Negative Social Effects of the Internet - Essay Example

Negative Social Effects of the Internet Number Submitted Introduction Since the Internet’s breakthrough as a medium, it has become a topic of discussion because of its various implications on society. For one, the Internet has truly made information exchange more accessible and efficient. However, it is hard to dismiss the numerous cases of cyber-bullying and identity theft that are present in the Internet. In this light, there is a need to examine the Internet as a tool for human communication, and clarify both of its advantages and disadvantages. As such, this paper shall briefly discuss the functional and social benefits of the Internet, and then move on to elucidating its social disadvantages. In the end, this paper aims to reinforce its thesis that while the Internet has its positive social benefits, it should not be replaced with real, face-to-face social interactions. Benefits of the Internet The primary advantages of the Internet are rooted in its nature as a digital communication medium. In this regard, it can be claimed that the common benefits of the Internet may be grouped either as functional or social. There are three common functional benefits of the Internet. Firstly, the Internet allows for an easier and more comfortable access to a vast number of information second (Brey 4). As an example, through the presence of various search engines like Google and Yahoo! Search, people from all over the globe can access pertinent information about any topic in less than a second. This helps in enhancing people’s cognitive skills. Secondly, The Internet makes it possible for people to efficiently and effectively transfer information (Brey 4). For example, with the increasing popularity of blog sites and social networking sites, almost anyone can create or disseminate online contents to their contacts or subscribers. Such maintains high level of awareness and interest on the most pressing societal issues. Lastly, the Internet facilities various communication formats among individuals from all parts of the globe. Examples of these formats include one-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many communication. Through this, freedom of expression is protected and practiced by giving every user a chance to impart his or her insights on the common societal happenings. On the other hand, there are four common social benefits of the Internet. Firstly, it helps develop and maintain good social relations. This usually happens when the Internet is used as a tool of communication for those who wish to maintain their closeness with their loved ones. For example, Skype is bridges communication gap by ensuring real-time communication. Secondly, the Internet contributes in the community formation and social organization by uniting people with same interests and likes. For example, there are various websites that cater to ‘passion groups’ like dancers, painters, and what not. As such, it often provides a fresh new approach for individuals to build and enhance social movements. Thirdly, the Internet also assists in one’s identity formation and psychological development by helping them ‘be what they really are’. In this sense, Internet’s capacity to allow for anonymity gives more freedom to the users. Lastly, the Internet paves the way for a better understanding not only of one’s culture, but of the culture of others, too. In this regard, through the vast information that are present in the Internet, anyone can search about history and art, allowing one to appreciate various cultural symbols and norms. Disadvantages of the Internet The Internet also has its share of negative effects to people and societies at large. Obviously, depending on the intention of its users, the Internet may be used to destroy one’s reputation and dignity. The primary disadvantage happens when online interaction is being replaced with tangible, face-to-face relationships. For example, when a person decides to engage more in online communication rather than real communication, he will slowly develop emotional problems such as difficulty in effectively communicating and reaching out to people. In order to explain the statement better, a study called The Internet, Social Network, and Loneliness pointed out the three assumptions connected to the negative social effects of the Internet, which are: (1) as a new social space, the Internet is starting to replace tangible social spaces, with a number of people’s face-to-face relationships being replaced by online relationships; (2) those online relationships will be broader (a greater number of relationships) but less deep; (3) therefore, people’s aggregated relationships—both face-to face and online—will tend to be broader, but less deep, which refers to the number of friends people have, the variety of types of relationships they are involved in (friendship, love, professional, etc.) and the diversity of the people they are in relationships with in terms of age, ethnic origin, social status, etc. (Coget, Yamauchi, Suman 184). Looking at this contention, it can be claimed that the improper use of the Internet may become detrimental to one’s understanding of oneself, and of other people (especially the adolescents and teens who are in the state of identity building). Exploring further the negative social effects of the Internet, we may arrive at five main points. Firstly, there is the information overload that springs from the idea that with general absence of information filter, a lot of irrelevant, unclear, and inaccurate messages may be found in the said media. For example, there are a lot of fake blogs and entries that disseminate malicious information about various societal happenings, which may lead to more confusion and culminate in chaos. Secondly, there is also the proliferation of harmful information such as extreme ideology, pornography, libelous information, and what not. Such happens when effective regulation and selection mechanics are not properly imposed. Thirdly, harmful communication may also happen which pertains to conversations and dialogues that are often disrespectful, hurtful, and vulgar (Louge 2). Youtube is commonly inundated with racist and condescending comments that put people down (especially when disagreements arise from the exchange of thoughts). The extreme result of this negative effect would be cyber bulling, which often gives grave psychological consequences. Fourthly, the Internet may also pose danger to identity formation and psychological development of people (Goldwasser 2). As such, “that the relative anonymity (or pseudonymity) by which actions can be performed in cyberspace can lead to antisocial behavior that is performed without retribution (Brey 6). In a similar light, computer games may enable violent and barbaric behavior from the users (as it begets anti-social and pessimistic view on people and society at large). Lastly, the Internet may also reinforce cultural fragmentation. Through the stimulation of virtual communities, the Internet can create a ‘social divide’, which could later on lead to issues pertaining to identity differences. Analysis: The Proper Use of the Internet Given the advantages and disadvantages of using the Internet, it is through the proper utilization of this communication tool that could aid in the betterment of oneself and of societies. As such, people must remember that social interactions and relationships that arise from the use of the Internet should not replace real, authentic, face-to-face interactions. This is because there are aspects of communication that the Internet could never provide (non-verbal communication). This is why there is a need for the family (primarily the parents), schools, and governments to collaborate in drafting certain systems and regulations that could promote the benefits of using the Internet, and in effect, eradicate the negative ones. Therefore, it is through the proper guidance of these basic social institutions that people may be guided on what the Internet is, and up to what extent it should be used for. Read More