Life without the Internet, an innovative technology, seems almost unimaginable for most people in India. Today the Internet is intrinsic to media and communications, entertainment, politics, defence, business, banking, education and also administrative systems as well as to social interaction. The Internet disentangles this extraordinarily complex information and communication technology from its place in our daily lives, allowing it to be examined anew.
Technology has historically been shaped by governmental, military and commercial requirements, but the development of the Internet is increasingly driven by its users. YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and many other emerging applications are shifting the way we express ourselves, communicate with our friends, and even engage with global politics. At the same time three-quarters of the world’s population remain effectively excluded from the Internet. The internet presents a clear and up-to-date introduction to the social, cultural, technological and political worlds this new media form is creating.
Increasing interest in internet is very much intruding and the youngsters fall prey to the web world. More and more people in the world are becoming addicted towards it. Even advertisements are screened showing a youngster sitting and operating his mobile and hear phone on to frustrate the head of the family. To add to the woes even political parties are offering free Wi Fi to appease young voters to pin their faith on select party so as to win Assembly elections with this favour. So the online culture is groping the children to darkness. The young generation sit late hours to browse through the net and gather good as well as bad information through their search and thus losing valuable sleep in the late night hours. Certain people are predisposed to having a computer or Internet addiction, such as those who suffer from anxiety and depression. Their lack of emotional support means they turn to the Internet to fill this need. Long-term effects are seen more in the physical symptoms such as backache, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and vision problems from staring at the screen. It can also lead to bankruptcy, especially if the time spent online is focused on shopping, gambling and gaming.
Youth should set a time limit while using their laptops and computers. They can set a duration of 30 minutes to one hour and log off from it after the scheduled time. They should become physically active and play outdoor games like cricket, badminton, tennis. They can also start exercising and catch up with their friends. They should refrain from using laptops and mobile phones at night and go to bed on time and wake up early. They can also keep their laptops away from bedroom so that they won’t use them at night. Youth must prioritise their work and study first instead of checking their mobiles and laptop. They should use these devices for searching information related with their studies instead of wasting time on social media.
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
