PSYC 101
Essay 5: Put that phone down!
Department of Psychology, Liberty University
PSYC 101: General Psychology
Electronic devices have consumed our society and created a social disconnect in the
world around us. True, meaningful connections have become harder to foster and grow when
there is the constant distraction of social media and other platforms pulling for our attention and
time. Looking at the different stages of life (i.e. infancy, adolescence, adulthood and more), I
chose to focus on infancy because it is the starting point of all connections in life. Infancy is the
stage of life that lasts from birth to about two years old and it is in this stage of life that an infant
is learning to discover the world around them via exploration. George et. al. states that in this
“sensorimotor stage (from birth to about 2 years of age), infants rely on their
senses and
motor abilities to help them understand ⌞their surroundings.” More specifically,
infants are
making connections with the world around them and learning “cause and effect.” Cause and
effect in infants can be as simple as a baby learning that when they cry for something they need,
their caregiver will come and give them the attention they need. This teaches the infant that when
they do something, like crying, they will be given attention. Diving deeper, there are a few
primary needs of infants to be discussed
Firstly, infants need attachment, which is defined as the emotional bond that connects two
people together” (George et. al., 2020, p. 262). An infant's first emotional connection is usually
made with their mother and it is a highly important connection because it will lead to trust and a
secure base, which is “a safe, supportive relationship that infants use to explore and understand
the world” (George et. al., 2020, p. 263). Another primary need infants have is an internal
working model. An internal working model is basically expectations that are built by the
Essay 5: Put that phone down!
Department of Psychology, Liberty University
PSYC 101: General Psychology
Electronic devices have consumed our society and created a social disconnect in the
world around us. True, meaningful connections have become harder to foster and grow when
there is the constant distraction of social media and other platforms pulling for our attention and
time. Looking at the different stages of life (i.e. infancy, adolescence, adulthood and more), I
chose to focus on infancy because it is the starting point of all connections in life. Infancy is the
stage of life that lasts from birth to about two years old and it is in this stage of life that an infant
is learning to discover the world around them via exploration. George et. al. states that in this
“sensorimotor stage (from birth to about 2 years of age), infants rely on their
senses and
motor abilities to help them understand ⌞their surroundings.” More specifically,
infants are
making connections with the world around them and learning “cause and effect.” Cause and
effect in infants can be as simple as a baby learning that when they cry for something they need,
their caregiver will come and give them the attention they need. This teaches the infant that when
they do something, like crying, they will be given attention. Diving deeper, there are a few
primary needs of infants to be discussed
Firstly, infants need attachment, which is defined as the emotional bond that connects two
people together” (George et. al., 2020, p. 262). An infant's first emotional connection is usually
made with their mother and it is a highly important connection because it will lead to trust and a
secure base, which is “a safe, supportive relationship that infants use to explore and understand
the world” (George et. al., 2020, p. 263). Another primary need infants have is an internal
working model. An internal working model is basically expectations that are built by the
