The Internet has become yet another activity that consumes the little amount of free time that we have. In an ever increasingly rapid society, our free time must be carefully managed and planned. Unfortunately, much like the television did 50 years ago, the Internet has become another tool to quench our insatiable appetite for information. Human beings are essentially inquisitive and receive pleasure from information. In a sense, the Internet is more addictive than Television. Television will provide you with information, some of which might not be interesting to you. However, the Internet allows you to select the information you would like to view. ‘During the past two years, the amount of time the average Internet user

1. Robert Wright, “Will We Ever Log Off?” Time 21 Feb. 2000: 56-58

Internet addiction is increasingly becoming a problem among habitual users of the Internet. ‘At least 10 percent of college students use the Internet so much that it interferes with their grades, their health, and their social lives.’ (Reisberg) Individuals whose jobs involve the use of computer technology are even more prone to suffer from Internet addiction.

The current generation of children is using computers and the Internet since their youth. While becoming more proficient in computer skills, they have learned to develop artificial relationships with computers. By spending more time online, interpersonal relationships suffer. ‘We’ve acquired the short-term data that enables us to convert natural resources into artificial contrivances, but we’ve lost the long-term wisdom that tells us those same natural resources allowed us to attain far deeper joys and insights when left in their natural state.’ (Gunn G1) Our reliance on technology has alienated us from nature, and as we are a part of nature, has decreased our desire for interacting with fellow human beings.

Some topics in this essay:
Reisberg Individuals, , Television Television, Gunn G1, Net’ Eggett, Barbara Press, Internet Blues, Internet Romance, Chronicle Education, Log Off”, feb 2000, tolerance levels, morality tolerance levels, morality tolerance, 5 june 2000, santa barbara, mar 2000, june 2000, altered manipulated, press 30, santa barbara press, barbara press 30, natural resources, barbara press,