As technology changes, so do kids’ perceptions of fun.
This shift in perceptions was evident during Halloween this year. Traditionally, Halloween is marked by masses of children dressed up in elaborate costumes and visiting houses for candy; however, this year looked a little different.
Trick-or-treating has always been a major event for kids, and with the sudden decrease in participation many people are wondering what caused the shift in interest.
Instead of going outside to play with their friends, children have started to stay cooped inside their homes, only playing electronic games. With the advancement of technology, some children no longer perceive being around people as fun; instead, new gadgets, screen effects and sound dynamics hold a shockingly large hold over their heads.
While technology is not inherently bad, it can be addicting for some kids, possessing a child’s mind for far too long and warping their perception of what is fun. Senior Taylor Cernin took Early Childhood Development during her freshman year of high school and encountered this problem with some of the kids. “I noticed that a lot of kids did not enjoy or focus as much as they used to,” she stated. “They got angrier faster and would become more combative the more direction we gave them.”The amount of time that a child can focus without wanting screen time has diminished greatly.
Compared to the early 2000s and late 90s, when young teens and kids went outside to play with each other for fun, kids in 2022 seem to be more inclined to binge-watching television or playing video games instead.
However, it is not only technology that has caused this shift. There are also other factors that have contributed to a decline in participation this Halloween, such as cultural shifts and parenting tactics. Along with this, many kids are no longer close friends to those in their neighborhood.
Halloween used to be a time when children could go out with their closest friends, joke around and enjoy themselves. With the lack of face-to-face communication in today’s younger generation, this is no longer the case.
Cernin also babysits young children and she noticed how they and their friends reacted toward Halloween. “The kids I babysit were excited,” she explained. “But, one of their friends did not go trick-or-treating. She said she didn’t go because she felt it was boring and would prefer to watch television.” Bonding with others used to be the fundamental part of trick-or-treating, but now, it is primarily about candy or perceived as boring.
While the tradition of Halloween is primarily for the experience of kids, it is also about Halloween spirit and how it brings families together.
Senior Claire Saklar lives in a more secluded area of the QC, but she and her family usually receive several trick-or-treaters. However, this year, she received little. “We were expecting more kids. We love seeing all the costumes each year,” Saklar said. “This year there weren’t as many kids who came, and those who did were barely in costumes; it made us a little disappointed.” Many parents love to see small children come by in their costumes, as their smiles brighten the day.
Not only did the decreased turnout on Halloween dim the Saklars’ night and the rest of the communities’, but it also affected their wallets. With fewer and fewer trick-or-treaters, many are wasting their money on unwanted and uneaten candy.
The unfortunate scarcity of trick-or-treaters is only showcasing the lack of enjoyment kids and adults have, which are heightening money problems for the US.
As the number of kids who go out decreases, it poses a lasting question: one day, will trick-or-treating completely cease?
