The influence of digital technology on moral behavior patterns of youths: A case study of ten congregations within Episcopal churches in Isiolo.

Abstract

Digital technology is the challenge of the contemporary society. The recent advances in Information technology have affected perceptions, attitudes and moral behaviors of youth. Scholars have managed to earmark this age as an 'information age' that is characterized by vibrant availability of gadgets of communication that have enhanced interactivity amongst world populations. A factor peculiar to this age is not only the availability of means of communication as telephones, internet, computer and television but the increased rate and speed of passing information coupled with the aspect of overcoming distance barrier that has characterized previous epochs of human history in regard to communications. As IT becomes a normative tool in the society, attitudes and behavior patterns are shaped, morality has been jeopardized and belief systems challenged and compromised, especially, amongst the youths. Amazingly, such effects often occur without notice and a case in point is addiction to technology despite other malpractices as hacking, pornography, cyber-crime, extravagance, gaming, cheating and secular music, among others. Based on these realities a survey research was conducted to investigate the impact of technology on youth within ten congregations, with a random sample of one thousand and three hundred youth in a population of approximately seven thousand members within the target audience. The study was carried out in Mornbasa, Isiolo, Nanyuki and Archer's Post. Questionnaires, interview schedule, observation guide and a focused group discussion guide were used for data collection. Before the use of instruments in the field, they were subjected to pilot study so as to facilitate assessment of reliability and validity. Data collected was then sorted out and analyzed. After the data analysis and interpretations, it was concluded that the impact of technology on youth models an aspect of growth in addictions to technology alongside negative behaviors as articulated and enlisted within this paper. Subsequently, it was recommended that the measures to address the influence of technology on youth behavior calls for a concerted approach from all stakeholders ranging from parental guidance on one hand and the- church, the school and government, on the other.