2006-09-30 15:08:57 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
They are beginning to do studies on this and, as is the case in most studies, so far the results appear to be conflicting and contradictory. Whatever the outcome of these studies, in my opinion the positive aspects far outweigh the negative aspects. It can be addictive, but so are a lot of things and an addictive personality will always find something to be addicted to whether it be the internet, television, sports or even work - to name a few "positive" addictions. It can be said that it is a solitary pursuit, but so is reading and more so. I love to read and you can usually find me with my nose buried in a book. And although I said a solitary pursuit you can connect with other people, if you so choose. I still find it fascinating that you can connect so easily with people from all over the world.
The internet has so much to offer - whatever knowledge you seek is easily accessible - it's a great educational tool and an important and indispensable tool in the workplace. It brings communication to a new level, whether it's just an email to a loved one or friend, or participating in a chat, or joining a group of people with similar interests as your own and sharing your opinions or concerns, or just having fun. It can even be therapeutic because in such an anonymous environment there is more freedom of expression - just like sometimes telling your problems to a stranger can be more beneficial to you than telling a friend - the fears that usually inhibit you, whatever they may be - fear of judgment, fear of rejection, vulnerability, etc., are gone. In this sense, anonymity does have it's appeal.
Of course the internet like any other medium can and will be abused, that's just the nature of the beast we call the human race. But when all is said and done, in my humble opinion, I think the pros far outweigh the cons and if the internet does contribute to the social isolation of people it does so to a minor degree and for the most part to a positive effect.
2006-10-01 02:31:39 · answer #1 · answered by Scottie 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hi friend- Yes and no. It is a matter of seeking balance in relationship with man and the machines. The internet is a tremendous information repository that can be used to simplify many work applications. Many people use the internet for honest communication and others hide behind it for devious agendas. Social isolation results when man lives too much in a fantasy world and less in the real world. My brain has had enough for today. Goodnight, sleep tight.
2006-09-30 22:32:23 · answer #2 · answered by SunFun 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In many ways yes. It adds another layer of insulation between people. I think that technology, in general, contributes to to this trend. People who walk around tuned into their i-Pods have tuned out the rest of the world.
15 years ago, I was a very prolific letter writer. Between e-mail and unlimited cell phone minutes I don't write letters anymore. The only exception is if I have to compose a letter for business that requires the benefits that snail mail provides.
2006-10-01 17:43:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No more so than television. And, unlike television, the Internet can be consistently educational. I said CAN be. About the only thing I find really objectionable about the Internet is the anonymity it provides people who access interactive sites so that they can make statements and use language that they wouldn't dare use publicly.
2006-09-30 22:23:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, just the opposite, I have chatted with people across the globe and without this I never had that opportunity, for example.
2006-09-30 22:28:41 · answer #5 · answered by AJ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, but it definitely has made the world smaller. We are now more open to everything and every culture on the world wide web. People meet their soul mates on this thing.
2006-09-30 22:25:40 · answer #6 · answered by po8t1 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
you know, yes in some respects....but I can say I have met some really great people on here (oh, yes, you Rainbow) that has replaced the isolation that was here before.....
2006-09-30 23:29:38 · answer #7 · answered by badgurl 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ironically enough, i think yes. the internet is supposed to give us another way to connect, but often to tap into that, we have to disconnect (socially) to plug in. sad, but true.
2006-09-30 22:25:54 · answer #8 · answered by truth seeker 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
go to a club and ask somebody
2006-09-30 22:24:06 · answer #9 · answered by bob d 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋