The End of Solitude

[jordynperry]

In the text, "The End of Solitude", I understand where they're coming from because of some of the people I've seen at the high school - but I don't at the same time. At all. " Young people today seem to have no desire for solitude, have never heard of it, can't imagine why it would be worth having." is what the author said at one point in the piece, and I can assure you that at least one teenager (myself) prefers solitude. I hardly ever use my phone, I rarely ever have people over to my house, and I find that being around more than two other people for more than about twenty minutes at a time gives me a headache. I enjoy solitude, especially considering the things like stupid drama, Justin Bieber, Glee, Teen Mom, Jersey Shore, and other garbage that other people my age tend to be obsessed with. I would much rather read a book any day than get involved with any of it. This article, although applicable to a majority of individuals from their teens to their twenties, is narrow-minded in the extreme. It makes the assumption that all kids have "lost the ability to be alone, their capacity for solitude" just because of a select few cases this author is aware of.

In order to improve this article, the author should have attempted to do an actual study themselves. Maybe go through a few colleges and high schools with a survey asking about how much time they spend on the phone, on the computer, and with other peers, but they obviously haven't gotten the full picture of how things are in reality. I think the article would have been much more interesting to read if they included the exceptions to the rules, and didn't just throw everyone aged 13 to 29 in one big category. I have one teenage cousin who never has anyone over to his house, doesn't have a cell phone, and normally either chills at home or chills outside. I have another teenage cousin who doesn't own a cell phone, is home-schooled, only has a family computer which she rarely gets on, and doesn't have cable. These are big exceptions to the rule this author spoke of in terms of solitude, and, for me, punches big holes into their story.

I agree that the article does hit a few key points. People are becoming more interdependent on one another, and most are constantly in contact with one another. But that doesn't stop it from annoying me that (apparently) in the eyes of the adult population, all teenagers are apparently on the downward spiral of not appreciating the peace and quiet that not being in contact with other individuals brings. Most, if not all, of my friends understand and appreciate solitude for what it is, and would probably find it annoying as anything, if the rest of their friends suddenly decided that they could never be alone. The article was OK for a general population, but it needed some work.

[michaelahawkins]

You are not the only teenager who enjoys solitude for most of my growing up I thought being alone in the world was a bad thing I thought no one seem to care about how I was feeling but as I got older I started to see things more clearly. I opened my eyes to more opportunities and I accepted that being alone sometimes made me feel better as a person and I tended to act better when I took the time to relax and just read a book or draw. I agree that our world is filled with so much drama and so many people who depend on other people and solitude should be appreciated but it’s not and it’s sad. I do think that solitude all the time can really make a person all alone in this world and I don’t think it’s healthy. So I can relate to you in a lot of ways but for one thing I do enjoy the moments I spend talking to friends and other things but I don’t overload my life with it. Solitude has helped me so much just because I know I don’t have to deal with any drama when it’s just me all alone with nothing to worry about. I guess what I’m saying is that too much solitude can really get to someone and no one should feel lonely.

[amandarussell]

I agree that "The End of Solitude" was a very general essay. It doesn't apply to everyone, but essay writers can't include every exception when they write, otherwise their point seems invalid. However, this essay did annoy me quite a bit. The general assumption stuck in my mind a bit as I wondered how it is even possible to group 'all young people' in one huge category. But, I must admit, this is more of a style issue than an informative issue. "The End of Solitude" was written to make a point that technology has limited the social and nonsocial abilities of people who grow up during time periods where a specific technology is extremely popular. The author mention that, when he was growing up, the television was the culprit that changed kids. Is saying technology affects everyone a little drastic? Yes, of course. But that was most likely added as a note to make the case seem more urgent. And it is urgent. I, for one, love being alone. It gives me space to think and work when I otherwise would have a slitting headache or bulging annoyance screaming in my ear. I honestly think there are many aspects of this essay that could be interpreted differently, so this is just my opinion.