by Ryan Headley

Created on: June 19, 2008   Last Updated: June 21, 2008

Walking across the courtyard at the University campus I feel a strong disconnect. Something doesn't feel right; my head is on a swivel but my face is stuck on puzzled. Something looks and feels other than it should. And then I finally realized it. The students are visibly disassociated with one another. This segregation comes not by way of a physical barrier or character issue, but rather a communication barrier that presents itself in the form of technology.

There are no herds of people, huddled in congregation to manufacture discussion. This is because every student is thoroughly engaged in the functions of his iPod, Blackberry, or cell phone, reserving no attention for his peers or surrounding environment. Am I innocent of this social misdemeanor? I am not. Do I hate the fact that this is where we are today? I certainly do.

While I indeed appreciate the progression of technology I am weary of its implications. Now, while the level of apathy and withdraw from civic duty is as high as ever, I cannot just point the finger at technology and pronounce that the culprit of our apathetic society. Instead, we must understand that we are witnessing an entire cultural transformation, which is much broader than the technological gadgets.

It is my belief that if you took the current generation of teens and 20 somethings, and stuck them in the year 1968, they would show substantially less dedication, activism and engagement than those during that time did. This is not to say that every college student is apathetic and doesn't care about social and political issues. That is not my position, but it goes without saying that a stereotype exists and it is because too many young people don't care.

While the technological gadgets seem to be making the problem worse, I attribute two components which I believe are the basis for this cultural shift. First, information is so easily obtainable, because of this Internet revolution, that students have become intellectually lazy. Secondly, there is an awkward dichotomy that exists, in that two classes have sort of risen amongst the youth. For the sake of argument, let's call them the "haves" and the "have-nots."

The haves don't care about anything because they have no real worries. They're safe, secure, and paid for. What interest do they have in poverty or the healthcare crisis?

The have-nots, on the other hand, have more reason to care, but they have chosen to use self-deprivation, unlawful action, and violence as their means of coping.

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