What are the key issues in the debate over the social and psychological
effects of internet use? What does the relevant evidence suggest
regarding such effects?
Since the internet became the integral part of people’s life and its availability and use has
rapidly increased over the last years, psychological scientist started to observe its effects on
individuals. The debate over the impact of the internet is mainly concerned about its negative
social and psychological effects. This essay analyses problems with a raise with the internet
use, providing arguments for and against the modern technology. In addition it will also
evaluate given evidence and explain why more definitive conclusion could be drawn regarding
Internet’s influence on one’s behaviour with suggestion for more focus and complex further
research on problem area.
One of the issue in the debate over the social and psychological effects of internet use if
significant increase in loneliness and alienation among the users.
Moreover, many
psychologists are concerned about the decrease in social communication and the lack of the
face to face contact, as people tend to spend more time on internet and replace ‘real-world’
relationship with those created through social network sites (Shaw and Gant, 2002).
According to the Internet Paradox Study, individuals who used the internet seem undoubtedly
to be negatively affected in terms of decline of their local and distant networks. In addition to
this assumption also loneliness, depression, and daily stress was associated with greater
exposure to Internet (ibid).
One might argue however, that the Internet helps by establishing the social and
communication skills. Simon cited in Affonso (1999) suggest that children using web network
site may express themselves better, communicate and internet in more productive way.
Furthermore recent research revealed that Internet may positively contribute to social
involvement (Shaw and Gant, 2002).
Another aspect in the discussion of the Internet effects on its users is the fact that it can be
harmful and lead to addiction. Some of the studies suggest the Internet Addiction Disorder
and its detrimental effects on users’ overall being. Nevertheless last publication aimed to find
the correlation between Internet use and social and psychological harm to users revealed that
this effects are too weak or not of significant importance (Shaw and Gant, 2002). It is also
questionable how the evidence about levels of addiction were how the evidence about levels
of addiction were evaluated, as more psychological characteristics of heavy users and its
behaviour is needed.
As it can be seen from given evidence, many researchers conducted on the area the Internet
and its influence on one’s behaviour very differ in their responses and given explanation.
Therefore non-conclusive answer on social and psychological effects of Internet can be given.
What is more some further researches are needed in order to find absolute correlation
between the Internet and its detrimental effects.
Affonso, B (1999) Is the Internet affecting the social skills of your children?
Shaw, L.H. and Gant, L.M. (2002) Users divided? Exploring the Gender Gap in Internet Use.
Cyberpsychology and Behaviour. 5(6). Pp 517 - 527