Technological Addiction
Articles
The Internet’s Effect on Relationships: Detrimental or Beneficial
The 'Net indeed plays a convincing role as a surrogate reality for those who become addicted to it. Not only can its users use electronic mail (e-mail), a method of instantly contacting anyone across the world who has an e-mail address, but users can also play interactive multiplayer games from text-based to graphical with other users, browse the World Wide Web to get information on anything they wish, download software and articles ranging from the bizarre to the educational -- essentially, Internet users can get anything they desire. It is conceded any online methods of finding information can be used purely for constructive and healthy ends, socially, for people may find many large circles of others who identify with them and strengthen their own confidence in people. A journal entitled Universal Access to E-mail: Feasibility and Societal Implications mentions that the Internet, e-mail in particular, allows networks to "support interpersonal relationships and facilitate the social integration of otherwise marginalized groups" and "facilitate citizen participation in the political process" by "[contacting] government representatives". The "Civic Networks" study states very clearly, "Concerns that boundary-spanning networks might facilitate a breakdown of community affiliation, or disinterest in local affairs, appear unfounded." However, as a study entitled "Internet Paradox: A Social Technology That Reduces Social Involvement and Psychological Well-Being?" stated, "These applications [e-mail, IRC chat, etc.] disproportionately reduce the costs of communication with geographically distant acquaintances and strangers; as a result, a smaller proportion of people's total social contacts might be with family and close friends." Also, "Other applications on the Internet, particularly the World Wide Web, provide asocial entertainment that could compete with social contact as a way for people to
The Internet’s Effect on Relationships: Detrimental or Beneficial
The 'Net indeed plays a convincing role as a surrogate reality for those who become addicted to it. Not only can its users use electronic mail (e-mail), a method of instantly contacting anyone across the world who has an e-mail address, but users can also play interactive multiplayer games from text-based to graphical with other users, browse the World Wide Web to get information on anything they wish, download software and articles ranging from the bizarre to the educational -- essentially, Internet users can get anything they desire. It is conceded any online methods of finding information can be used purely for constructive and healthy ends, socially, for people may find many large circles of others who identify with them and strengthen their own confidence in people. A journal entitled Universal Access to E-mail: Feasibility and Societal Implications mentions that the Internet, e-mail in particular, allows networks to "support interpersonal relationships and facilitate the social integration of otherwise marginalized groups" and "facilitate citizen participation in the political process" by "[contacting] government representatives". The "Civic Networks" study states very clearly, "Concerns that boundary-spanning networks might facilitate a breakdown of community affiliation, or disinterest in local affairs, appear unfounded." However, as a study entitled "Internet Paradox: A Social Technology That Reduces Social Involvement and Psychological Well-Being?" stated, "These applications [e-mail, IRC chat, etc.] disproportionately reduce the costs of communication with geographically distant acquaintances and strangers; as a result, a smaller proportion of people's total social contacts might be with family and close friends." Also, "Other applications on the Internet, particularly the World Wide Web, provide asocial entertainment that could compete with social contact as a way for people to