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The Internet Has Ruined Society
By: Bella Burke
Professor Fernandez
ENG 102
27 February 2023
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Jan. 1, 1983, the day society took a turn for the worst aka the day the internet was invented. Since the internet, depression rates have increased 13 to 66 percent. While the internet has had an immense impact both positively and negatively on society in the grand scheme of things it has drastically tore apart society. To be able to comprehend the changes that the internet has brought society is extremely difficult. The internet has both crippled and taken over humanitie. Society turns to the internet for almost everything in their lives and you could even argue that the internet is a drug. It is the perfect definition of a modern-day drug, “
any psychoactive substance that can alter the way the mind or body works”. Its addicting, the average
screen time in America is 8-12 hours. The internet has created such a dramatic shift in society it is hard to know what is real or not, people lose sight of who they are while the internet and social
media convince them what ‘normal’ is. We have also lost all sight of interpersonal relationships as well. The internet has ruined society by becoming a addiction, causing depression, health issues, lowering self-esteem, leading to unrealistic expectations, running interpersonal relationships and causing the rise in obesity. Since the creation of the internet in 1983 more and more people have become addicted to it. The internet is society’s most addicting drug and people cannot get away from it. Digital Disturbance states, “Young (1998) describes Internet addiction as an im- pulse-control disorder, much like those related to drugs and alcohol usage, which involves being online for an average of 38 or more hours per week. These individuals derive satisfaction and gratification as they compulsively check their e-mails, browse Internet sites, or pursue other technology-centered activities, such as gaming and gam- bling, and are often unable to control the desire to be on- line.” (Haughton). In other words, the internet is self-consuming and at times unescapable. A study by UC Davis highlights, “
Addicts struggle to control their behavior, causing a sense of
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despair, leading them to dive further in their addictive pattern. After some time, addicts become dependent on cyberspace to feel normal” (UC Davis). Consequently, the internet could cause people to feel abnormal unless they are in the cyber space. Since the creation of the internet depression cases have only rises and caused more destruction. Springer states, “Contrary to this finding research carried out with university students, a significant positive correlation was found between problematic Internet use and negative emotions, such as anxiety, depression, and sadness” (Senol-Durak). To explain, people who use the internet obsessively are more likely to become depressed or anxious. The Australian Christian College states, “evidence suggests that excessive use negatively impacts self-esteem and life satisfaction. It’s also linked to an increase in mental health problems and suicidality (Auld). In other words, looking at the internet compulsively can lead to low self-esteem from comparison. Often teenagers who are on the internet will perceive their lives to look a certain way because of what other people post on the internet. Some people will compare their lives to other people on the internet with will only lead to higher unrealistic expectations which could lead to depression. The internet could lead to mental health issues but could also lead to physical health issues as well. An article titled “
How Internet Addiction Can Effect Your Physical Health
” says, “Internet addiction can wreak havoc on your sleep as you are unable to resist turning off your computer; there’s always another page to refresh, another link to visit, another message board to post on” (Waterson). The internet can affect your health in many ways but possibly the most promante being the loss of sleep. Not being able to fall asleep or not experiencing high quality sleep decreases your melatonin levels which could lead to more issues. CareSpot states “
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), a significant number of patients
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complain about eye strain, as well as neck and back pain in association eith using a computer or mobile device” (Unknown).
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Work Cited
Haughton, Noela A, et al. Digital Disturbances, Disorders, and Pathologies: A Discussion ... - JSTOR
. https://www.jstor.org/stable/44430163. Waterson, Liz. “How Internet Addiction Can Effect Your Physical Health.” Alta Mira Recovery
, Alta Mira Recovery, 9 Oct. 2020, https://www.altamirarecovery.com/blog/somatic-
symptoms-internet-addiction-damaging-physical-health/. Acc. “Social Media and Low Self-Esteem.” ACC Blog
, Australian Christian College Blog, 7 Feb.
2023, https://www.acc.edu.au/blog/social-media-low-self-esteem/. “Internet Addiction.” Internet Addiction | Student Health and Counseling Services
, https://shcs.ucdavis.edu/health-topic/internet-addiction. The Mediator Roles of Life Satisfaction and Self-Esteem between the ...
https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/41476503.pdf
. “Does My Internet Usage Affect My Health?: Medicine or Malarkey.” CareSpot Family of Urgent Care Brands
, 14 Feb. 2020, https://www.carespot.com/blog/does-internet-usage-
affect-your-health/#:~:text=Headaches%2C%20blurred%20vision%2C%20dry
%20eye,14%20hours%20per%20week%20online.