Nunnally 4
Celisse Nunnally
Ms. Edith Grevious
ENGL1010_22201
November 21st, 2022
The Internet
Has the internet made society better? Zaryn Dentzel said “The Internet has turned our existence upside down. It has revolutionized communications, to the extent that it is now our preferred medium of everyday communication. In almost everything we do, we use the Internet.” The internet from the day it was created was made to become a crucial part of our lives. Many cannot and will not go without it. It is like a drug, people become addicted. It is dangerous yet wonderful thing all at the same time.
The Internet started in the 1960s as a way for government researchers to share information. January 1, 1983 is considered the official birthday of the Internet. Prior to this, the various computer networks did not have a standard way to communicate with each other. A new communications protocol was established called Transfer Control Protocol/Internetwork Protocol (TCP/IP). Since then, the use of technology and the internet has only expanded and grown. The Internet has revolutionized the computer and communications world like nothing before. The invention of the telegraph, telephone, radio, and computer set the stage for this unprecedented integration of capabilities. The Internet is at once a world-wide broadcasting capability, a mechanism for information dissemination, and a medium for collaboration and interaction between individuals and their computers without regard for geographic location. The Internet represents one of the most successful examples of the benefits of sustained investment and commitment to research and development of information infrastructure. Beginning with the early research in packet switching, the government, industry and academia have been partners in evolving and deploying this exciting new technology.
“As in all moments of major technological change, people, companies, and institutions feel the depth of the change, but they are often overwhelmed by it, out of sheer ignorance of its effects.” Manuel Castells once said. The internet is a dangerous thing. In today’s time, people have developed knowledge of being able to track and hack any device connected to the internet. With a few clicks of a button, someone is able to steal all of your personal information and possibly take control of your device. Many people have suffered from identity theft or loss of financial belongings.
In today’s world, the internet has consumed our daily lives. From the time we wake up to the time we close our eyes our daily lives have been sculpted around the Internet. People act as though they may die without it. The internet has set a standard that has a huge impact on the younger generation. There is increasing evidence that the Internet and social media can influence suicide-related behavior. Cyberbullying has become a huge issue. Cyberbullying is when someone intentionally tries to harm another person with increasing aggression by expressing mean and hurtful things via electronic devices. Today’s youth are particularly vulnerable. Many teens, even younger kids, spend endless hours connected to the internet with their phones, computers, or other digital devices. Cyberbullying in adults and children may lead to or increase the chances of: depression, anxiety, loneliness, suicidal ideation, low self-esteem, social isolation, substance use, and sadness.
While there are many negatives to internet use there are way more positives. The internet allows you to be able to look up any concern you may have about your health. You are also able to connect to an online doctor if you are unable to go in person. The internet has also opened huge gateways for doctors. With the Internet, doctors and medical students are more connected than ever to resources to help them learn. And with that comes social media platforms, such as Figure 1, that connect doctors to one another, crowd sourcing diagnoses for cases that have them stumped. Figure 1 co-founder Dr. Joshua Landy told Business Insider that Figure 1 is trying to be the “central nervous system of healthcare,” though it may look like an “Instagram for doctors.” Through the app, doctors can submit cases that have them stumped (with the patients’ approval), and others can try and help out. A single post can sometimes generate thousands of responses. Landy said the platform has about 1.5 million users around the world, a group that includes doctors, nurses and other healthcare experts.
Works Cited
Cihodariu, Miriam. “Deep Web Vs. Dark Web: What Is Each and How Do They Work.” Heimdal Security Blog, 22 June 2022, heimdalsecurity.com/blog/deep-web-vs-dark-web-what-is-each.
Drenik, Gary. “Healthcare Needs the Internet.” Forbes, 30 Nov. 2021, www.forbes.com/sites/garydrenik/2021/11/30/healthcare-needs-the-internet/?sh=51f37ed2a25f.
Giannelis, Matthew. “Impact of the Internet on Modern Society.” Tech Business News, 27 May 2022, www.techbusinessnews.com.au/blog/impact-of-the-internet-on-modern-society.
History.com Editors. “The Invention of the Internet.” HISTORY, 28 Oct. 2019, www.history.com/topics/inventions/invention-of-the-internet.
Jose, Merin. “How the Internet Has Changed Our Daily Lives.” Computing Australia, 11 Feb. 2022, https://computingaustralia.com.au/how-the-internet-has-changed-our-daily-lives/#:~:text=Theinternethasremovedall,theworldwithmuchease.
Kao, Kathryn. “Social Media Addiction Linked to Cyberbullying.” UGA Today, 30 Mar. 2021, news.uga.edu/social-media-addiction-linked-to-cyberbullying.
Kolonko, Catherine. “The Mental Health Impacts of Cyberbullying and How to Cope.” Psych Central, 8 July 2022, psychcentral.com/blog/cyberbullying-the-psychological-effects-on-teens.