Some interesting and strongly felt ideas here, Jack - good discussion. I agree that assumptions can be made without full understanding of issues and that there can be pros and cons to any technology use depending on the motivation behind that use. Human beings of course can become addicted to just about anything! There is also a fine line between developing individual thinkers and life choices that require more living of life than teenagers have done...yet again, assumptions cannot be made. My sense is that if the system requires difficult choices to be made by high schoolers, then those choices should be supported and students prepared adequately to make those choices.