<P> In 2015, an estimated 150,000 apps, 10% of those in Apple's App Store, were educational and aimed at children up to college level . While researchers and parents agree the change in educational paradigm is significant, the results of the changes are mixed . On one hand, smartphones offer the potential for deeper involvement in learning and more individualized instruction, thereby making this generation potentially better educated and more well - rounded . On the other hand, some researchers and parents are concerned that the prevalence of smart phones may cause technology dependence and a lack of self - regulation that may hinder child development . </P> <P> An online newspaper about texting, SMS and MMS writes that teens own cellphones without necessarily needing them . As children become teenagers, receiving a phone is considered a rite of passage in some countries, allowing the owner to be further connected with their peers and it is now a social norm to have one at an early age . An article from the Pew Research Center stated that "nearly three - quarters of teens have or have access to a smartphone and 30% have a basic phone, while just 12% of teens 13 to 17 say they have no cell phone of any type". These numbers are only on the rise and the fact that the majority of Gen Z's own a cell phone has become one of this generations defining characteristics . As a result of this "24% of teens go online' almost constantly"'. </P> <P> One study has shown that teenagers in 2012 were more likely to share different types of information than teenagers in 2006 were . However, they will take certain steps to protect certain information that they do not want being shared . They are more likely to "follow" others on social media than "share" and use different types of social media for different purposes . Focus group testing found that while teens may be annoyed by many aspects of Facebook, they continue to use it because participation is important in terms of socializing with friends and peers . Twitter and Instagram are seen to be gaining popularity in member of Generation Z, with 24% (and growing) of teens with access to the Internet having Twitter accounts . This is, in part, due to parents not typically using these social networking sites . Snapchat is also seen to have gained attraction in Generation Z because videos, pictures, messages send much faster than regular messaging . Speed and reliability are important factors in members of Generation Z choice of social networking platform . This need for quick communication is presented in popular Generation Z apps like Vine and the prevalent use of emojis . </P> <P> One study found that young people use the Internet as a way to gain access to information and to interact with others . Mobile technology, social media, and Internet use have become increasingly important to modern adolescents over the past decade . Very few, however, are changed from what they gain access to online . Youths are using the Internet as a tool to gain social skills, that they then apply to real life situations, and learn about things that interest them . Teens spend most of their time online in private communication with people they interact with outside the Internet on a regular basis . While social media is used for keeping up with global news and connections, it is mainly used for developing and maintaining relationships with people with whom they are close in proximity . The use of social media has become integrated into the daily lives of most Gen Z'ers who have access to mobile technology . They use it on a daily basis to keep in contact with friends and family, particularly those who they see every day . As a result, the increased use of mobile technology has caused Gen Z'ers to spend more time on their smartphones, and social media and has caused online relationship development to become a new generational norm. Gen Z'ers are generally against the idea of "photoshopping" (deleting imperfections in photos) and they are against changing themselves to be considered perfect . The parents of the Gen Z'ers fear the overuse of the Internet by their children . Parents dislike the ease of access to inappropriate information and images as well as social networking sites where children can gain access to people worldwide . Children reversely feel annoyed with their parents and complain about parents being overly controlling when it comes to their Internet usage . Gen Z uses social media and other sites to strengthen bonds with friends and to develop new ones . They interact with people who they otherwise would not have met in the real world, becoming a tool for identity creation . </P>

Who were born from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s