Development of the Internet began about 30 years ago. In 1973, the U.S. Defense Research Projects Agency developed a program to research how to inter-link various types of networks. The objective was to develop protocols that would allow networked computers to co

Internet addiction does have its signs, however. Lack of sleep and declining grades head the list. Students often withdraw from campus and sometimes classes- even justifying their skipping school by saying the Internet is more informative. Some lose investment in their campus relationships (Young). People are said to regress when talking on the Internet. They express sexual intimacies and aggressive attitudes as they never would when face to face (Holland). A condition has even been classified called the “cybershakes,” characterized by apathy, edginess, and irritability when not online. Internet addiction can obviously limit social development, not to mention the other effects, like mental and physical health risks, often associated with any type of addiction (Young).

mmunicate transparently across multiple, linked networks. They called it the Internetting project and the system of networks that resulted was known as the Internet. Since that time, various other research projects, such as those conducted by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, have shaped and tailored this technology to give us the Internet as the world knows it today (Cerf).

Computers do not have to be good or evil. They can be used in many different ways, for many activities. Therefore, the effect the Internet has on people is highly dependant on the way it is used. Getting information, improving technical skills, finding entertainment, and going shopping can allow people to be independent and make it easier to be alone. Like television, this type of usage hurts social involvement if it occurs in excess. Users are usually alone for hours at a time, surfing the internet. However, there are plenty of social activities that the Internet can be used for as well. Communication and socialization are popular usages that are very social in nature and, even more so than by the telephone, are often made easier and more social through their connection to the Internet. There are social groups online, such as distribution lists, newsgroups, and MUDs (-Multi-User Dungeons) with very large gatherings of people who interact with each other through a communications-based role-playing environment – all of which aid in the Internet’s social development (Kraut).

The paradox, therefore, is that a social technology – the Internet – which is used for communication with others, is the cause of some social deficiencies and poor psychological well being. Use of the Internet can be highly entertaining, useful, and social, but connections to “real life” must be upheld. Otherwise, there is the possibility for harm. Many people use the internet with a mindset that will not allow them to get caught up in the wealth of information that the Internet holds, some people are too b

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