Internet and Smartphone Effect

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Table of Contents

Thesis
The Upside of Wasting Time Online
The Internet During the Pandemic: Better or Worse?
How Smartphones Hijack Our Minds
Stop Googling. Let’s Talk
Are We Really as Awful as We Act Online?
Analysis
Conclusion
References

The internet and cell phones have grown pervasive in our lives in recent years, affecting the way we communicate, work, and socialize. This trend has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 epidemic, as individuals rely on digital technology to be connected and informed more than ever. While some contend that the internet and smartphones have improved human behavior and relationships, others argue that they have caused more issues than they have solved. In this essay, I analyze the arguments advanced by experts in five different publications in order to investigate the consequences of internet and smartphone use on human behavior and relationships during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Thesis

While most researchers believe that the internet and smartphones have had a substantial impact on human behavior and relationships, particularly during the COVID-19 epidemic, they disagree on whether these effects have been predominantly beneficial or detrimental. In this article, I argue that while the internet and smartphones provide essential benefits, such as expanded access to information and social connections, they may also be harmful to mental health, interpersonal communication, and societal values.

The Upside of Wasting Time Online

Goldsmith argues in “Go Ahead: Waste Time on the Internet” that internet browsing may boost creativity and productivity. He claims that digital technologies allow consumers to indulge in activities that would typically be deemed wasteful, such as skimming through social media feeds or viewing humorous videos online (Goldsmith, 2016). According to Goldsmith, these hobbies stimulate creative thinking and give a much-needed reprieve from the rigors of work and other commitments.

The Internet During the Pandemic: Better or Worse?

In “Has Coronavirus Improved the Internet?” Wortham investigates the internet’s involvement in the COVID-19 outbreak. She observes that the epidemic has brought to light both the advantages and disadvantages of digital technologies, as individuals have relied on the internet for everything from remote jobs to online learning and socializing (Wortham, 2020). Although noting that the internet has helped individuals stay connected during times of physical isolation, Wortham also expresses worry about the negative impacts of excessive screen time, particularly for those without consistent internet access.

How Smartphones Hijack Our Minds

Carr claims in “How Smartphones Hijack Our Minds” that cell phones and other digital gadgets are designed to attract and maintain our attention. He claims that our phones’ continual interruptions and notifications make it harder to focus on essential activities and add to emotions of worry and tension (Carr, 2017). Carr also discusses the possible negative consequences of social media, arguing that it may encourage a culture of comparison and rivalry, eroding our sense of self-worth.

Stop Googling. Let’s Talk

In “Stop Googling. Let’s Talk.” Turkle challenges the notion that digital technology can generate meaningful connections, arguing that face-to-face contact is necessary for developing authentic relationships. She claims that even when individuals are physically together, excessive smartphone use can contribute to feelings of loneliness and alienation (Turkle, 2015). Turkle believes that in order to create more significant relationships with others, individuals must make a conscious effort to put down their phones and participate in meaningful interactions.

Are We Really as Awful as We Act Online?

In “Are We Really as Awful as We Act Online?” Fuentes investigates the gap between online and honest behavior. She observes that individuals behave differently online than they do in person, frequently indulging in unpleasant or hostile conduct that they would never display in person (Fuentes, 2019). Fuentes believes that the internet’s anonymity and the absence of penalties for irresponsible activity add to this separation. She also emphasizes the possible negative consequences of social media, which may produce a toxic and hostile culture.

Analysis

The five publications discussed in this essay offer essential insights into the consequences of internet and smartphone use on human behavior and relationships. While some researchers stress the advantages of new technologies, others warn about their negative influence on mental health, interpersonal communication, and societal values. Goldsmith’s case for squandering time on the internet may appear contradictory (2016). In other words, it emphasizes the potential benefits of digital technology for creativity and productivity. Wortham’s piece, on the other hand, offers a more nuanced approach (2020). More precisely, it is stressing how the COVID-19 epidemic has exposed both the positives and dangers of internet use. Carr’s piece focuses on the possible negative impacts of smartphone use on concentration and mental health (2017). Turkle’s critique of digital technology emphasizes the necessity of face-to-face contact in developing meaningful connections (2015). Meanwhile Fuentes’ investigation of online behavior implies that the internet’s anonymity can lead to toxic online cultures (2019).

Overall, these studies indicate that the internet and cell phones may have both beneficial and harmful consequences on human behavior and relationships, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. While these technologies can provide significant benefits, such as improved access to information and social connections, they can also have a negative impact on mental health, interpersonal interactions, and societal values. The advantages of modern technology are apparent, but we must be cognizant of their possible disadvantages. To gain the benefits of internet and smartphone use while reducing the negative impacts, we must find a happy medium that allows us to utilize these technologies in a healthy and productive manner. Setting limitations on screen time, being careful of our online activity, and emphasizing face-to-face conversation wherever feasible all contribute to this.

Conclusion

To summarize, the internet and smartphones have changed the way we communicate, work, and socialize, particularly during the COVID-19 epidemic. While academics agree that these technologies have had a substantial impact on human behavior and relationships, they disagree on whether these effects have been predominantly beneficial or harmful. According to my review of the five studies, these technologies have the potential to provide significant advantages. But, we must be aware of their possible downsides and strike a balance that allows us to use them in a healthy and productive manner.

A future study might look at the experiences of those who have successfully navigated the hurdles of digital technology to preserve good relationships and work routines to learn more about the effects of internet and smartphone use on human behavior and relationships. This study looks into the importance of digital literacy in encouraging healthy technology usage, as well as the possibility of technical advancements to mitigate the detrimental impacts of internet and smartphone use. We can create a society that optimizes the benefits of digital technology while reducing its possible negatives by continuing to investigate these complicated topics.

References

Carr, N. (2017). How Smartphones Hijack Our Minds. Wall Street Journal.

Fuentes, A. (2019). Are We Really as Awful as We Act Online? National Geographic.

Goldsmith, K. (2016). Op-Ed: Go ahead: Waste time on the Internet. Los Angeles Times.

Turkle, S. (2015). Stop Googling. Let’s Talk. The New York Times.

Wortham, J. (2020). Has Coronavirus Made the Internet Better? The New York Times Magazine.

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