The Internet has transformed the lives of humans who live in today’s society. It has become a medium for communication, work, and entertainment, and it provides access to infinite information on a daily basis. People have grown to embrace modern technology and have deeply incorporated it into their lives, although it is always debated whether the change is positive. The World Wide Web has its supporters: for example, Kenneth Goldsmith argues that online experiences are authentic and important in their own way. Sherry Turkle holds a contrasting opinion and highlights their negative influence. However, such claims are often exaggerated or based on misconceptions. The Internet should be accepted as an essential multifaceted aspect of modern life that creates unique opportunities and impacts society in a positive way.
Firstly, it should be noted that the human need to engage in recreational activities long predates the invention of the Internet. Indeed, it is possible to browse the Web without a practical aim, but pastimes of this kind are not exclusive to the latest technology. Goldsmith rightfully compares such use to watching TV, with the exception that the Internet offers an unlimited choice of content to consume, as opposed to TV, where the selection of programs is fixed (2).
Regardless of the preferred method, it is inevitable that every person should occasionally find a way to defocus and partake in mindless activities. These activities may include watching quiz shows after a challenging workday or reading newspapers while being stuck on public transport. The Internet serves the same goal while being more convenient to use. It is a compact and flexible tool that allows everyone to adjust entertainment to their personal needs and interests. The fact that the Internet functions as a great platform for leisure are not a problem since humans cannot remain productive at all times.
Opponents of the Internet tend to view and criticize it one-dimensionally as a source of mindless entertainment, whereas in reality, it is rich with potential uses that have their unique properties. Goldsmith lists several examples: in addition to reading articles and playing games, people use the Web to work, study, and socialize (3-4). Each of these activities requires different degrees and varieties of mental engagement.
Turkle argues that young people’s perception of the world is affected by popular apps, which lead to a short attention span and a constant search for distraction (11). It is true that little focus is involved in such behavior as scrolling Instagram feed. However, one may be deeply focused while watching a long documentary on YouTube, researching materials relevant to one’s field of study or interests, or even playing games that develop logical thinking. There are numerous ways people use the Internet, and for that reason, they claim that their mindset is affected strictly by apps and entertainment is unjustified.
Many people use the Internet to support their work and hobbies. Thanks to the various online tools available today, communication within large companies have become easier and more efficient. Work opportunities are frequently discovered online. An unlimited amount of easily searchable information allows people to evaluate and improve their skills and business. Even children may discover and deepen their interests after browsing web pages. As illustrated in Goldsmith’s example, a young girl was able to explore her interest in fashion and crafting thanks to YouTube videos. She also socialized with like-minded girls to take her passion further (Goldsmith 5).
Today, anyone who wishes to take up a new hobby can always find educational resources and dedicated communities online. A similar endeavor in the past would require additional steps such as enrolling in courses. Thus, progress in any area is more affordable and accessible with the invention of the Web.
The Internet receives a lot of criticism for harming people’s social habits, but in fact, it creates new ways and modes of communication. It has removed the obstacle of distance, making it possible to reach anyone in any circumstances. That, in turn, makes it easier to coordinate plans for in-person meetings with others. Real-life situations prove that children who are not able to text or call their friends are likely to stay without any interaction at all since they cannot discuss their plans remotely (Goldsmith 5).
The ability to test one’s friends at any time makes it easier to maintain friendships in general. Additionally, people can join online communities and make connections based on their needs and interests without being limited to their area. The opportunity to stay in touch when one would normally be unavailable has greatly enriched human interactions, and it exists thanks to the Internet.
Critics frequently bring up the point that humans demonstrate a decrease in social skills as a result of online communication. This argument is extensively explored in Turkle’s work: she insists that there is a decline in empathy among young people due to the lack of face-to-face conversations (4). She provides evidence that many teenagers offer their attention in short bursts when interacting, and they lose the ability to understand each other as a consequence (Turkle 5).
However, this claim overlooks the fact that online interactions are not uniform. Online socializing often involves empathy and understanding. Whereas body language and facial expressions assist during in-person communication, online conversation partners learn to interpret each other’s signals through text. It is not uncommon for people to experience strong and genuine emotions while texting (Goldsmith 3). The previously mentioned ability of remote communication is also helpful: people use online chats to maintain their psychological bond at all times and are always able to turn to each other for support. Sincere conversations are a common occurrence in online spaces. Therefore, it is unreasonable to blame the Internet for the weakening of interpersonal communication.
Surprisingly, the ability to always stay in touch attracts negative opinions as well. According to Turkle, the digital era has blurred the line between the times of solitude and engagement with others, while the two states must be clearly distinct. Solitude allows for the development of several qualities, including a better understanding of oneself and a heightened attentiveness to the world. These qualities are essential for successful interpersonal communication (Turkle 7-8).
While the last statement is undeniable, the link between the Internet and the lower tolerance for solitude does not appear convincing. Similar to some of the previously mentioned arguments, it is based on the assumption that the Internet is a standalone object with limited functionality. In reality, the Internet is a platform that enables a large number of activities, many of which have non-digital equivalents. People who do not enjoy being by themselves can find another form of distraction.
On the contrary, those who appreciate solitude may practice self-reflection even in a digital medium, for example, by writing in electronic diaries or doing creative tasks. It is important to remember that human needs are separate from technological progress. The need to socialize and the need to be alone are accordingly independent. The Internet creates new forms of distraction and engagement, but it cannot completely take away the occasional desire for solitude that is innate to all humans.
In conclusion, it is evident that the Internet is a multifaceted medium that comes with a large variety of uses and enriches a person’s life. The criticism that targets the Internet often displays a limited view of its functionality and regards it as a separate uniform activity, usually associated with popular applications. The applications, however, only represent one aspect of the Web. In addition to providing entertainment, the Internet supplies infinite resources that may be used for personal development and makes communication more flexible. In the digital era, the Internet is closely intertwined with people’s lives in many ways, and many of those ways are beneficial. Recognizing it and accepting the change is an important step in making its influence as positive as possible.
Works Cited
Goldsmith, Kenneth. “Go Ahead: Waste Time on the Internet.“ Los Angeles Times. 2016. Web.
Turkle, Sherry. “Stop Googling. Let’s Talk.” The New York Times. 2015. Web.