I have been researching random topics on my free time, and I came across a topic that was more opinion based. I want your opinion on whether the internet isolates you, or makes you more social. I have read many articles about this topic, some of which say that the internet isolates you from real life events, and others that state that it brings people together. Make sure you answer the poll if you wish to share your opinion. Feel free to also comment what you think. Here are two paragraphs from articles I have read that have the two different opinions: "Recent studies by Stanford's SIQSS and Carnegie Mellon HomeNet have shown that increased use of the Internet leads to social isolation and depression. People who spend more time on the Internet spend less time socializing with peers, communicated less within the family and felt more lonely and depressed. However, other studies emerged contradicting these results, suggesting that the Internet actually brings people closer together by bridging geographical barriers." Link: http://cs.stanford.edu/people/eroberts/cs181/projects/2000-01/personal-lives/index.html "Media often report that intense use of the Internet increases the risk of isolation, alienation, and withdrawal from society, but available evidence shows that the Internet neither isolates people nor reduces their sociability; it actually increases sociability, civic engagement, and the intensity of family and friendship relationships, in all cultures. But individuation does not mean isolation, or the end of community. Instead, social relationships are being reconstructed on the basis of individual interests, values, and projects. Community is formed through individuals’ quests for like-minded people in a process that combines online interaction with offline interaction, cyberspace, and the local space. The virtual life is becoming more social than the physical life, but it is less a virtual reality than a real virtually, facilitating real-life work and urban living." Link: https://www.technologyreview.com/s/530566/the-impact-of-the-internet-on-society-a-global-perspective/
After reading this, going with my opinion, it's hard, but I'd say it isolates you. The people we talk to on the internet might not be people we've met in person, but of course, there are some exceptions, but mostly, we just meet people randomly. We're strafing away from our real life friends and family, and just to talk to others on here, or somewhere else. I still do it, but I've made sure to limit myself a maximum of 2 hours a day on the computer.
I strongly believe that it's mainly the person and who they are. Some people get cut off from society and even family, they become hermits and barely ever talk to anyone. Then there's other people who are extremely social from the internet and it benefits them on real world situations and conversations that are used in everyday life. I'm personally the type of person who becomes more social due to the internet and it makes me closer to people outside of my phone, computer, TV, etc. What goes on in this little screen you're looking at is endless. There's topic's on anything you can set your mind on, all it takes is a little brainstorming. There is an educational side and a non- educational side, like for instance, YouTube. YouTube had Science, English, Math, and even History videos that you can watch and learn from, but there's also those videos that are based around games or idiotic stunts that are just there for views. My point for this overall is the internet can most certainly cut people off, but that's just because they choose to be that way. In conclusion, it really is based on the person and who they are. Sincerely, Original <3
Yeah I believe it's what you do on the internet. For example if you are locked away in your room watching anime for 7 hours, that is isolation. Though if you are talking with people that's different.
I also think this is a very interesting topic, thank you for sharing your knowledge on this. I makes me want to explore the other corners of different topics.
It's both. Isolation: I have definitely found myself in situations where instead of wanting to go out and watch a movie with my friends, I'd rather sit at home and be lazy. The internet would have provided a more interesting day, as sad as it is, it is true. Online our brains are so much more used to this overwhelming amount of stimulation, to the point where stopping and just talking to be people can be a bore. But, I'd not say this is just the internet. Anyone with a really interesting hobby will find other activities less exciting because they're so used to something awesome. (Exceptions will be there, relaxation is always comforting, even if you're really into fast paced games.) Bring us together: Considering the fact I've met literally thousands of people through this community alone, I whole heartedly agree that being online brings us together and develops some of our skills. I personally have an entirely different outlook on life due to the fact I've talked and interacted with people who have had wildly different experiences growing up. Before I played Minecraft, I played PS3, majorly MW2 and Black Ops 1 with a select group of people, I found myself happy to just wander into games and rek nubs, but I really really enjoyed playing with others too, and even then I would say without being a part of a community, the odd chat I had with people (bar the screaming 12 year old) was interesting. Now, I'm part of this community and I'd still say I'm fairly involved, I know a lot of people. See, the issue is, when we think that being in this community is enough for us. It's not. i have overcome things, personal fears because I have had unlimited amounts of support from people in this community, yet, if we get too involved and decide we don't need to talk to people we know, then that's when we isolate ourselves. There's a balance that needs to be found. The reason people see the internet as such a negative thing in terms of isolation is, you will be better off not using the internet, and interacting with people daily. Other way around, you'll notice serious issues. Reality though, find the balance. The internet is such an amazing place to develop your personal skills, find out what others have to say on matters and just grow to be a better person. Temporary isolation is something I love, if I've had a really really bad time, cutting off communication and just killing some people in games brings me back around. The constant stimulation that being online comes with (Playing games, listening to music, chatting) has helped me cope with my permanent skin conditions. TL;DR: The internet will grow you as a person, as long as you expose yourself to real life situations fairly reguarly too. Everyone has a different balance, find yours.
It's all about the person and their habits on the internet. If you spend all of your time in your room watching somebody talk to you through a screen all day, of course you are going to have a lesser social life. But, with the internet, there are almost always opportunities to interact with other people, for some examples, forums, comments on youtube, chat in games such as minecraft, and while you may not be directly interacting with these people and it's possible if not likely that you will never met them, you are building skills that can help you in real life making new friendships or maintaining old ones. However, like I said, that doesn't mean that you should spend your life commenting on youtube and talking in minecraft, because then those skills you build will be wasted. Short version: Yes it is good because of opportunities to interact with people from around the world, and learn social skills in an almost "practice way" but don't forget moderation.
I want to bring a different "prespective," if you will. I've had a friend who I was very close to since first grade (2009). Ever since we started playing minecraft together (2014), we've drifted farther and farther apart, now Internet communication services have pulled us so far apart, that we don't talk on skype anymore. We both have adequate free time, from what I know, but yes, I do feel it brings people apart sometimes. But it can bring people together as well, feel new experiences. I've played multiplayer games with people from Japan, mainland US, UK, and even met people who live in Hawaii as well. You get to learn so much from people you wouldn't think of going to meet in real life.
Yeah when I was younger (5-14) I had to move almost every year because of my dad's job. I lost a lot of close friends too. :c
I see what you're saying, and I want to bring something else I've been thinking about into this. When we think of the internet, we generally think of what, websites such as buzzfeed, video games, youtube, right? I think that that generalization can contribute to the isolation that may occur. That is all that some people think the internet is, so they get sucked into it, understandably so. I won't lie, it was a rainy day without much to do, I stayed in bed and watched youtube most of the day. But I also understand that the internet is so much more, and I won't do that everyday, because the internet sparks interest. It's helped me find who I am and what I'm interested in, and the more you do that the better the internet can be for your health and the more it can help you become closer, because you have a passion. There is so much you can do, you could learn an entire language on the internet! When people use the internet in that way, you can come closer for sure. It's all bout' how you use it.
