The Internet In Our Modern World Essay, Research Paper

In this day and age, the Internet is the new resource tool for masses. It has changed the way we live in society and the way people interact with each other. As more and more people log on the Internet, it has undoubtedly changed the way people think and feel about each other and the world around us. When we begin to look at the ways it has changed society, we can clearly see the major differences. First, it has given people a new way to communicate. Secondly, it has had a lot of tremendous influences in our lives e.g. in a physical sense. Our psyche and physical state has changed undoubtedly. The Internet has become a staple in society and influences us every day physically and mentally.

Definition of Internet: ?- provides, uses or makes accessible, either publicly or privately, high level services layered on the communications and related infrastructure described herein.? But it doesn?t say: ?be warned! Can cause change in physical, mental and emotional habits in society.? The Internet in a sense is something that after its introduction to society cannot be taken away from people. It is a place where information can be found on any topic that you need answers to. Research is the key element to the Internet and why it is so important to our society. It has completely changed the way we think and feel as a society. If everything is on the Internet, then why go somewhere else? That is the question most people ask themselves and that very mentality has helped to boost its popularity. Nothing will ever be looked at the same way as before the Internet. Even the way we shop has changed. From books to mustard and from movies to office supplies ? it is all on your home PC. But these options are just a small section of what the Internet has to offer.

There are several other changes in socialization that are more important to preserve and revitalize. One main factor is the alienation from family, education and places of work. It is a lack of face-to-face socialization, which is turning into a considerable problem for those who have locked themselves inside the computer world. It is a sort of anonymity you find within computers. Studies have shown that the tendency for people to become significantly stressed, depressed and lonely with each hour spent in the world of the Internet, chatting (Emler-Dewitt, Phillip, page 123). There is proof to back up the accusation that people become less sociable when they sit in front of the computer slowly disappearing from society. Though, it has also shown that the Internet chat rooms provide almost the same interactive approach to socialization. The lack you get is the in-person connection that is required for people to develop the right social skills. This is one thing that will have a negative affect on young teenagers socialize with family members, friends and strangers in society. Statistics have shown that it is more likely for teenagers to trust people they shouldn?t be in contact with at all, because it is too easy to trust people over the Internet. Several cases prove this to be right. A 13-year-old girl was very familiar with the chat rooms and had been in contact with an older man whom she had believed to be harmless. By knowing this individual he had pumped her for information about her personal life. One day unexpectedly this man had shown up to confront this girl and her family to warn her not to give out personal information. This man was an officer who had lost his little girl only two years before by a mentally disturbed man who found innocent girls over the Internet. There is absolutely no security when you go into the chat rooms.

There must be some positive changes in our behavior in the use of the Internet. The Internet seems to open a new lease on life for people. Social connections, which never before were possible, or just hard to achieve, are now available and easier to get by the Internet. Geography and time no longer prevent friendships or partnerships. People now have the ability to broadcast or broaden their questions or answers around the world and have other people respond.