How much time do you spend online, the documentary Growing Up Online asks “how much time online is to much?” Today’s generation is the first generation to grow up with full internet access. The internet is used for school assignments, work, communication with friends, and nearly anything else. There are many perks and consequences to the availability of the internet; it is full of useful information, it is a place for people to express themselves, but it can also consume time.
The internet has replaced the use of encyclopedias, dictionaries, and any other book available. Students can find sources of information on the internet for projects, taking less time to finish work. But teachers think that the internet is helping students to cheat by using sites like spark notes, one teacher asked “what is considered cheating?” The teacher also said that we can just accept the use of the internet for school because that is the way business works in the outside world. Businesses use the internet for employees to work and help the consumer. They advertise their products using web pages, and give information and details on the product or company.
The web is a place to express yourself. Anyone can make a profile and upload pictures or write a blog on how their day went. Myspace and Facebook are the most widely known websites for self expression. Teens and some adults go to these sites to talk to their friends, as a result internet chatting has taken the place of in person socializing. Myspace is a controversial website because cyber-bullying, inappropriate photographs, and sexual predators have been found on this site. But most teens will delete a friend from their page for saying hurtful things, and nine out of ten will report someone for saying sexual or enticing comments.
Some teens are consumed by the internet. Technology has made the internet portable and is used almost anywhere on cell phones. Texting has become very popular in todays society and is a nuisance to classrooms, driving, and family time. Some teens are seen on the phone or computer all the time, because they can not go without being in the loop on what their friends are doing or what the new gossip is. The internet distracts people from their daily activities, and tasks.
The use of the internet is controversial as the video explained, but it is not going away. I think that the internet is a great tool for information and is a useful source of communication. I think the internet can be over used, there is a time and a place to text and get on Myspace, but some people do not realize how much time they spend using these tools. Technology is going to keep growing along with the internet and I think that we should embrace the use of the web.