This is a review of “MYTH BUSTED: internet use doesn’t lead to isolation” This article attempts to debunk the myth that people, especially children, who spend a lot of time behind the computer are isolated from society and may have problem adapting to the real world in the longer term because of this so-called isolation.
The author brings forth his research, by referring to a certain study called Pew Internet and American Life Project, to support his case that actually quite the opposite happens when people spend a lot of time behind the computer.
The study which was conducted on 2,512 adults cited that most of them believe people use the internet mostly for social networking.
Although this may appear to be a relief to parents and educators that computer addicts, which a vast majority is made of the youthful, will not turn out to be pale asocial freaks, it does not address certain fundamental concerns.
Not many use the computer for social networking. Many others use it for gaming, and in fact this is a larger trend, dare I say, amongst the young, rather than social networking.
But this is definitely interesting substance for debate.
In fact the article is so fascinating that I could not stop and ponder over its implications. Fine, it is easy for one to criticize that one study itself is at most only a perspective, no matter how accurate and cannot be assumed to represent the whole situation it is relating to.
It says further that the study shows that internet users are more likely to visit a café or coffee-shop, than people who do not use the internet. The implication here is that internet users at the end of the day socialize outside the computer as well, and much more than non computer users. Or at least 40 % of them do.
The way the facts have been presented shows the light side of that the presenter adopts in his article.
For example, he highlights the fact that up to 40% of internet users frequent cafes and coffee-shops.
I find this article fun and surprising. Refreshing and light. Finish reading it for 10 minutes but the mind is captivated for an hour or so. And certain perspectives are immediately challenged. And it remain so, because it is unlike one will proceed further to substantiate or disclaim the statements made by the author. It is simply fun to read.
