internet impact on social interaction

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Social Impacts of Internet
The internet has become an essential tool for communication, business, and popular culture in almost all parts of the globe. Communications based on computer mediation has a broad range of supporters as well as critics. Some people hold the notion that the internet is resulting in isolation, impersonal communications, and loss of privacy. On the other hand, others hold the opinion that the internet is a pedagogical tool that can change the way public education is conducted (Bargh & Katelyn 578). However, studies have revealed that the internet is an impartial social tool that has more than a few positive possibilities. Nonetheless, the amazing growth and expansion of Internet are not without issues.
Of primary significant is the probable impact of computer-mediated communications and internet on the quality and nature of social interactions on the young population. In the contemporary world, it is clearly seen that individuals are spending a significant amount of their time on the internet. This has as well significantly reduced the amount of time they spend with real people. While the internet has massively brought communication to a whole new level, it has also detrimentally impacted on the type and amount of social interaction that occurs. Studies indicate that social media has become an excellent place for people who are introverts to find comfort when they are communicating or interacting with other people.

In terms of improved communication, internet benefits can clearly be seen because loads of individuals are connected all around the world. Communication in the past was only probable by mail or phones, which involved expense and considerably a lot of time. Moreover, such kind of communication typically meant just being in touch with individuals who already knew each other. However, the invention of internet dramatically transformed communication. Email and Social network sites such as MSN and Facebook and email have come up with online communities globally, and they have adopted communication between individuals and nations, something that would not have been foreseen in the near past.
On the contrary, there is no doubt that the internet has as well resulted in negative effects on social interaction. The Younger generation has particularly been affected since they spend a lot of time online and on forums chatting with their peer and other people (Bargh & Katelyn 573). While this can be helpful, it is clearly not the same as physical interaction with people and no same skills are involved. The most important thing is that kids make and maintain actual friendships for them to improve their individual, interpersonal skills. Additionally, when individuals take most of their time chatting online as opposed to interacting in their neighborhood, the local communities can negatively be affected. This can result in the isolation feelings for those people lacking ‘actual’ people to see when a problem crops up.
In conclusion, it is evident that the internet has been unquestionably been helpful. However, there are indicators are there to show that the internet has also brought about major concerns in the society. Hence, it is vital that balance is struck between individuals’ online life and their contact with actual people. People must continue to use social networks in a more constructive manner in order to help the society since it is clear that the internet can enhance or harm individuals’ social life as well as their social skills. Essentially, it is vital to assess how the Internet impacts people socially.
Work Cited
Bargh, John A., and Katelyn YA McKenna. “The Internet and social life.” Annu. Rev.
Psychol. 55 (2004): 573-590.