The gift and the curse of the internet to young society


Even to people today who grew up in this technologically savvy age, sometimes the Internet feels like magical gizmo! I know that for members of young society, many of our parents and grandparents remain in awe of the wonders that can be done and seen on the web. Some of them are even apprehensive towards the internet. Maybe they have good reason to be... We have arrived at the point where one can sit at home on their laptop or computer and still be connected to the rest of the world. We have the ability to express ourselves and share ideas at the click of a button. For most colleges in the U.S the Internet is used as an essential learning tool. At the school which I attend currently - the University of Arizona - without access to the Internet I believe it is impossible to pass any class (let me know if you have achieved this incredible feat!). Beyond education the Internet is utilized by this generation to find jobs and to buy or sell products or services. Online shopping is a rapidly increasing market because of its convenience and speed. Nevertheless the biggest use of the Internet by young society today is as a social platform. The Internet provides the opportunity to connect with friends and family regardless of proximity; it also gives people the ability to create a new identity for themselves. Whether it is on a social site such as Facebook or twitter, one can adopt the persona of whomever one pleases. Virtual online worlds have recently become popular. In these domains people can actually live out their fantasies; pursue areas of life they feel they are unable to in reality. Normally I would say this is harmless. It's fun to escape reality from time to time and dream about 'what if' scenarios. But then i think back to my high-school days. I was fortunate enough to experience high-school in both New Zealand and the United States. Through those years I realized that a lot of kids struggle to find their identity during their teenage years. I think every single one of us has a personal story about either themselves or someone they knew that changed dramatically in high-school, or bounced  from clique to clique trying to figure out if they were a nerd, jock, Barbie or whatever other group that existed at the school. This is a natural process that varies in time from person to person. Some people figure it out early and become comfortable in their own skin, while others take much, much longer to settle into a niche. Regardless, looking back at the struggle we all went through bring back memories. Whether painful or joyful, these make us who we are. In my opinion the social aspect of the internet might make this process more difficult. Instead of focusing on discovering their identity (or purpose) teenagers are now obsessed with how they can look 'cool' online and fit in as well as how they can look 'cool' offline and fit in! (sounds stressful!!). Now there is competition on how many friends one has on Facebook, or who has the most followers on twitter. Except unlike in real life, on the internet you can pretend to be anyone. From the outside looking in, it is difficult to see through all the clutter and learn who someone really is. More importantly sometimes one can lose sight of themselves and what is truly important.
Would love to hear feedback!!

Comments

  1. Well said, you were able to meticulously give an insight to the various benefits of the internet. It has definitely made a huge impact in the society today be it economical, political, social and even the terms of unity(sharing of ideas from people of different cultural backgrounds). We just have to realize that the internet could be a double edge sword. Though it might have several of these benefits and advantages that impact our lives in one way or the other, there are also problems that accompany these circumstance. We just have to procure a balance so we do not get sucked into this medium called "the internet". Living life in my opinion is taking risks, experiences news things, learning from experiences and making an impact around the people around you. Of course the internet can be used as a tool to guide one through life and discover information but it should not control how your life plays out rather you control your life and use it as an edge.

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  2. I agree with both of you. Not only can the internet affect our identity as a young person, it can also affect the identity of adults. Many employers scope out possible employees by looking up their twitter and facebook accounts to try and identify what kind of people they are. Because of this I think it is essential to be cautious about how we portray ourselves on social media/internet and ensure we always try to portray ourselves in a positive light. For sure the internet is also a double edged sword, with its benefits and pitfalls, hence we must be wary. But we must also use it as a medium to achieve our goals, connect with family, create business ideas, and keep up to date with the current news in our ever changing world and dynamic civlisation.

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  3. Well done Tolu. I would expand your idea to include, not only the internet (specifically social media), but also computer games and net services like Netflix. These are like vacuum cleaners for time and creativity. Its so easy to spend hours attached to a computer, and not notice time flitting away. I've seen young people spend a whole day, only removing themselves from the screen to eat or perhaps to answer a text message! When I try to bring it to their attention they flatly deny that there's any problem. In the mean time, the days of their youth are disappearing and opportunities for productive activity are gone. Its a sad waste of potential and, as you point out, a shadow life that can crumble under real-life circumstances.

    This issue of identity is an important one. Where does our identity lie? As already mentioned, online identity is a shadow into which more and more people are retreating. But who am I when I'm alone, without a screen, and without props? If all the external wrappings of identity are taken away, who am I? The answer to this question doesn't lie within - it is not intrinsic, waiting to be drawn out. Identity is something we each must search for and find. And often we don't realize it until we understand that the edifices we construct around our lives are nothing but smoke and mirrors. That Infinite Good who is external to self, not subject to whim or change, who provides a fixed point on the horizon of our lives; He is the source of identity, meaning and purpose. God is our refuge and strength; an ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight (Prov 3:5-6). Seek the Lord while He may be found, call on Him while He is near (Isaiah 55:6).

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