Final answer:
True, digital dependents have indeed grown up with digital devices and Internet connectivity, creating a technophilic society where smart gadgets act as extensions of themselves. The shift towards digital news sources has affected traditional media consumption, while technology access and usage continue to vary greatly among different demographics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that digital dependents are the first generation to have grown up surrounded by digital devices and Internet connectivity is indeed true. This generation is characterized by its intimate relationship with technology, integrating digital devices into every aspect of life, including social interactions, news consumption, and even perceiving these technologies as part of their personal identities. The prevalence of smart technologies has even led to comparisons with extra organs or family members due to how they facilitate communication and interaction.
Data from the Pew Research Center highlights a transformative shift in how people, especially younger generations, are consuming news. The adoption of smartphones and tablets, with a significant increase in ownership over recent years, has led to a rise in accessing news through digital sources. This shift has corresponded with a decrease in consumption from traditional media outlets such as print, radio, and television. As technology becomes more accessible and integrated into daily life, it also reveals ongoing disparities in accessibility and usage patterns across different demographic groups.
This widespread adoption of smart technologies and increased reliance on digital news sources might be contributing to the closing of the digital divide, though disparities persist based on race, class, and age. The information from Pew Research Center reveals complex layers in technology usage, including how it empowers users differently, thereby affecting not just entertainment but empowerment through access to key online services and information.