BEEP. BEEP. BEEP. Imagine the sound of technology getting louder and louder. What if technology was used twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week? Will this overwhelm human beings? As the world advances into a new era, inventions such as cell phones, computers, and gaming systems dominate what was once a "simple society." Things like Walkmans, record players, and 8-tracks were once the flagships of technology. In the 21st century, technology has developed to a more influential level. It grew faster and faster, faster than anyone realizes. The question is: are the social skills of children and adolescents declining due to the interference of new technologies in America? Innovative technology in America decreases the capacity and potential for social skills, but in some cases increases learning levels among some children and adolescents. Children, adolescents and even adults use technology as their primary source of communication. In a video posted on the web page Illinoishomepage.net, presenters interviewed teachers about their views on teens' use of cell phones and text messaging. One middle school teacher thought, “[Students] seem to be relying a little more on text messaging” (“Big Idea: Technology Helps and Hurts Social Skills”). It wasn't a surprise to hear what they thought about the text messages sent by their students. As a student, cell phone use during classes has grown, mainly because it is an easily accessible form of entertainment. Students across the United States are inclined toward new innovations. The American Life Project stated that teenagers have the instinct to text their friends rather than call them (Stout par. 9). The oral skills needed to survive in life will be diminished if you...... middle of paper ......sting.Illinoishomepage.net May 19, 2010. Web. January 20, 2012. Healy, Michelle. “In children, the connection has been lost. » The United States today. AcademicSearch Premier, December 19, 2011. Web. January 20, 2012. Helft, Miguel. “For the blind, technology does what a guide dog cannot.” The New York Times. New York Times, January 3, 2009. Web. February 10, 2012.Ludden, Jennifer. "Texting among teenagers is soaring; will social skills suffer?" NPR: NationalPublic Radio: news and analysis, world, USA, music and arts. PBS, April 20, 2010. Web. January 18, 2012. Nauert, Rick. “Technology helps children with autism learn social skills.” Psych Central.Psych Central, October 24, 2011. Web. January 20, 2012. Schlafly, Andy. “Violent videos distort young minds.” The United States Today. Academic SearchPremier, June 12, 2011. Web. January 19, 2012. Stout, Hilary. “Antisocial networks?” The New York Times. New York Times, April 30, 2010.Web. January 19. 2012.