Background of INternet:
The Internet is a global linking of computers that allows information transfer. The Internet was established in the early 1960s by the U.S. Department of Defence (Schneider, Evans, & Pinard, 2006), primarily for military purposes. Since then, the continual improvement of the Internet technology has provided an extraordinary level of public accessibility to a wide range of forms of communication, e.g. intra-organisational and inter-organisational email; data storage, management and transfer; social websites like Facebook; text messaging such as Twitter, Whatsapp , and so forth.
Due to the development and spread of cheaper and more user-friendly computer technology and software (e.g., portable computers, Microsoft Word etc), the use of the Internet has increased dramatically. In 2010, the world‟s Internet use was 28.7% of the
population. While this may not seem like a very large portion of the world‟s population, the growth in the use of the Internet has been dramatic. For example, between 2000 and 2010, the rate of growth of Internet use was 444.8% (Internet World Stats). Likewise in India, while 26.3% of the Indian population were Internet users in 2010,
the growth rate in Internet use was even larger than for the world as a whole, growing 660.3% from 2010 to 2014 (Internet World Stats).
There are many benefits associated with Internet use, such as access to needed information, worldwide access to news and events, and interpersonal communication through email. However, along with the phenomenal growth of the Internet and its use,there has been a growing concern worldwide regarding the risks associated with Internet over-use It is now believed that there could be a "widespread addiction‟ to it, in particular amongst school and university going students.
negative impacts of IT:
Everyday an average teenager spends up to 8 hours on electronic devices, which is more than 56 hour in one week.How much is too much? Technology is advancing every minute of everyday. New phones, computers and other electronic devices are improving and outshining last year’s or even last week’s devices. Teens are obsessing over having the newest and best phone, computer or Ipod.Technology is continuing to advance; however it is consequently affecting the teenagers in the following ways:
1. Isolation
Social isolation is characterized by a lack of contact with other people in normal daily living, such as, the workplace, with friends and in social activities. We isolate ourselves by walking around in our own little world, listening to our iPods or staring at the screen of the latest mobile device even when we are around other people. Studies have shown that people who are socially isolated will live shorter lives.
2. Lack of Social Skills
The use of online social media outlets causes us to meet face-to-face with much less frequency resulting in a lack of much needed social skills. We lose the ability to read body language and social cues in other people.
3. Obesity
The more time people are spending engrossed in video games, talking to friends online and watching funny cat videos on YouTube, they are spending less time being active or exercising. Also the likelihood of mindlessly eating unhealthy food increases fat in the body.
4. Depression
Technology creates the perfect recipe for depression with the lack of human contact, overeating and lack of exercise. There is a reason the use of antidepressants are on the rise and the blame can’t be completely dumped on the pharmaceutical companies. They aren’t carting people into the doctor’s office and force feeding them the pills. This isn’t to say that depression isn’t a real problem, but some people could cure their depression by living a healthier lifestyle.
5. Poor Sleep Habits
Some of the negative effects of technology can be linked to the effect it has on sleep habits. We get sucked into online activities that keep us up too late and the constant stream of information can make it difficult to turn off our brains. Also, the ambient glow from screens can affect the release of melatonin, the sleep chemical. Keeping technology out of the bedroom would be a very healthy habit to acquire.
6. Wastage of Valuable Time
Instead of reading books or studying, most of the teens prefer to read the news feed posted by friends on social giants like Facebook , Twitter , etc... They also love texting their friends 24X7 using Whatsapp or Hike Messenger! All these things leads to the decline in the students performance.
7. Increased Bullying
The use of technology has caused an increase in bullying and escalated the degree of severity. Kids are no longer able to escape their tormentors once they reach the safety of their own homes. Bullies infiltrate the security of their victims’ homes through online avenues. It is also easier to get more kids involved in bullying because people are more likely to say things online that they wouldn’t say in person. The increase in cyber-bullying has also led to an increase in teen suicides.
8. Lack of Privacy
The internet has stripped the world of privacy. Long gone are the days of having an unlisted telephone number and staying offline to keep your information safe from prying eyes. With a few flicks on a keyboard the average person can find anyone’s address and contact information. For those with more sinister intentions, the use of phishing, viruses and hacking helps to find any information they wish to obtain. Plus, people have no sense of privacy online. They don’t think twice about tweeting every move they make, freely giving out their location on Google Map and putting their entire life story on Facebook.
10. Stress
Constantly being “plugged in” and “connected” causes an extra layer of stress that wasn’t present before the overuse of technology.
11. Lack of Sexual Boundaries
Exposure to sexual content is more likely to happen at a much younger age , which even leads to sexual abuse.
12. Lack of Social Bonds
Creating a lasting bond with other people requires face-to-face interaction. The more we isolate ourselves with technology the fewer bonds we will form. People are expected to do more work at home which takes away time they would be spending with their families. Also, younger people prefer communicating online versus face-to-face. When people are in the same room and communicating via text or instant messaging instead of speaking to each other, there’s a problem.
13. Constant Distraction
When we are focused on a device instead of what’s going on around us we miss a great deal. There is also a rise in the number of injuries incurred by people texting while walking.People also text while driving , which even leads to the death of a person!
14. Neck and Head Pain
Constantly looking down at devices can cause neck pain and over time will cause the neck to lose its natural curve. Eyestrain can also cause headaches, blurred vision and migraines.
15. Shortened Attention Span
The use of social media has shortened our attention span from 12 minutes to 5 minutes. Constant news feeds, getting information in 140 characters and videos that are 10 minutes or less has literally rewired our brains. People who are online an average of 5 hours a day have trouble remembering people’s names, forget pots on the stove and even their own birthday.
16. Addiction
People are not only dependent on technology they are also addicted to it. Studies have shown that once people get addicted to cell-phones,it is hard to live without them.These are some of the same withdrawal symptoms you would expect from doing drugs.
17. Lack of Empathy
The constant stream of violent scenes on video games, TV, movies and YouTube causes people to become desensitized to destruction of any kind.
18. More Violence
After people lose empathy and are accustomed to violence, it becomes the social norm. Teenage girls are videoing themselves violently beating another girl; the number of school shootings are rising and videos of people attacking homeless people are a few examples of violent behavior caused by media.
19. Higher Energy Consumption
Although individual devices are becoming more energy efficient, the increased overall use is causing a higher consumption of energy. People don’t turn their devices off; they keep computers on or plugged in, mobile devices charging and televisions plugged in. Also manufacturing all of these high tech toys causes an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.
20. Developmental Issues in Children
Children are using more technology now than they have ever used in the past. All of the negative effects that social media and television is having on adults are far greater when it comes to the developing minds of children. There is no way to know what long term effect technology will have on our children because this is the first generation to have unlimited access.
21. Neurosis (MENTAL ILLNESS)
Technology causes people to suffer from mental and emotional disturbances, such as anxiety, depression , stress , phobias and delusions, which are all symptoms of neurosis.
22. Loss of Hearing and Eyesight
Using headphones and ear buds can cause people to lose their hearing over time. Likewise, straining your eyes looking at computer and device screens can cause people to need glasses much earlier in life.
1. Isolation
Social isolation is characterized by a lack of contact with other people in normal daily living, such as, the workplace, with friends and in social activities. We isolate ourselves by walking around in our own little world, listening to our iPods or staring at the screen of the latest mobile device even when we are around other people. Studies have shown that people who are socially isolated will live shorter lives.
2. Lack of Social Skills
The use of online social media outlets causes us to meet face-to-face with much less frequency resulting in a lack of much needed social skills. We lose the ability to read body language and social cues in other people.
3. Obesity
The more time people are spending engrossed in video games, talking to friends online and watching funny cat videos on YouTube, they are spending less time being active or exercising. Also the likelihood of mindlessly eating unhealthy food increases fat in the body.
4. Depression
Technology creates the perfect recipe for depression with the lack of human contact, overeating and lack of exercise. There is a reason the use of antidepressants are on the rise and the blame can’t be completely dumped on the pharmaceutical companies. They aren’t carting people into the doctor’s office and force feeding them the pills. This isn’t to say that depression isn’t a real problem, but some people could cure their depression by living a healthier lifestyle.
5. Poor Sleep Habits
Some of the negative effects of technology can be linked to the effect it has on sleep habits. We get sucked into online activities that keep us up too late and the constant stream of information can make it difficult to turn off our brains. Also, the ambient glow from screens can affect the release of melatonin, the sleep chemical. Keeping technology out of the bedroom would be a very healthy habit to acquire.
6. Wastage of Valuable Time
Instead of reading books or studying, most of the teens prefer to read the news feed posted by friends on social giants like Facebook , Twitter , etc... They also love texting their friends 24X7 using Whatsapp or Hike Messenger! All these things leads to the decline in the students performance.
7. Increased Bullying
The use of technology has caused an increase in bullying and escalated the degree of severity. Kids are no longer able to escape their tormentors once they reach the safety of their own homes. Bullies infiltrate the security of their victims’ homes through online avenues. It is also easier to get more kids involved in bullying because people are more likely to say things online that they wouldn’t say in person. The increase in cyber-bullying has also led to an increase in teen suicides.
8. Lack of Privacy
The internet has stripped the world of privacy. Long gone are the days of having an unlisted telephone number and staying offline to keep your information safe from prying eyes. With a few flicks on a keyboard the average person can find anyone’s address and contact information. For those with more sinister intentions, the use of phishing, viruses and hacking helps to find any information they wish to obtain. Plus, people have no sense of privacy online. They don’t think twice about tweeting every move they make, freely giving out their location on Google Map and putting their entire life story on Facebook.
10. Stress
Constantly being “plugged in” and “connected” causes an extra layer of stress that wasn’t present before the overuse of technology.
11. Lack of Sexual Boundaries
Exposure to sexual content is more likely to happen at a much younger age , which even leads to sexual abuse.
12. Lack of Social Bonds
Creating a lasting bond with other people requires face-to-face interaction. The more we isolate ourselves with technology the fewer bonds we will form. People are expected to do more work at home which takes away time they would be spending with their families. Also, younger people prefer communicating online versus face-to-face. When people are in the same room and communicating via text or instant messaging instead of speaking to each other, there’s a problem.
13. Constant Distraction
When we are focused on a device instead of what’s going on around us we miss a great deal. There is also a rise in the number of injuries incurred by people texting while walking.People also text while driving , which even leads to the death of a person!
14. Neck and Head Pain
Constantly looking down at devices can cause neck pain and over time will cause the neck to lose its natural curve. Eyestrain can also cause headaches, blurred vision and migraines.
15. Shortened Attention Span
The use of social media has shortened our attention span from 12 minutes to 5 minutes. Constant news feeds, getting information in 140 characters and videos that are 10 minutes or less has literally rewired our brains. People who are online an average of 5 hours a day have trouble remembering people’s names, forget pots on the stove and even their own birthday.
16. Addiction
People are not only dependent on technology they are also addicted to it. Studies have shown that once people get addicted to cell-phones,it is hard to live without them.These are some of the same withdrawal symptoms you would expect from doing drugs.
17. Lack of Empathy
The constant stream of violent scenes on video games, TV, movies and YouTube causes people to become desensitized to destruction of any kind.
18. More Violence
After people lose empathy and are accustomed to violence, it becomes the social norm. Teenage girls are videoing themselves violently beating another girl; the number of school shootings are rising and videos of people attacking homeless people are a few examples of violent behavior caused by media.
19. Higher Energy Consumption
Although individual devices are becoming more energy efficient, the increased overall use is causing a higher consumption of energy. People don’t turn their devices off; they keep computers on or plugged in, mobile devices charging and televisions plugged in. Also manufacturing all of these high tech toys causes an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.
20. Developmental Issues in Children
Children are using more technology now than they have ever used in the past. All of the negative effects that social media and television is having on adults are far greater when it comes to the developing minds of children. There is no way to know what long term effect technology will have on our children because this is the first generation to have unlimited access.
21. Neurosis (MENTAL ILLNESS)
Technology causes people to suffer from mental and emotional disturbances, such as anxiety, depression , stress , phobias and delusions, which are all symptoms of neurosis.
22. Loss of Hearing and Eyesight
Using headphones and ear buds can cause people to lose their hearing over time. Likewise, straining your eyes looking at computer and device screens can cause people to need glasses much earlier in life.