- Journal List
- Acta Inform Med
- v.24(1); 2016 Feb
- PMC4789623
Acta Inform Med. 2016 Feb; 24(1): 66–68.
Published online 2016 Feb 2. doi:10.5455/aim.2016.24.66-68
PMCID: PMC4789623
PMID: 27041814
Marianna Diomidous,1 Kostis Chardalias,1 Adrianna Magita,1 Panagiotis Koutonias,1 Paraskevi Panagiotopoulou,1 and John Mantas1
Author information Article notes Copyright and License information Disclaimer
Abstract
Background and Aims:
Over the past two decades there was an upsurge of the use of Internet in human life. With this continuous development, Internet users are able to communicate with any part of the globe, to shop online, to use it as a mean of education, to work remotely and to conduct financial transactions. Unfortunately, this rapid development of the Internet has a detrimental impact in our life, which leads to various phenomena such as cyber bullying, cyber porn, cyber suicide, Internet addiction, social isolation, cyber racism etc. The main purpose of this paper is to record and analyze all these social and psychological effects that appears to users due to the extensive use of the Internet.
Materials and Methods:
This review study was a thorough search of bibliography data conducted through Internet and library research studies. Key words were extracted from search engines and data bases including Google, Yahoo, Scholar Google, PubMed.
Findings:
The findings of this study showed that the Internet offers a quick access to information and facilitates communication however; it is quite dangerous, especially for young users. For this reason, users should be aware of it and face critically any information that is handed from the website
Keywords: Internet, Social Network, Cyberbullying, Cyber racism, Internet Addiction, Internet Risks, Online scams
1. INTRODUCTION
It is an undeniable fact that both computers and the Internet have become one of the most important achievements of modern society. They bring their own revolution in human daily life (science, education, information, entertainment etc) eliminating the distances and offering immediate and easily access to information and communication. With the continuous development of new technologies, the Internet users are able to communicate anywhere in the world to shop online, use it as an educational tool, work remotely and carry out financial transactions with various services offered by banks. The infinite possibilities that are offered by the Internet can often lead users to abuse it, or to use it for malicious purposes against other users, organizations and public services. With the rapid spread and growth of the Internet, they have appeared some social phenomena such as cyberbullying, internet pornography, grooming through social networks, cybersuicide, Internet addiction and social isolation, racism on the web. Moreover, there is always the risk of any sort of fraud exploitation by the so called experts of technology systems who use Internet as a mean to carry out illegal acts.
Social Networks
The human being is often considered as a “social being.” Therefore, it is no surprise that the Internet is continuously transformed from a simple tool for publishing information to a mean of social interaction and participation. Social networks (1) are characterized as online services that allow individuals to create a public profile within an entrenched net system. Additionally, the users publish a list of other users with whom share a connection and view and interchange their own lists of connections and those who are created by others in the system. Social networks are a set of interactions and relationships. The term is also used today to describe websites that allow interface between users sharing reviews, photos and other information. The most famous of these websites are Facebook, Twitter, My Space, Skype, OoVoo, LinkedIn, Tumblr, YouTube, TripAdvisor. These websites are virtual communities where people can communicate and develop contacts through them.
A social network is a social structure made up for a number of factors, such as individuals or organizations. On the internet, social networks are a platform that is maintained for the creation of social relations between people, usually as active members of the social network, with common interests or activities.
Social networking sites are organized sites on the web with more centered character providing in their overwhelming majority, a series of basic and free services such as creating profiles, uploading pictures and videos, commenting on actions taken by other members of the network or group, instant messaging and other more
Internet Risks
Social networking is an amazing technological phenomenon of the 21st century. Social networking websites allow each user to create and design a personal website, using graphics, color, music, pictures and give it a unique character. This activity is particularly popular among young people and does not require specific technical knowledge. On these websites, users through their virtual profile work interactively with other users, publishing photos and videos, join groups of common interests, publish and exchange their artistic creations, visit pages of other users and use a variety of applications. The Internet is a powerful tool in our hands, but if it is not used properly can put someone in a very risky situation. The challenge of the Internet is to be able to recognize potential hazards, to know how to prevent the risks and create options to avoid and terminate them.
The most significant problems that may be found in the social networking sites are:
Online Grooming (2), describes the behavior that tries to inspire confidence to the young user, so that to be able to perform a secret meeting with the user. The sexual abuse of the victim, physical violence or child prostitution and abuse through pornography may be the outcome of this meeting which makes it a kind of psychological treatment that is conducted online Another definition says that the «grooming» is a smart handling process, which typically starts without sexual approach, but is designed to entice the victim to sexual encounter. Moreover, sometimes is characterized as a seduction to highlight the slow and gradual process of disclosure of information from the younger user and build a relationship of trust.
Cyberbullying (3) is an aggressive behavior using electronic means. Such behaviors can make young people feel lonely, unhappy and frightened, to feel insecure and think that something is wrong. They lose confidence in their selves and may not want to go back to school or try to find ways to be isolated from their friends. Furthermore, in extreme cases, continuous, persistent and intense bullying has led to terrible consequences such as suicide intent. Harassment among children and adolescents may occur in very different forms not only manifested through roughhouse and aggression, but also through different types of intimidation that leaves the victim exposed.
Cybersuicide (4) describes the suicide or the attempt of suicide, which is influenced by the Internet. The Cybersuicide has caught the attention of the scientific community from the time that the recorded incidents of suicide are growing over the internet. It has been suggested that the use of the internet and specifically that the websites about suicide can promote suicide and thereby contribute to increasing rates of Cybersuicide. People who do not know each other come together and meet online and then they are gathered in a certain place in order to commit suicide together. Apart from committing suicide on the internet there is the case of users who commit this act while they are connected to the Internet: “committing suicide in real time via webcam”. In response to the above and other similar cases, the issue of the impact of the Internet in facilitating suicide has begun to be actively discussed. On a practical level, the scientific research regarding the Cybersuicide is still in a native stage, and the empirical evidence that the Internet has contributed to the increase of suicides is currently minimal. However, the Internet bears some features that allow someone to assume that a user can facilitate the act of committing suicide.
Cyber Racism (5) refers to the phenomenon of online racism. The expression of racism on the internet is common and frequent and is facilitate by the anonymity which is offered by the internet. Racism may be expressed through racist websites, photos videos, comments and messages on social networks.
Internet addiction (6) is a relatively new form of dependency, which is under review by the scientific community. Essentially it refers to the increasing number of people who report more and more involvement with the Internet to raise the feeling of satisfaction and a systematic increase in the time spent for pumping this feeling. The Internet addiction although not officially recognized as a clinical entity is a condition that causes significant reduction in the social and professional or academic functioning of the individual. Experts of mental health are increasingly invited to approach therapeutically people with problematic Internet use.
Online scams: (7) the internet facilitates electronic transactions, every day for millions of people and businesses and arrange their economic works through the net. As a matter of fact, it is necessary that the navigation on websites that include transactions should be performed with extreme caution and with confidence that they have been taken into account the forthcoming legislation and the compulsory insurance transaction regarding personal data. The most common scam is the method of Phising. It comes from combining the words password (code) and fishing (fishing). This is a particularly smart technique for economic deception through revealing both the personal data and in particular information concerning financial transactions. Misled unsuspecting users may disclose personal information to a fake form on the Internet. Evidence of the faked victim are double crossed and used for gaining access to personal data.
Electronic Gambling, [8] with the term Electronic Gambling can be identified the activity during which two or more people meet online to exchange bets. Such activity involves the risk of real financial loss or gain. One of the main problems of gambling is loss of money. This can lead to lose ones’ savings, home, or property etc. Many people become addicted and they cannot stop thinking that during the next round will get their money back. Therefore, wasting a lot of money one can waste considerable time in parallel, neglecting existing obligations with all the other ensuing consequences of the addiction. It is found that even the frequent attendance in gambling environments where there is no use of real money, can cause addiction. The ease of access to online gambling websites increases the risks of engagement of young adults in such activities.
Physical problems associated with the use of Computers: The ever-increasing use of computers has a negative impact on the health of users affecting various systems and causing physical and mental problems. Due to these problems there is a discrepancy on the body functionality of some user’s system with consequent changes in their quality of life. The most important of these problems affect the following systems: a) The ophthalmology system, b) The nervous system, c) The musculoskeletal system, d) Headaches, e) Tendency to obesity.
Internet Security: Used as a tremendous source of information and services the Internet should filter the bulk of such information, so that would never be accepted without criticism. Some readily provided information seeking valid practices and technique are listed below:
Search of information sources by using valid techniques
Assessment of the information provided
Disclosure of information provided for ideological or economic benefits
Safe management of electronic transactions
Protection from potential online scams
2. METHODS
This review study was conducted through bibliographical search of national and international research articles relevant to the subject matter. The Social network sites are increasingly attracting the attention of academic and industry researchers intrigued by their affordances and reach. Research has indicated that social networking internet sites are being used extensively by young adolescents and adults. As a matter of fact, some communications are of an improper and illegal nature, in which personal information is gathered to facilitate financial fraud, child grooming and new type of racist culture. All of the above are possible in cyberspace.
3. RESULTS
The spread of the Internet and the growing influence of it to such an extent as to constitute a dominant element in the lives of users, led to the exploration of the consequences that may cause the frequent usage of the internet in the physical and mental development of both young people and adults. Among the multitude of parameters that make up this new and constantly evolving situation are the exposure of users to propaganda and racist ideas. Additionally, Internet may offer inappropriate material and misleading ideas that medicate suicide as a solution. Internet addiction may be causes by the online gambling and various other forms of gambling for users over the Internet. Especially the younger users bear a high risk from exposure to the online world through social networks, as the new phenomena that have appeared such as seduction online, cyberbullying, cheating by hidden advertising messages, etc. greatly influence their psychology and emotional development and often irreversibly stigmatize them forever. Furthermore, the development and the spread of the Internet transformed and modernized the definition of scam. Once users began to use plastic money for transactions conducted solely on the Internet appeared the cases of extortion of money by deceit, through the theft and use of personal data of users. Although frauds have always existed, the abolition of personal contact and the extermination of geographical boundaries provided an opportunity to grow.
4. DISCUSSION
Questions arise about how certain personality characteristics and up to which point the social and family situation and the existing of psychiatric disorders may affect the use of the Internet and may lead to the misuse of it. Excessive use of the Internet has both internal and external effects for users. The internal output is the psychological and emotional sector and personality problems that may arise, such as reduced psychological wellbeing for excessive users according to research findings. The external influence refers to the functionality of the user and the problems associated with reduced activities in real life and minimal to non- existent interaction with the social environment. The excessive use of Internet may lead to poor relationships with friends and family, lack of interest in daily life and neglect of domestic, academic, professional and other responsibilities that gradually lead to a discount of the quality of life. Besides the above mentioned risks of inappropriate Internet usage the benefits of the Internet are numerous and contribute to progress to the human well-being in all areas. It offers a quick access to information and facilitates communication, providing entertainment, education and assistance in medical issues. Unfortunately, it offers anonymity that can make it equally dangerous, especially for young users. For this reason, users should be aware of and ensure the proper use of the Internet so it will not adversely affect their personal lives and their prosperity.
According to this more and more mental health professionals and other specialists are invited to work with people who have problems related to poor or excessive use of the Internet. There are now organized multilateral efforts to address the social and psychological effects of the Internet on a global and national level, implemented by public and private bodies. Campaigns, discussions at schools, advertising campaigns in mass media, sessions for information and sensitization parents and teachers on the safety and security of the Internet. Additional complaint lines and counseling–psychological support work are functioning around the clock for users to prevent scams, gambling, cybercuiside, cyberbullying and cyber grooming
5. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, one would say that the Internet benefits are numerous and contribute to the progress and prosperity of humans in all areas. It offers quick access to information and facilitates communications. However, Internet is provided in abundance and is easily accessible and the illogical use of the Internet makes it be quite dangerous, especially for young users. For this reason, users should be aware of and face critically the information handed at the websites, so that to ensure a proper behavior and delimit the excessive use it of it. The result will be to never appear any effect that will endanger the personal welfare of the users. As a matter of fact the logical use and the maintain balance are the key to maximizing the benefits of the Internet.
Footnotes
• Author’s contribution: author and all co-authors of this paper have contributed in all phases if it’s preparing. Final proof reading was made by first author.
• Conflict of Interest: No conflict of interest was declared by the authors.
REFERENCES
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4. Biddle L, Derges J, Mars B, Heron J, Donovan J, Potokar J, Piper M, Wyllie C, Gunnell D. Suicide and the Internet: Changes in the accessibility of suicide-related information between 2007 and 2014. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2016 Jan;190:370–5. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
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Articles from Acta Informatica Medica are provided here courtesy of Academy of Medical Sciences of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
FAQs
What are some of the psychological effects of computer and internet usage? ›
Several studies have confirmed the association between excessive Internet usage and anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and physical activity [9, 10, 15]. Further, poor mental health and low physical activity can negatively affect subjective health status [5].
How does the internet affect a person's personality and psychological state? ›In the past few years internet addiction (IA) and internet gaming disorder (IGD) have become very frequent, leading to many personality and psychiatric disorders including low self-esteem, impulsivity, poor sleep quality, mood disorder, and suicide.
What are the effects of too much use of internet? ›Long-term effects are seen more in the physical symptoms such as backache, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and vision problems from staring at the screen. It can also lead to bankruptcy, especially if the time spent online is focused on shopping, gambling and gaming.
What are the positive and negative things about the internet? ›- The Pros.
- Boost connectivity. The internet is a global networking platform and the guiding light of today's technology. ...
- Enhanced communication. ...
- Promote education. ...
- The Cons.
- Social life problems. ...
- Cybercrimes. ...
- Developmental effects.
What are the effects of technology? It has both positive and negative effect. Some of them are increasing satisfaction, better communication channels, eliminating geographical boundaries and some negatives are obesity, health issues, sleep problems, etc.
What negative effects has the internet had on our social lives? ›The Negative Impacts of the Internet on Society include:
It can be addicting and it can hurt our communication skills. Extended screen time can result in health ramifications like insomnia, eyestrain, and increased anxiety and depression. Using the Dark Web to trade stolen material and data.
Background. Internet addiction is a common problem in university students and negatively affects cognitive functioning, leads to poor academic performance and engagement in hazardous activities, and may lead to anxiety and stress. Behavioral addictions operate on a modified principle of the classic addiction model.
How does social media affect our psychology? ›However, multiple studies have found a strong link between heavy social media and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts. Social media may promote negative experiences such as: Inadequacy about your life or appearance.
How does social media affect stress and anxiety? ›Using it activates the brain's reward center by releasing dopamine, a “feel-good chemical” linked to pleasurable activities such as sex, food, and social interaction. The platforms are designed to be addictive and are associated with anxiety, depression, and even physical ailments.
What are the causes and effects of social media addiction? ›CAUSES AND PROFILE OF PEOPLE ADDICTED TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Amongst the most widely-recognised causes of addiction to social media are low self-esteem, personal dissatisfaction, depression and hyperactivity, and even lack of affection, a deficiency that adolescents frequently try to replace with the famous likes.
What are the negative effects of internet on teenagers? ›
Children who spend too much time using online media can be at risk for a type of additive behavior called problematic internet use. Heavy video gamers are at risk for Internet gaming disorder. They spend most of their free time online and show less interest in offline or real-life relationships.
What are the effects of Internet addiction essay? ›Many internet addicts develop anxiety issues and depression. This hampers their personal and professional growth. Their physical health also deteriorates. They can incur health problems like obesity, heart condition, and hypertension.
What are the benefits of internet to students? ›- Online, Open and Free Education. ...
- Study Relevant Material and Research Partner. ...
- Reliable mode of Communication between Teachers and Students both. ...
- Cloud Services. ...
- Cheap and Convenient.
The internet helps us with facts and figures, information and knowledge for personal, social and economic development. There are many uses of the internet, however, the use of the internet in our daily life depends on individual requirements and goals.
What are the 10 uses of internet? ›- Electronic mail. At least 85% of the inhabitants of cyberspace send and receive e-mail. ...
- Research.
- Downloading files.
- Discussion groups. ...
- Interactive games. ...
- Education and self-improvement. ...
- Friendship and dating. ...
- Electronic newspapers and magazines.
Technology affects almost every aspect of 21st century life, from transport efficiency and safety to access to food and healthcare, socialization and productivity. The power of the internet has enabled global communities to form, and ideas and resources to be shared more easily.
How does technology affect human behavior? ›It affects society at large. People tend to believe more in such misinformation than following print media that provides genuine and verified information. Content available in media molds the opinion of the society. Sometimes it brings a change in how we behave with others and how we judge them.
What are the positive effects of technology on communication? ›Technology Smoothens Communication
The impact technology has made on our ability to contact one another is obvious (mail, telegrams, phone calls, emails, text, etc.); however, technology has also made it possible to share content with similar ease.
If the use of social media is not monitored, it can lead to grave consequences. It is harmful because it invades your privacy like never before. The oversharing happening on social media makes children a target for predators and hackers. It also leads to cyberbullying which affects any person significantly.
How has the internet changed social Behaviour? ›The Internet has also changed the way we interact with our family, friends, and life partners. Now everyone is connected to everyone else in a simpler, more accessible, and more immediate way; we can conduct part of our personal relationships using our laptops, smart phones, and tablets.
Has internet positively or negatively affected human society? ›
For most people, it would be impossible to operate efficiently if the internet was not there to provide quick and effective communication. However, the internet has contributed to some negative outcomes in society due to its attributes of efficiency and ease of information provision.
How can we prevent internet addiction? ›Set time limits for usage. Try to shorten your Internet sessions. Use external shut down devices on your computer and phone. Completely stop using certain applications, or use applications that can limit your time online.
What are the disadvantages of internet essay? ›10 Lines on Disadvantages of Internet Essay
People should be careful while using the internet for its drawbacks. The internet gives rise to trolling, cyberbullying, stalking, etc. Some people are involved in cybercrimes. Online fraud, identity theft, scamming, hacking, stealing data, etc.
Past studies have found that students who spend more time on social media sites are likely to demonstrate poor academic performance. This is because they spend time chatting online and making friends on social media sites instead of reading books.
How social media Affects students mental health? ›Social media use can lead to low quality sleep and harm mental health. It has associations with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Many people in today's world live with their smartphones as virtual companions.
How social media affects quality of life? ›Emotion. Multiple studies have shown that unlimited use of social media causes stress, bad moods and negative mental health. Many people wake up in the morning and immediately check their Instagram, Snapchat or Twitter.
Is social media helpful or harmful? ›Although there are important benefits, social media can also provide platforms for bullying and exclusion, unrealistic expectations about body image and sources of popularity, normalization of risk-taking behaviors, and can be detrimental to mental health.
How does social media affect teenagers mental health? ›Social media harms
However, social media use can also negatively affect teens, distracting them, disrupting their sleep, and exposing them to bullying, rumor spreading, unrealistic views of other people's lives and peer pressure. The risks might be related to how much social media teens use.
Researchers believe that since social media competes for your attention with the promise of continuous new content, heavy social media users become less able to ignore distraction in general, which leads to poorer cognitive performance and shrinks parts of the brain associated with maintaining concentration.
Why students are addicted to social media? ›The rush of dopamine to the brain as a result of positive feedback creates a type of high. This begins a cycle of desire for the teen to recreate that positive feeling. More posting, checking and watching are a result. Studies suggest that teens with social media addictions are more likely to develop other addictions.
What are some examples of social media addiction? ›
- The first thing you do in the morning is check social media. ...
- You check social media during the work day. ...
- You are anxious when you cannot check your social media. ...
- You are constantly checking how your posts perform… ...
- You spend a lot of time overthinking and planning your posts.
While it can provide a platform for your teenagers to express themselves, develop social skills, etc., it can also have some negative effects–instilling false messages, false beliefs, violent behavior, spending too much time in front of a screen may cause health and development issues.
How does internet addiction affect children? ›Technology negatively impacts kids if they spend so much time on screens that they skimp on eating, sleeping, doing their homework, or spending time with friends and families. Research suggests that heavy social media use can also be a risk factor for anxiety and depression in teenagers.
How does the internet affect children? ›Technology can negatively affect children's developing social skills, relationships, health, and overall ability to focus. developing their social skills. This can lead to more children being socially awkward, withdrawn, shy, or intimidated by social situations.
Why are people addicted to the Internet? ›Like addictive behaviors, excessive internet use has been shown to release dopamine in the brain. This means people effectively feel a “high” when engaged on online — but it also means they can feel “withdrawal symptoms” when they're offline.
How does internet addiction affect the brain? ›Internet addiction alters the volume of the brain. The brain changes are similar to those produced by alcohol and cocaine addiction. IAD shrinks the brain's gray and white matter fibers which results in changes to emotional processing and brain functioning.
What is the conclusion of internet addiction? ›We need to remember that internet addiction is serious and not let something like that take over our lives. We also need remember how important it is to socialize with friends and family in the “real world," and how important it is to have physical contact with others which we cannot have in an online relationship.
How does internet affect your life advantages and disadvantages? ›The Internet's drawbacks can't be overlooked any longer as numerous teenagers are affected by Internet Addiction Disorder, then many ladies became online shopaholics. Internet Addiction Disorder: Internet addiction is detrimental to not only fitness but also psychological state.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of internet in education? ›The Internet can e.g. motivate the students, make teaching more fun, and allows variation in teaching. Four major drawbacks of the use of the Internet were reported by the teachers, viz. students' cheating, unreliable information, technical problems, and students' extracurricular activities during lessons.
What is the importance of internet essay? ›Without access to the internet, the ability to share thoughts and ideas across the globe would have been just a dream. Today we can talk to people all over the globe only because of services like email, messenger, etc that are heavily reliant on the internet.
What are the 5 uses of internet? ›
- Email.
- Sharing of files.
- Watch movies and songs.
- Research purpose.
- News.
Thanks to the internet, we can communicate with one another more fluidly than at any other time in history. We can instantly share photos, post news stories, and just chat with friends, family, and colleagues from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
How is internet used today? ›It enables the users to send, receive, collect, store, update, delete, and more. Internet usage is expanding its boundaries every day. A few of the Internet's major uses are e-commerce, e-learning, knowledge sharing, social connectivity, etc. So, in this topic, we are going to learn about what are the uses of internet.
What is internet explain? ›The Internet is a global network of billions of computers and other electronic devices. With the Internet, it's possible to access almost any information, communicate with anyone else in the world, and do much more. You can do all of this by connecting a computer to the Internet, which is also called going online.
How does technology affect us psychologically? ›Social comparison, feelings of missing out, and cyberbullying all stem from the content we see online. These negative impacts lead to more depression and anxiety. Our bodies experience the negative effects of technology, too. More screen time can disrupt sleep, especially if this screen time is before bed.
How does technology affect users psychology? ›Social media and mobile devices may lead to psychological and physical issues, such as eyestrain and difficulty focusing on important tasks. They may also contribute to more serious health conditions, such as depression. The overuse of technology may have a more significant impact on developing children and teenagers.
What are the negative effects of internet on students? ›- Lower Attention Span. ...
- Minimized Social Interaction. ...
- Increased Aggression. ...
- Health Problems. ...
- Reduced Sleep Quality.
So it may make us more easily distractible because it reduces our ability to ignore distractions. In addition to its negative effects on cognition, excess internet use has been associated with a higher risk for depression and anxiety, and can make us feel isolated and/or overwhelmed.
How social media affects mental health? ›However, multiple studies have found a strong link between heavy social media and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts. Social media may promote negative experiences such as: Inadequacy about your life or appearance.
How does technology affect social skills? ›Technology can negatively affect children's developing social skills, relationships, health, and overall ability to focus. developing their social skills. This can lead to more children being socially awkward, withdrawn, shy, or intimidated by social situations.
What are Negative Impact of social media? ›
Social media harms
However, social media use can also negatively affect teens, distracting them, disrupting their sleep, and exposing them to bullying, rumor spreading, unrealistic views of other people's lives and peer pressure. The risks might be related to how much social media teens use.
Research participants who used social media excessively were found to have higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a biological marker of chronic inflammation that predicts serious illnesses, such as diabetes, certain cancers and cardiovascular disease.
How does technology affect our lives essay? ›It has made education accessible to all, and has improved healthcare services. Technology has made the world smaller and a better place to live. Without technology, fulfilling human needs would be a difficult task. Before advent of technology, human beings were still fulfilling their needs.
What are the 10 uses of internet? ›- Electronic mail. At least 85% of the inhabitants of cyberspace send and receive e-mail. ...
- Research.
- Downloading files.
- Discussion groups. ...
- Interactive games. ...
- Education and self-improvement. ...
- Friendship and dating. ...
- Electronic newspapers and magazines.
The impact of internet on education
Proper use of online learning can improve the quality of educational resources while also allowing educators to prepare lessons and letting students broaden their scope of learning. It lets educators analyze a student's individual needs and tailor lessons to match them accordingly.
People are more likely to remember experiences that they post about on social media. This is called “the mnemonic effect” of social media on autobiographical memories—where the memory of the event is facilitated by social media.
How social media affects our attention span? ›Social media has taken over our attention spans through quick and instant gratification, affecting our brains' ability to focus on anything else we feel is less interesting. Fortunately, while this issue is so widespread, there are ways to combat it.
How many people use the internet? ›As of 2022, there are 4.9 billion active internet users worldwide. That's 62% of the world's total population. Only 361 million people used the internet worldwide in 2000 (6% of the world's population at the time). A whopping 93% of Americans currently use the internet.