We are connected to the Internet and social media 24/7. Technology has transformed our lives in ways no one thought possible 25 years ago. So how are these digital experiences influencing the younger generation?

Krystine Batcho, psychology professor at Le Moyne College, said that being constantly connected has both positive benefits and negative consequences for Generations Y and Z. Batcho joined Paul Tyma, co-founder of Refresh, Jenny Stoltenow, Post-it brand marketing communications manager for 3M, and moderator AJ Scherbring, associate creative director at Digitaria, for an Interactive panel called “#nofilter: Pros and Cons of Constant Connection.”

Batcho said one of her biggest concerns in relation to her students being constantly online is that they don’t quite realize the consequences of their actions. Once something is online, it lives there forever.

“There is wisdom in predicting what you might care about later,” Batcho said.

She believes digital media has disrupted our connections to others, and changed the way we see ourselves. Instant gratification from social media is one thing, but what about when you aren’t getting the attention you desire? Batcho said these online experiences can have a negative impact on our emotions and self confidence.

Another pattern Batcho sees in her students is that they are becoming unsure of who to rely on. They don’t always know who to believe and have become skeptical of those around them.

But Batcho doesn’t thinks constant connectivity is all bad.

Batcho spoke with SXTXState after the panel about her feelings on constant connection and how it impacts students and the younger generations.