The Internet as a double edged sword: An evaluation of the social impacts associated with contemporary internet use

The internet is a revolutionary medium that has overcome many of the geographical, political and cultural barriers in the human quest for knowledge and companionship (Katz & Rice, 2002). Originally used for military communication and academic research (Young, 1999), the internet today has become synonymous with convenient access to news, entertainment, reviews, ticket booking, banking, shopping, trading stocks and a plethora of other online activities (Magid, 2003). More importantly however, the internet is a complex social fabric in which interactions between individuals and groups on a global basis are intricately weaved. Extensive research on one hand has shown the net to increase the social capital of society as a whole and improve the social well being of individuals as a result of this interaction (Katz & Rice, 2002). For many, new friends, people of similar interests or even a future spouse are only a click away (Katz & Rice, 2002). Inevitably, with this dynamic form of communication technology, social concerns such as “privacy, security, pornography, free speech, digital divide, internet crime, virtual community, and intellectual property rights” begin to surface (Yan, 2005, p. 387). Equally extensive research on the flip side of the coin has also shown online social interaction being unsafe for children in some instances as well as excessive internet use damaging both the health and relationships of those involved (Young, 1999; Finkelhor, Mitchell & Wolak, 2000). The following essay attempts to discuss a few of these issues, by examining and reviewing current academic literature on the topic, in order to better understand the social impacts of internet use.

To start off, Wellman, Haase, Witte and Hampton (2001) suggest that online interaction is a transition of social networking from public venues to private homes. Activities such as chatting, blogging, exchanging emails and participating in online newsgroups and discussions for example, still provide the friendship, information, goods and services and sense of belongingness inherent in face-to-face interaction (Wellman et al., 2001). Thus, a new mixture of offline and online relationships is forming as studies reveal human links on cyberspace continue in the real world (Wellman et al., 2001). Fear of the internet threatening face-to-face communication is contradicted by Wellman et al. (2001) when he cites one of the first mass online surveys conducted by National Geographic. The majority of participants revealed that internet communication did not diminish their face-to-face or telephone contact. Rather, the internet can be viewed as a supplement to the daily life of the contemporary individual- an extension of offline activity as it provides an additional, cheaper and more accessible form of communication (Wellman et al., 2001). This is especially so over long physical distances (Wellman et al., 2001). In addition, with the normalisation of the internet, widespread participation in many online activities helps to increase the social capital of society as a whole (Katz & Rice 2002). Participating in voluntary and political organisations on the internet for example not only helps to achieve this but creates scenarios for people to bond and achieve through joint effort (Wellman et al., 2001).

The social benefits of internet interaction is further highlighted by the research of Amichai-Hamburger and Furnham (2007, p. 1034) who demonstrate the web as being a mechanism to help socially inhibited people. Although internet and electronic communication differ largely from face-to-face relationships, recurrent and open contact between individuals on the net can still bring about real benefits psychologically (Amichai-Hamburger & Furnham, 2007, p. 1035). For introverts and those with less social skills, internet interaction “helps in the acquisition, practice and improvement” of these skills (Amichai-Hamburger & Furnham, 2007, p. 1035). The anonymous nature of the internet can help these people to experiment outside of their social norms and shyness whilst still maintaining full control of the interaction (Amichai-Hamburger & Furnham, 2007, p. 1036). Users can take their time replying, choose not to reply or amend their replies before they send it (Amichai-Hamburger & Furnham, 2007, p. 1036). Moreover, equal status between individuals is also maintained online. Missing teeth, diamond necklaces and other status symbols for example, have little use in cyberspace (Amichai-Hamburger & Furnham, 2007, p. 1039). As such, in a broader context, not only do the socially inhibited benefit from online interaction but rich opportunities are provided for intercultural communication as a result of the anonymity, control of interaction and equal status maintained on the net.

In contrast, equally overwhelming research has also shown the use of the internet to have detrimental effects to both health and relationships. Studies have shown certain people to have problems with excessive time spent on the net and/or problems with certain online activities such as gambling and pornography (Yellowlees & Marks, 2007, p. 1447). Yellowlees and Marks (2007, p. 1448) show these people to have trouble with time management when it comes to internet use and are irritated and experience mood swings when not online. In some cases, jobs and relationships are even placed on the line for more time to on the net (Yellowlees & Marks, 2007, p. 1448). Wellman et al. (2001) implies that internet communication is inferior to real face-to-face contact as complex relationships, with intangible complications such as emotions, are hard to foster in this medium. With internet use growing at an almost exponential rate, social problems such as this as well as other psychological problems like using the web to escape reality and regulate mood for example, are concerns for the internet generation (Katz & Rice, 2002; Yellowlees & Marks, 2007, p. 1449). Young’s (1999) research shows that excessive internet use often results in sleep patterns being disrupted and obesity often results due to the sedentary nature of internet activity. Relationships between spouses, children and friends are also shown by Young (1999) to be affected in more extreme cases. This is because the various duties and obligations of a person are neglected in pursuit of online activities (Young, 1999). On a more basic level, time spent sitting in front of the computer equates to time not being spent with close ones (Young 1999). In the context of the school and workplace, internet misuse such as chatting and online gaming is a serious issue facing managers and teachers as productivity and learning are undermined (Young 1999).

Internet safety is another serious social issue that must not be ignored in this discussion. Finkelhor, Mitchell and Wolak (2000, p.1) studied 1500 youth and their use of the internet and found an overwhelming proportion were sexually solicited, came into contact with unwanted sexual material or were threatened and harassed. Aggressive sexual solicitation included requests to meet, calling on the phone, posting regular mail, money or presents (Finkelhor, Mitchell & Wolak, 2000, p. 10). Although solicitation never occurred in real life in the majority of cases and encounters with unwanted pornography were usually brushed off, the rising numbers of these incidences are a cause of social concern for all involved (Finkelhor, Mitchell & Wolak, 2000, p. 45-46). This is especially the case when the internet is now one of the primary places where children of today learn and play (Finkelhor, Mitchell & Wolak, 2000, p. 9). Finkelhor, Mitchell and Wolak (2000) subsequently, assert the notion that children have the right to use the internet without being bombarded by offensive, dangerous and obscene content.

In conclusion, the internet is a “hybrid of a complex technical system and a complex social system” that like many other forms of communication technology, is a double edged sword that has the potential for both positive and negative use (Yan, 2005, 387). On the one hand, the net has the power to disseminate information in an unprecedented manner and provide a strong social network that benefits both the collective society and the individual. Excessive, problematic use causing health and relationship problems and exposure to harassment and unwanted material to children however, are issues that need to be confronted and resolved in order to maximise the benefits of internet communication.

References

Amichai-Hamburger, Y. & Furnham, A. (2007) ‘The Positive Net.’ Computers in Human Behaviour 23: 1033-1045

Finkelhor, D. Mitchell, K. J. & Wolak, J. (2000). ‘Online Victimisation: A report on the nation’s youth.’ National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children 1(1): 1-60

Katz, J. E. & Rice, R. E. (2002). Social Consequences of Internet Use: Access, Involvement and Interaction The MIT Press Massachusetts

Magid, L.J. (2003). ‘Child Safety on the Information Highway.’ Text Available: http://www.safekids.com/child_safety.htm (accessed 4 May 2007)

Wellman, B., Haase, A. Q., Witte, J. & Hampton, K. (2001). ‘Does the Internet Increase, Decrease or Supplement Social Capital?’ University of Toronto Centre for Urban and Community Studies Research Bulletin 1(6): 1-5

Yan, Z. (2005). ‘Age differences in children's understanding of the complexity of the Internet.’ Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology 26(4): 385-396

Yellowlees, P.M. & Marks, S. (2007). ‘Problematic Internet use or Internet addiction?’ Computers in Human Behaviour 23(3): 1447-1453

Young, K.S. (1999). ‘Internet Addiction: Symptoms, Evaluation and Treatment.’ Innovations in Clinical Practice 17: 1-17