Isolated By The Internet - Essay Example

The positive outcomes of the internet revolution are many. But there are negative aspects also. Stoll brings forth researched viewpoints of the psychologists and personal observations supported by documented studies in support of his stand. Stoll quotes facts from the research conducted by Carnegie Mellon University psychologists Robert Kraut and Vicki Lundmark. (393)Some top-ranking computer companies aided the research project but the outcome is not to their favor. The findings are “[a]fter following the study group, the psychologists found an average increase in depression by about 1 percent for every hour spent online per week.”(393)Another finding is, social relationships online develop at the cost of the individual to individual social involvement.

Good and bad effects of internet In a well-written article, Stoll presents good and bad effects of internet and how people are isolated by it, by too much dependency. He mentions how “one friend tells how she found a support group for an obscure medical condition.”(392) It is a well-known fact that many youngsters have entered into wedlock by corresponding/chatting through the internet. Wired family members are able to keep in touch through email and such communications have become popular.

Stoll admits without hesitation “the electronic virtual community is a positive social development” (393). Internet causes degrading communication skills according to psychologist Kimberly Young. (396)He also uses College and University reports to support his viewpoints. Stoll employs UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles) loneliness Scale for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale to show that on average depression increase 1 percent for every hour a person is online per week (393).

This is an alarming finding. The limitations of the advantages of internet Stoll is an expert on computer security and is well-versed about the technical aspects of the use and impact of computers in the day to day life of an individual. He makes clear the isolating factors and states that internet offers anonymity. To manage too many relationships demands time and energy and the chance of developing meaningful relationships are too little. Non-personal contacts within the information highway are fine for some time, video games offer a release from reality and a distraction from depression, but they are not long-term solutions for the betterment of the society.

People make friendships with many through the internet, without knowing why for they are doing so. Every relationship should have a purpose, and with too many contacts, the purpose is lost. Thus, one addicted to the internet, one develops complications in personality. Control technology, otherwise it will control you Internet use has caused many new social and psychological conditions. The issue with us is we take the benefits of the technological progress and advantages of the internet revolution for granted.

Technology can be an important tool in providing plenty and prosperity to the life of an individual in monetary terms, but one must accept and adopt it in suitable increments, to get the real benefit. If your gain is at the cost of happiness of your family life, it is not good to chase such gains. Stoll urges people to consider the harms of internet use from the viewpoints of children and its overall impact on family life. It is causing dent in the family values, reducing the time of personal interactions, and distances one from the realities of life.

Many office-goers bring their work home and have no time to interact with children. Their playtime is robbed by the office files and procedures and the