balanced relationship with it.