Does the Internet Ruin Communications?

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The Internet was only created about thirty years ago, yet it is has incorporated itself into the daily life of nearly everyone. One of the most conventional uses for the Internet is communication. Most cannot live a day without using the Internet to communicate with others; co-workers, peers, and family. Several embrace this technology by enjoying the ability to communicate with others where ever they are, whether they are at home, work, or even school. Communicating on the Internet can be used to make new friends, maintain long distance relationships and absorb thoughts that others share to become more intelligent. Some disagree with such constant use of the Internet, stating it isolates people, makes them dumber, and can be a danger to anyone.
Certain individuals have a difficult time making new friends, either because they are shy, or just because society has deemed them to be “different” or “weird”. The Internet helps individuals overcome those barriers while socializing on the Internet. Most use social networking sites such as: Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr. According to the supporters of social networking, these websites allow teenagers to socialize and make friends with peers they normally would not approach (Social Network Websites, n.d.). It seems their shyness melts away behind a computer screen and they are able to have any identity they want, and even find others with the same interests. On the other hand, it is argued that the Internet is dangerous. Sexual predators and pedophiles can join social networking sites too easily, and use websites to entice minors into meeting them in person. It is also argued that spending too much time on the Internet can stunt social growth (Social Network Websites, n.d.). The amount ...

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Rhea, Dave, “Social Media Magnifies Internet Addiction,” Journal Record (Oklahoma), Nov. 24, 2009. Retrieved March 20, 2014 from, http://archives.cnn.com
Russell, Frank Michael, (2010, March 15). “Google and the Web Make Us Smarter, 3 Out of 4 Experts Agree,” San Jose (California) Mercury News, Retrieved Feb. 19, 2010.
Schaefer, Richard T.. "The Mass Media." Sociology: a brief introduction. 13th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2012. 153. Print.
Social Network Websites. Retrieved March 23, 2014, from Issues & Controversies database.
Vigdor, Jacob L., and Helen F. Ladd, (June 2010). “Scaling the Digital Divide: Home Computer Technology and Student Achievement,” National Bureau of Economic Research, Retrieved March 21 2014, from www.nber.org/papers/w16078.pdf.

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