The Internet Has Seen The World More Connected Than Ever Before

The pressure and fear of what teenagers perceive to be the consequences of not staying connected only exacerbates their usage. On the average, teenagers send and receive up to 30 texts a day (Lenhart, 2015). The next age group, those between 19-26, who are balancing school with work have been shown to use the internet more frequently when compared to other age groups. Research shows, when comparing age groups from 16-74, that those between the ages of 19-25 were the most frequent users with over 90% saying they used, at a minimum, the internet on a daily basis (Thomée et al., 2012). Patterns have shown that those who use internet technology on a more frequent basis are more likely to use social media and texting applications at a high rate that is almost the equivalent of all day long (Thomée et al., 2012). Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat are social media applications that both adolescents and young adults use as a high frequency throughout the day. For young adults between the ages of 20-24, their increased usage of internet technology has often been purveyed through the necessity of communication. In some studies, it shows a majority of young adults believe they are expected to be reachable 24 hours a day; hence they never turn off their smartphones (Thomée et al., 2011).

Today’s teens mental and physical health has declined in recent years due to internet use. A study conducted by Pew Research Center in 2015 found that 92% of teens go online daily and 24% of them almost constantly. This amount of internet usage results

In today’s world we are surrounded by information technology and social media, which brings with it many changes in the ways we interact with each other in our daily lives. It now only takes a matter of seconds to connect with someone on the other side of the world in many different forms. While many of these advancements are seen as beneficial, there are a number of concerns regarding the subject. For example, there have been a number of recent studies which have made definite links between social media and mental illnesses, especially in teens and young adults. This can range from addictive use of social media sites, to clinical depression; both of which being very real problems in our society today. It is even said

With this increase in technology, particularly the internet and social media, researchers have begun to question its effects on mental health, particularly anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

Many research projects have suggested that smartphone activity among teens is linked to depression symptoms, “Kids who spend more time online are lonelier than the kids who spend less time online” (Twenge). I disagree with this as being online or on social media gives some kids the feeling of being wanted as they are able to make friends through these platforms. The internet is a popular form of entertainment and in most instances provides teens with something to do. It is a proven fact that suicide rates among teens have spiked throughout generation iGen; however, speaking from experience, my friends and I are often on our smartphones and have never shown any signs of depression or thoughts about self-harm. Twenge states, “Instead of killing each other, teens are beginning to kill themselves.” I somewhat agree with this statement,

Social media has taken over the way that we interact with one another. It is leading the way in which we communicate with family, friends, coworkers and strangers. It is also the way we keep up with our favorite celebrities and gossip. Social media and the use of smartphones are becoming more prevalent in business and the healthcare field as well. According to Pew Research Center, “62% of smartphone owners have used their phone in the past year to look up information about a health condition” (April, 2015). Technology, just like all things come with flaws

“...between 2005 and 2012, 35% of the couples marrying in the US had met online” (González). The internet is used in many ways such as, communicating, posting status updates, and discovering new information. People most commonly argue the internet to be the source of loneliness and depression, whereas others say that it generates more relationships and friends. Electronic devices, such as mobile phones and laptops are utilized in everyday life, whether it be for work, school, personal matters, and in many other ways. It helps promote interactivity and involvement in a community, where you are not alone. It also permits transparent discussions, between friends, family, and others, that are beneficial in everyday life worldwide. Technology does not make us more alone as it gives people the opportunity to meet new people, supplements communications, and aids those who are already lonely.

I am constantly on my phone almost every second of everyday; texting friends, scrolling through Instagram, tweeting, or sending ugly snapchats of myself. All behind a screen, I felt connected to my friends, my followers, and the world. However, I was actually slowly losing my grasp on reality as I indulged myself in the world of social medias. Reality hit when parents came to Wellness Committee with concerns about their children’s overwhelming use of technology. As the Director of the Wellness Committee, this issue became my focus because I realized that constantly being on technology was unhealthy. It was also affecting the connections I made with people in real life; I was always too busy on my phone to make conversation with the those around me. I wanted my peers to be aware of this and to encourage them to disconnect from technology and connect with the real world. Therefore, I organized an informative community block and a no-technology lunch with the Chair of the Wellness Committee.

Attention-getter: What if I told you Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat are bad for your well-being. Many of you won’t believe me or many of you will deny it, because you know it’s true. There are many negative effects from these apps that have found its way into your life whether you have noticed it or not. These apps appear to be fun, convenient, and interactive ways to talk with friends or catch up on the latest trends, but they are not as harmless as they may seem.

Throughout the past century, technology has rapidly evolved and spread to individuals around the world. Electronic devices such as computers, televisions, cell phones, and video games have been incorporated into the everyday lives of human beings. One of the most common electronic device circulating our world are smart phones, which have become customary in today’s society. While smart phones bring us many benefits such as communication, web access, and personal entertainment, their operators do not realize that prolonged use may have several dangerous effects on their health, social behavior, and mental development.

“The use of social networking sites as opposed to face-to-face interaction could lead to major health problems.”

Social media seems to be one of the many hot topics of discussion recently, and consequently many people have the false sense of security that they have a profound knowledge on how it affects the health of the teenage population. A sedentary lifestyle, decreased sleep, as well as other physical health conditions seem to come to mind when one links health and social media. However, there is a much bigger problem that can go unnoticed because it can be impossible to see: the impact it has on mental and emotional health. These branches of health are just as important, and even arguably more important than physical health is. Social media can be utilized to connect with distant friends and express oneself; however, teenagers should refrain from the overuse of social media due to its detrimental effects on their mental and emotional health.

Technology has become a great benefit to us but many people have taken it too far. According to researcher and surveys taken all over the world shows that a large number of people may have become addicted to their technological devices and are not able to make it through a day without their cell phones or other technological devices. Many have concerns that people would rather use these devices than to have a face to face conversation. The addictions of technological devices are on the rise. Although these devices were meant to make our lives easier there have been many problems to arise ranging from health risk, relationship problems, classroom, church, and work interferences. Statistics show that cell

In this case, the study proved that teens and young adults have become obsessed with social networking and has led to many questions if networking is good or bad (Conger, 2010). In 2009, the media expressed that social networking could cause harm to our bodies and brains by “shortening our attention spans” and “weakening our immune systems” (Conger, 2010). Whereas other studies that have been conducted prove the opposite and suggests that teens who spend more time on social networking sites are more likely to be “well-adjusted” and “psychologically” healthy (Healy, 2010). At this point, it’s time to investigate the pros and cons of children being on social networking sites and understand why parents are against social networking and why certain individuals feel that networking is beneficial.

In today’s world Internet has become one of the most important mediums of communication. It has become the lifeline of our survival. It has removed the entire social, economic and physical barrier and has immense effect on our day to day activity.