internet uses and abuses essay

Essay on Uses and Abuses of Internet

Students are often asked to write an essay on Uses and Abuses of Internet in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Uses and Abuses of Internet

The uses of internet.

The internet is a powerful tool that has revolutionized our world. It provides us with information, communication, and entertainment. We can research any topic, connect with friends, and enjoy movies or games.

The Abuses of Internet

However, the internet can also be misused. Cyberbullying, online scams, and the spread of false information are common problems. Furthermore, excessive internet use can lead to addiction, affecting our health and social life.

In conclusion, while the internet offers numerous benefits, it’s crucial to use it responsibly to avoid its potential pitfalls.

Also check:

• Paragraph on Uses and Abuses of Internet

250 Words Essay on Uses and Abuses of Internet

Introduction.

The internet, a revolutionary invention of the 20th century, has transformed our lives in profound ways. It has become an indispensable tool in various sectors, including education, business, communication, and entertainment. However, like any tool, it can be used both for constructive and destructive purposes.

Uses of Internet

The internet has democratized access to information, breaking down geographical barriers. It has made education more accessible, with countless resources and online learning platforms available at our fingertips. It has also revolutionized communication, enabling instant interaction across the globe. The internet has made business operations more efficient, from online banking to e-commerce. It has also provided a platform for creative expression and entertainment, with platforms like YouTube and Spotify.

Abuses of Internet

However, the internet’s misuse is a growing concern. Cyberbullying, identity theft, and online harassment are rampant, causing psychological harm to individuals. The internet has also facilitated the spread of misinformation and fake news, leading to societal discord and distrust. Additionally, it has given rise to internet addiction, affecting individuals’ mental health and productivity. The proliferation of explicit content is another issue, impacting the moral fabric of society.

In conclusion, while the internet has myriad benefits, its misuse can lead to serious consequences. It is crucial to use this tool responsibly, promoting digital literacy and ethical online behavior. As we stride further into the digital age, we must strike a balance between leveraging the internet’s potential and mitigating its pitfalls.

500 Words Essay on Uses and Abuses of Internet

The advent of the internet has revolutionized the world, bringing about profound changes in the way we live, learn, and work. It has become an integral part of our lives, providing us with a plethora of information and services at our fingertips. However, like any other invention, the internet also has its share of uses and abuses. This essay explores the beneficial aspects of the internet and its potential pitfalls.

Uses of the Internet

The internet’s most significant advantage is its ability to connect people globally. It has made communication faster, cheaper, and more efficient, breaking down geographical barriers. Through email, social media, video conferencing, and instant messaging, we can interact with anyone, anywhere, at any time.

The internet has also democratized education. Online learning platforms, digital libraries, and educational websites have made knowledge accessible to all, regardless of location or financial status. It has also facilitated research, with a vast amount of information available on any conceivable topic.

Moreover, the internet has transformed the business landscape. E-commerce has opened up new markets, enabling businesses to reach customers globally. It has also made financial transactions more straightforward and faster through online banking and digital payments.

Abuses of the Internet

Despite its advantages, the internet is not without its downsides. One of the most prevalent abuses is cybercrime. This encompasses a wide range of malicious activities, from identity theft and fraud to cyberstalking and cyberbullying. The anonymity that the internet provides can be exploited by unscrupulous individuals to harm others.

Another significant issue is the spread of false information or ‘fake news’. The speed at which information spreads online can lead to the rapid dissemination of misinformation, often leading to panic, confusion, and mistrust.

Additionally, the internet can be a source of addiction. Excessive use of social media, online gaming, or other digital activities can lead to internet addiction, negatively impacting mental health and personal relationships.

In conclusion, the internet is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it offers immense benefits, facilitating communication, education, and business. On the other hand, it can be a tool for harm, enabling cybercrime, the spread of misinformation, and addiction. As users, it is incumbent upon us to use the internet responsibly. We must be vigilant in protecting ourselves from its potential abuses while harnessing its vast potential for our benefit. As the internet continues to evolve, so too must our understanding and regulation of its use and abuse.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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Essay on Internet Uses For Students

500 + words internet essay.

The internet is described as a global network of computer systems interconnected and following the internet security protocol. However, have you ever considered why the internet is important? This 500+ Words Essay on internet advantages and disadvantages will help students ace essay writing during exams.

A combination of high-end science and advanced technology, the internet is a viral invention. Here, in an essay on the internet, students can learn about the uses and impact of the internet.

Why the Internet Is Important

The internet has undergone significant development from the time of its birth to the present. Over a period of time, the internet has become more interactive and user-friendly. It has also helped man in day-to-day transactions and interactions. The Internet is widely used for numerous functions such as learning, teaching, research, writing, sharing content or data, e-mails, job hunting, playing games, listening to music, watching videos, exploring and finally surfing the internet. Meanwhile, though it makes life easy for people, the internet also comes with a lot of pros and cons. Find the advantages and disadvantages of the internet from this essay.

Also read: History of Internet

Essay on Advantages of Internet

Read this essay on internet advantages to know the effects of using the internet. Look for the points mentioned below.

• The internet has helped reduce the usage of paper and paperwork to a large extent by computerising offices, schools, NGOs, industries and much more.
• Internet helps to provide updated information and news from all over the world
• Education, business and travel have been thriving with the growth of the Internet
• The internet is of high educational and entertainment value
• The internet makes access to public resources, libraries and textbooks much easier
• The internet makes it easy by reducing the time and energy taken to do work
• Work has become more efficient, quick and accurate
• Meetings and conferences are made easier with video calls and other brilliant tools

Apart from all these, as mentioned in the above paragraph on Internet uses, it helps carry out banking activities, exchange information, shop for various goods and more.

Essay on Internet Disadvantages

Despite the use of the internet and its positives, there are also some internet disadvantages. Continuous use of the internet can affect our lifestyle and health. Let us check out the disadvantages of the internet from this paragraph.

• Over-dependence on the internet can lead to many health problems
• People tend to spend more of their productive time doing nothing but browsing
• Even if the internet is now used extensively at work, overuse of the internet could lead to depression
• Quality time with friends and relatives is primarily reduced due to the use of the internet
• Cybercrime has also increased as internet security and privacy are compromised

Thus, we have seen the uses of the internet and its impact on students and working professionals. While we know that overuse of the internet should be avoided, we also have to acknowledge that the internet has still not been exploited to its full potential, despite its massive growth. In conclusion, we can state that to make internet use more comfortable and pleasurable, school students should be taught about the pros and cons of using the internet, thus ensuring that they can stand up against cybercrime and ensure safety.

Also Read: Social Media Essay | Essay on Women Empowerment | Essay On Constitution of India

Frequently asked Questions on Internet Essay

What is the internet.

The internet is a global system of interconnected computers and this system uses a standardised Internet Protocol suite for communication and sharing information.

What are the top 5 uses of the Internet?

The Internet is mostly used by people to send emails and to search on any topic. It can be used to download large files. People depend on the internet for electronic news and magazines these days. A lot of people, especially the young generation use it to play interactive games and for entertainment.

What is WiFi?

WiFi is the latest wireless technology used to connect computers, tablets, smartphones and other electronic devices to the internet.

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Uses of Internet Essay

The Internet is one of the modern scientific discoveries that has changed the mode of human life. It is used extensively for several purposes. It could be defined as connecting a network to another network everywhere within the globe through committed routers and servers. Here are a few sample essays on "uses of the internet".

100 Words Essay on Uses of the Internet

200 words essay on uses of the internet, 500 words essay on uses of the internet, uses of the internet, advantages and disadvantages of the internet, my personal experience.

The Internet is a global computer network. The process of connecting two or more computing systems to a cable or modem is called the Internet. The Internet is the only way of replacing data and statistics via computer networking. It could be very easily reachable. To get important information, one seeks it on google if they have an internet connection. Net performs a critical position within the discipline of change and commerce. Currently, e-commerce has emerged as a very popular tool all around the world because anyone can buy whatever they want through online sites without journeying to markets or shopping department stores. It also plays a critical role in training as students can get important information through the net.

The Internet is one thing that we can't imagine our lives without. It is used everywhere. These days, speaking with buddies and relatives residing in overseas lands is no longer a steeply-priced affair, but you can connect to them at just the click of a button. The Internet offers numerous means of verbal exchange with email, social media platforms, net calls, and messengers. You can communicate with your close ones at any time of the day with the assistance of the net.

The Internet is likewise a top-notch source of enjoyment. In today's times, while everybody is busy with their very own lives, the Internet can show to be your pleasant pal. From e-books to films to songs – the whole lot you need for enjoyment is available on the net.

The Internet has also proved to be a boon for business. It has ended up as a platform to sell products in its own country as well as outside the country. Each and everything nowadays is being sold online. The use of the Internet has largely changed the way we travel. You no longer require traveling to the bus stand or railway station and standing in queue for long hours to get your tickets booked, it can be done with a click of a button at the comfort of your home.

The Internet is an essential invention of the modern era. The Internet has various uses, and it has touched the lives of each person. When two computers are connected over the Internet, they can send and receive all kinds of information. Military research projects in the 1960s invented the Internet, it came into existence on 1st January 1983, and since then, the Internet has evolved and become an essential part of our lives.

Information: The Internet is the platform where we can get information about anything through search engines such as Google and Bing.

Communication: The Internet is used to communicate through emails which is the earliest application of the Internet.

Social Networking: People can connect with people from far away in seconds through these social networking sites. Some popular social networking sites are Facebook, Whatsapp, Snapchat, etc.

E-commerce: Amazon and eBay are some e-commerce sites on the Internet that help sell and buy products.

Learning: Many courses are available, and some provide certification, which can help students in their careers.

Entertainment: The Internet provides a wide range of entertainment sources, such as Amazon Prime Video, Youtube, etc., which are used to watch movies and TV serials.

Jobs: provide portals for Job seekers and Job providers.

The Internet has provided us with multiple advantages. For instance, it is a huge source of information because we can easily find information about anything we want to know on the Internet. There are numerous websites. Among such websites, Google is widely used by most internet users. Because the Internet can be used as a store of knowledge, it can be used in teaching-learning programs as well.

Moreover, the Internet can be used for business and the banking sector too. We can find many online shopping websites. Furthermore, we can also find vast usages of the Internet for various purposes. For instance, it has connected people through various social networking sites such as Facebook, Messenger, Gmail, Viber, Snapchat, WhatsApp, etc. These facilities have made the task of communication tremendously easier, faster and cheaper than traditional ones. During the pandemic, the Internet has allowed updating the conventional training device and gives additional assets for analysis; students can take their training in the comforts of their homes.

Through the Internet, one may get answers to all their curiosity. In the education sector, too, it plays a significant role, especially considering the pandemic. They can also browse for classes – lectures at no extra cost through the Internet.

I personally use the internet each day for a wide variety of devices. I use the internet for online banking, bill pay, and to get access to my college work. I am used to watching my favourite series online in my free time with the help of the internet. I use unlimited internet through my phone. The use of the Internet is slowly replacing the use of traditional newspapers. It offers various recreational advantages as well. It can be said that the Internet plays a great role in enhancing the quality of life.

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Essay on Uses of Internet for Students and Children

500 words essay on uses of internet.

The Internet has become a sensation nowadays. It is something that humans cannot function without anymore. It has occupied a great part of our lives. We use the internet for almost every little and a big task now. It ranges from searching for a job to listening to music.

The Internet has basically made our lives easier and convenient. The world is at our fingertips now, thanks to the internet. When we see how it has changed the scenario of the modern world, we can’t help but notice its importance. It is used in all spheres of life now.

Internet and Communication

The world has become smaller because of the internet. Now we can communicate with our loved ones oceans away. The days of letter writing are gone where we had to wait for weeks to get a reply. Everything is instant now. Even though telephones allowed us to do that, but the cost was too high. The common man could not afford to call people overseas because of the costs.

However, the internet changed that. Communicating with people both near and far is now easy and affordable. We can send them emails and chat with them through instant messaging apps. We may also video call them using the internet which allows us to see them clearly even though we are miles away.

Furthermore, we can now get instant news updates from all over the world. The moment anything takes place anywhere in the world, we get to know about it. In addition, we are informed about the natural calamities within the correct time. Moreover, we can easily contact our job recruiters using the internet. Job application has been made so much easier through the internet.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Internet and Entertainment

Entertainment and the Internet go hand in hand now. Everything is at your fingertips to enjoy. You can book movie tickets easily on the internet. Gone are the days of waiting in long queues to get the ticket for the latest movie. It can all be done through the comfort of your home. Similarly, you can also book match tickets and concert tickets without going through the hassle of standing in long lines.

In addition, we can now do all our shopping online. You won’t have to go out in the harsh weather to shop for stuff. The Internet allows you to browse through a large assortment of products with all the details given. It ranges from something as small as a mug to a laptop, you can have it all. Furthermore, you may also filter the categories to find exactly what you are looking for within seconds.

Nowadays, web series are quite a hit amongst the youth. They do not watch TV anymore; rather they enjoy the web series. Various platforms have created shows which they release on the internet that has a major fan following. You can get your daily dose of entertainment from the internet now. Whether you want to hear the latest music, you don’t have to spend a hefty amount to buy the CD. You can simply listen to it on the internet.

Thus, we see how the internet has changed and made our lives easy in various ways. We can connect with our loved ones easily and get access to unlimited entertainment instantly.

FAQs on Uses of Internet

Q.1 How does the internet help in communicating?

A.1 We can now communicate with our loved ones using the internet. We can video call them and connect with our relatives living overseas.

Q.2 What does internet offer in terms of entertainment?

A.2 Internet offers us various modes of entertainment. We can watch movies and shows online. We can also book tickets and shop for products online.

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Essay on Uses and Abuses of Internet

The advent of the internet has ushered in an era of unprecedented connectivity, transforming the way we live, work, and communicate. As a powerful tool that shapes various facets of our daily lives, the internet presents a duality – a spectrum of uses and potential abuses. This essay explores the multifaceted nature of the internet, delving into its constructive applications and the challenges it poses when misused.

Quick Overview:

• Information Access: One of the primary uses of the internet is as a vast repository of information. It serves as a knowledge hub, providing access to a plethora of educational resources, news articles, and research materials, democratizing information on a global scale.
• Communication and Connectivity: The internet has revolutionized communication, facilitating instant connectivity across the globe. Social media platforms, email, and messaging apps enable seamless interaction, fostering relationships and bridging geographical gaps.
• Economic Opportunities: In the digital age, the internet has become a catalyst for economic growth. E-commerce, freelancing, and online marketplaces create opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment, empowering individuals to showcase their skills and products to a global audience.
• Entertainment and Recreation: Streaming services, online gaming, and virtual entertainment have become integral parts of internet use. The platform offers a plethora of options for leisure and recreation, providing a diverse range of content to cater to individual preferences.
• Cybersecurity Concerns: The internet’s vast reach also brings forth challenges, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. Issues such as hacking, identity theft, and cyberbullying highlight the darker side of internet usage, underscoring the need for robust digital security measures.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the internet stands as a double-edged sword, offering immense possibilities for positive transformation while simultaneously harboring potential pitfalls. Its uses, ranging from information dissemination to economic empowerment, demonstrate the profound impact it has on our lives. However, as we navigate this digital landscape, it becomes imperative to address the abuses that stem from its misuse.

The constructive uses of the internet underscore its role as a facilitator of progress, knowledge, and global connectivity. Yet, the challenges posed by cyber threats, online harassment, and the dissemination of misinformation necessitate a collective effort to create a safer and more responsible digital environment.

As individuals, we bear the responsibility of leveraging the internet’s potential for good, promoting ethical practices, and safeguarding against its potential abuses. Initiatives for digital literacy, cybersecurity education, and responsible internet usage play pivotal roles in fostering a healthier online ecosystem.

In this dynamic interplay between uses and abuses, society finds itself at a crossroads. The evolution of the internet will continue to shape our future, and how we navigate this digital landscape will determine the legacy we leave for generations to come. With thoughtful consideration, ethical practices, and a commitment to digital well-being, we can harness the positive potential of the internet while mitigating its darker aspects, ensuring a harmonious coexistence in the digital age.

Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.

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21 Internet use and abuse and psychological problems

Janet Morahan-Martin, Department of Applied Psychology, Bryant University.

• Published: 18 September 2012
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This article focuses on the relationship of Internet abuse to psychological disorders and personality factors. It first provides an overview of definitions and criticisms of the concept of Internet abuse. Then,the article looks at different approaches to understanding the relationship of Internet abuse to various psychological disorders and personality factors. Finally, it presents emerging theories about the etiology of Internet abuse.

T he Internet is transforming lives. It has become an invaluable tool for communication, information and entertainment. Most Internet users find it indispensable and are using it in ways that enhance their lives (Howard et al.   2001 ; Ramie and Horrigan 2005 ). However, a small minority are using the Internet in ways that have led to problems in their lives. Among these are some who have been labelled Internet addicts. Almost 10 per cent of adult Internet users in a large online study self-identified themselves as Internet addicts (Cooper et al.   2002 ) and 15 per cent of university students in the United States (US) and Europe claim they know someone is addicted to the Internet (Anderson 1999 ). Anecdotal accounts of Internet abuse and addiction date to the early 1990s (e.g. Moore 1995 ; Rheingold 1993 ). These accounts describe individuals whose Internet behaviour was out of control, with some self-labelling themselves as ‘Internet Addicts’. As the Internet expanded to the general population, the popular media began to publicize these concerns (e.g., Wallis 1997 ). Critics dismissed these claims and the publicity in the popular media that they received (Grohol 1999 ): however, clinicians began to report that they were seeing cases of Internet-related disturbances, including some patterns with were called Internet addiction or abuse (Orzack 1999 ), and established clinics such as the Computer Addiction Service at McLean Hospital, a Harvard University Medical School affiliate. Since then, Internet abuse has been reported worldwide, research on Internet abuse has proliferated, and clinics for Internet addiction have opened in many countries. The South Korean government plans to increase the number of treatment centres for Internet addicts from 40 to 100 by 2010 (South Korea plans more centres to treat Internet addiction 2005) while in the People's Republic of China, the first officially licensed government clinic for Internet addiction was opened in 2004 at the Beijing Military Region Central Hospital (Wired News 2004 ).

Research and clinical observation have documented that disturbed patterns of Internet use often are associated with other disturbances such as depression (Young and Rodgers 1998 ; Whang et al.   2003 ), and sexual compulsivity (Cooper et al.   1999 ). This has raised questions about what the relationship is between Internet abuse and other pathologies. Some contend that behaviours that have been labelled as Internet abuse are instead symptomatic of other disorders such as sexual compulsivity. Others argue that there are patterns of disturbed behaviours unique to the Internet that are analogous to substance abuse or impulse control disorders, and have labelled these behaviours with a number of terms such as Internet addiction or abuse, pathological Internet use, Internet abuse, or disturbed Internet behaviours. However, etiology is not clear and etiological explanations of the relationship of Internet abuse and other disturbances differ. Some maintain that that Internet abuse causes problems such as depression, while others maintain that those with pre-existing pathology may be vulnerable to developing disturbed patterns of Internet use.

The primary focus of this chapter is the relationship of Internet abuse to psychological disorders and personality factors. It will first provide an overview of definitions and criticisms of the concept of Internet abuse. Then, it will focus on different approaches to understanding the relationship of Internet abuse to various psychological disorders and personality factors. Finally, it will present emerging theories about the etiology of Internet abuse.

What is Internet abuse?

Internet abuse is a broad term which has varied names and definitions. The terms used include Internet addiction (Young 1998 ; Bai et al.   2001 ; Pratarelli and Browne 2002 ; Nalwa and Anand 2003 ; Chak and Leung 2004 ; Nichols and Nicki 2004 ; Simkova and Cincera 2004 ), Internet dependency (Scherer 1997 ; Chen et al.   2001 ; Lin and Tsai 2002 ; Whang et al.   2003 ), Internet abuse (Morahan-Martin 1999 , 2001 ), compulsive Internet use (Greenfield 1999 ), pathological Internet use (Morahan-Martin and Schumacher 2000 ; Davis 2001 ), problematic Internet use (Shapira et al.   2000 ; Caplan 2002 ; Shapira et al.   2003 ).

In part, these terms reflect varying conceptualizations of Internet abuse. Often, Internet abuse has been treated as a clinical entity with distinct criteria. Some have established criteria by modifying Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders ( DSM ) (American Psychiatric Association 2000 ) criteria for substance abuse (Scherer 1997 ; Nichols and Nicki 2004 ) or pathological gambling (Young 1998 ). Others have argued that Internet abuse should be considered an impulse control disorder not otherwise specified (NOS) (Orzack 1999 ; Treuer et al.   2001 ; Shapira et al.   2003 ) or as a behavioural or technological addiction (Griffiths 1998 ). Implicit in these definitions is the assumption that Internet abuse is a specific disorder or disease. This is reflected in use of the term Internet addiction.

However, other researchers do not apply clinical labels and instead approach what has been called Internet abuse as a continuum from normal to disturbed patterns of Internet use (Morahan-Martin and Schumacher 2000 ; Caplan 2002 , 2003 , 2004 , 2005 ). These researchers have used terms such as problematic or pathological Internet use.

Despite differences in definitions and specific criteria to assess Internet abuse, there is general agreement that Internet abuse involves use(s) of the Internet that causes marked disturbances in the person's life. Additionally, most agree that it involves preoccupation with using the Internet, symptoms of tolerance and withdrawal, unsuccessful attempts to cut back on use and using the Internet to alter moods (i.e., when down, anxious or as an escape) (Morahan-Martin 2001 , 2005 ). Those who develop these disturbed patterns use the Internet more than others, and some have equated Internet abuse with heavy or excessive use of the Internet. However, excessive Internet use alone does not qualify as Internet abuse because Internet abuse is universally defined in terms of its negative impact on an individual's life.

In this chapter, the term Internet abuse (IA) is used except in reference to other authors’ terminology. This term is not meant to imply a specific disease process or addictive behaviour, but rather patterns of using the Internet that result in disturbances in the person's life.

Incidence of IA

IA has been found worldwide, and there have been a number of studies to assess its prevalence. Young's ( 1998 ) criteria for IA, which is modelled on criteria for pathological gambling, has been the model for defining IA for most studies. Estimates of the incidence of IA vary widely. Epidemiological studies of adolescents in Finland and Norway found less than two per cent of all 12–18 year old adolescents had IA. Incidence increased with amount and frequency of Internet use (Johansson and Götestam 2004 ; Kaltiala-Heino et al.   2004 ). Two studies in Taiwan that used representative samples reported that among those who had ever used the Internet, 12 per cent of high school students had IA (Lin and Tsai 2002 ; Tsai and Lin 2001 ). Other studies which have used convenience samples report IA incidence as ranging from 3.5–15 per cent (Scherer 1997 ; Morahan-Martin and Schumacher 2000 ; Bai et al.   2001 ; Morahan-Martin 2001 ; Whang et al.   2003 ; Chak and Leung 2004 ). Differences in prevalence may represent differences in culture, sampling, age, or criteria used.

Criticism of the concept of IA

The concept of Internet abuse has not been without its critics and many are sceptical about its existence. Detractors have questioned the concept of IA and some have dismissed research on the topic (Grohol 1999 ; Mitchell 2000 ; Shaffer et al.   2000 ; Walther and Reid, 2000 ). Critics also have questioned the appropriateness of applying any pathological label for Internet behaviour (Grohol 1999 ; Walther and Reid, 2000 ). Grohol ( 1999 ) has argued that the Internet is no more addictive or compulsive than other leisure activities such watching television, talking on the telephone and so on. Although people engage in these activities to the point of interrupting other aspects of their lives, there is little alarm about television or telephone addiction (Morahan-Martin 2005 ). Turkle ( 1995 ) argues that widespread alarm about IA may reflect fears about the rapid spread of new technology by people who are intimidated by that technology.

Critics also have contended that focusing blame on the Internet rather than the specific online activity that is causing problems is deceptive. The problem is not the Internet per se, but the specific activities that people pursue online (Shaffer et al.   2000 ). Holmes ( 1997 ) cautions:

People develop problems with certain activities which they do online. There are people who compulsively chat online, people who compulsively download pornography and people who compulsively play games. If the word ‘addiction’ is even appropriate, I'd like to suggest that people become ‘addicted’ to these activities and not to the Internet itself. The term ‘sex addict’ is not an official diagnostic term, but it is sometimes used to describe someone who is compulsively sexual and seems to be addicted to sex. Many of these people buy pornographic magazines and videos. We don't consider them to be addicted to magazines or videos, but to sex—the content of the magazines and videos.

Other critics also have questioned the appropriateness of applying the addiction model to IA. Walther and Reid ( 2000 ) contend that ‘we should not use value-laden terms such as addiction to label something we know so little about’ (p. B5). Broadening addiction from substances to behaviours is controversial. Since the 1970s, there has been a trend to label disturbed patterns of behaviours such as eating, exercise, gambling, sex, shopping, television, computer games and sex as addictions (e.g., Milkman and Sunderwirth 1982 ; Jacobs 1986 ; Cooper et al.   1999 ; Kubey and Csikszentmihalyi 2002 ). Jaffe ( 1990 ) contends that the broadened use of the term ‘addiction’ trivializes the concept of substance-related addiction, and is detrimental to understanding specific etiology and treatment approaches for substance-related as well as other compulsive, repetitive behaviours, which have been inappropriately called addictions. At an individual level, labelling such behaviour as addiction leads these behaviours ‘to grow because it excuses uncontrolled behaviors and predisposes people to interpret their lack of control as the expression of a disease that they can do nothing about’ (Peele, cited in Jaffe 1990 : 1426).

Yet other critics have questioned whether it is premature to consider IA as a separate diagnostic category. Shaffer et al. argue that ‘empirical support for the construct validity of computer addiction has yet to emerge, (and) that defining the construct as a unique psychiatric disorder is therefore premature’ (2000: 162). Further, they contend that ‘in most cases, computer (and Internet) use may be symptomatic of other, more primary disorders’ (2000: 162). From this perspective, labeling IA ‘as if it were a new diagnostic entity may lead to the misdiagnosis of primary psychiatric disorders for which we have proven therapeutic interventions’ (Huang and Alessi, 1997 : 890).

Relationship between Internet abuse and other problems

In fact, IA has been associated with a number of other problems including depression (Young and Rodgers, 1998 ; Whang et al.   2003 ), substance abuse (Bai et al.   2001 ) and sexual compulsivity (Cooper et al.   1999 ). Those with IA are more likely than others to engage in activities such as online gambling and netsex (Young 1998 ; Greenfield 1999 ; Morahan-Martin and Schumacher 2000 ). Personality factors associated with IA include loneliness (Morahan-Martin and Schumacher 2000 , 2003 ; Kubey et al.   2001 ; Caplan 2002 ; Nalwa and Anand 2003 ; Whang et al.   2003 ), shyness and social anxiety (Caplan 2002 ; Chak and Leung 2004 ; Pratarelli 2005 ).

Approaches to understanding the relationship of IA to other disorders

The relationship of IA to other disorders has raised a number of questions, and approaches to understanding the relationship between IA and other problems have varied. As indicated earlier, critics maintain that what has been labelled as IA is symptomatic of other disorders. From this perspective, focusing on IA rather than the real disorder is inappropriate. This approach would suggest those labelled with IA have pre-existing disorders. A related approach emphasizes the need to delineate patterns of Internet-related behaviours associated with specific activities that are direct manifestations of established pathologies, such as compulsive sexual behaviour, from a more generalized form of IA, and to study each separately.

Each approach suggests different etiologies to explaining IA or disturbed patterns of Internet use. An overarching issue is the relative role of the Internet and of the individual in the development of disturbed behaviors online and/or IA. To varying degrees, differing approaches maintain that disturbed online behaviours and/or IA may be attributed to either the Internet or the individual user. A diathesis-stress model would suggest that some individuals are vulnerable to developing IA. The unique attributes of the Internet may facilitate the development of disturbed patterns of Internet use, but it is not clear if certain people are more vulnerable to develop Internet-related pathologies such as Internet abuse because of pre-existing problems or vulnerabilities. Drawing on relevant research, the following sections discuss each approach separately.

Pre-existing problems and IA

Limited evidence that those with IA had preexisting problems is provided by a small scale study of 20 individuals with IA who were administered face-to-face (ftf) interviews using the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (SCID-IV). The researchers found all 20 participants had at least one lifetime DSM-IV Axis 1 diagnosis in addition to IA with an average of five other diagnoses. Nearly 2/3s (70 per cent) had a lifetime diagnosis of bipolar disorder, 85 per cent had received previous mental health treatment, and 75 per cent had been treated with psychotropic medications (Shapira et al   2000 ).

The pre-existence of other pathologies with IA can be interpreted in several ways. It is possible, as Shaffer et al ( 2000 ) argue, that focus on IA masks appropriate diagnosis. Symptoms attributed to IA may represent ways of dealing with stress associated with these disorders. Research supports that those with IA are more likely than others to use the Internet to modulate negative affect; they use the Internet to escape pressures, when down, anxious, socially isolated and to control moods (Morahan-Martin and Schumacher 2000 ; Anderson, 1999 ). Although this provides support for those who contend that Internet abuse is symptomatic of other problems such as depression, the direction of the relationship is not clear. Comorbidity does not determine direction of the relationship. A number of other disorders are comorbid with depression including substance abuse, pathological gambling, sexual compulsivity, impulse control disorders, chronic loneliness and social anxiety (Becona et al.   1996 ; Cooper et al.   1999 ; Forsyth and Elliott 1999 ; American Psychiatric Association 2000 ).

Specific vs. generalized IA

An alternative approach is to delineate subtypes of Internet-related disturbances according to specific online activities. Certain activities associated with IA, such as disturbed patterns of online gambling and compulsive online sexual activity, are more aptly conceptualized as Internet-enabled pathologies and should be distinguished from a more generalized form of IA which is not dependent on specific applications. It is not the Internet itself that is causing problems, but the specific activity (Davis 2001 ; Morahan-Martin 2005 ). Davis ( 2001 ) proposes two distinct types of IA: specific and generalized. Specific IA involves the overuse or abuse of a content-specific function of the Internet such as downloading pornography or gambling, while generalized IA not linked to any specific content but to abuse of the Internet itself that results in negative consequences. Alternatively, specific IA's should be considered not as forms of IA but as technologically enabled variants of other pathologies such as pathological gambling or compulsive sexuality. The term IA as used in this chapter refers to generalized IA. However, research on IA rarely has distinguished specific forms of IA, so that it is probable that an unknown percentage of those labelled in existing research as having IA should instead be viewed in terms of their specific behavioural disorders.

However, there is a large and growing body of research on patterns of online sexual behaviours and gambling (e.g.; Cooper et al.   1999 , 2000 ; Griffiths 2001 ; Griffiths and Parke 2002 ; Ladd and Petry 2002 ; Boies et al.   2004 ). Although this literature is beyond the scope of this chapter, a few findings from research on online sexual behaviours and disturbances are relevant to this discussion because they parallel research on generalized IA. A large scale online study of online sexual activities (OSA) found that about one-sixth (16 per cent) were sexually compulsive but only 1 per cent of all who engaged in OSA were what the authors called online sexual compulsives (Cooper et al.   2000 ). Although there is evidence that those who develop problems from their online sexual behaviours have pre-existing pathology (Schwartz and Southern 2000 ), Cooper et al. ( 1999 ) found some who develop problems from their OSA had no prior history of sexual compulsivity. They speculate that these individuals may have been vulnerable to sexual compulsivity, but ‘may never have had difficulty with sexual compulsivity if it were not for the Internet’ (p. 85) because they had sufficient internal resources and impulse control to resist acting out these impulses until they went online. This group consists largely of people who are depressed and those who use OSA when they are highly stressed as a way of escaping or distracting themselves from negative feelings associated with stress. Confirmation of the role of using the Internet to deal with stress in the development of problems from OSA was found in second study which compared those with online sexual problems with a matched sample of OSA users. Those who developed problems from their use of OSA were more likely to use OSA to cope with stress and explore sexual fantasies (Cooper et al.   2001 ).

A second factor associated with disturbances arising from OSA is being involved in OSA activities to seek relationships. In a study of OSA among Canadian university students, Boies et al. conclude that ‘activities facilitating interpersonal contact were most strongly correlated to Internet-related problems suggesting Internet use is related to a need for affiliation in some individuals’ (2004: 215).

These findings are similar to research on IA. Both those with IA and those whose use of OSA is disturbed are more likely than others to be depressed and to use the Internet and to use the Internet to deal with stress. For both, online social interactions are an important factor.

Generalized IA and online social interaction

There is a growing consensus that the unique social interactions made possible by the Internet play a major role in the development of IA (Scherer 1997 ; Young 1998 ; Young and Rogers 1998 ; Morahan-Martin and Schumacher 2000 ; Davis 2001 ; Weiser 2001 ; Caplan 2002 ; Pratarelli and Browne 2002 ; Leung 2004 ; Yuen and Lavin 2004 ). Those with IA are more likely than other Internet users to participate in socially interactive activities such as chat rooms, newsgroups, interactive games (Young 1998 ; Morahan-Martin and Schumacher 2000 ; Chen et al.   2001 ; Weiser 2001 ; Lin and Tsai 2002 ; Whang et al.   2003 ; Chak and Leung 2004 ; Johansson and Götestam 2004 ; Leung 2004 ); and to go online to meet new people, talk to others with the same interests, and find emotional support (Morahan-Martin and Schumacher 2000 ).

Davis ( 2001 ) argues that IA occurs when Internet users develop problems due to the unique communicative context of the Internet. Morahan-Martin and Schumacher ( 2000 ) found that the social aspects of Internet use consistently differentiate those with IA from other Internet users. Those with IA are more likely to be exhibit increased social confidence online than others. They were more likely to report that going online has made it easier to make friends, that they have a network of online friends, and that they are friendlier and open up more to people online than in real life. Internet abusers also find the Internet to be socially liberating. They are more likely to say that they are more themselves online, have more fun with people they know online, share intimate secrets online and prefer online to ftf communication. Further, those with IA are more likely to say that they know most of their friends from being online, and that their online friends understand them better than other people. The authors conclude that for those with IA, ‘the Internet can be socially liberating, the Prozac of social communication’ (2000: 20). Similarly, Leung ( 2004 ) found anonymity, social ease online and social disinhibition are strong predictors of IA, while Whang et al.   2003 ) found those with IA are more likely to reveal personal concerns to online friends and even to meet online friends ftf. Caplan ( 2002 ) found that users’ preference for the social benefits available online is an important predictor of IA and concludes that these results suggest that ‘preference for computer-mediated social interaction, as opposed to face-to-face interaction, plays a role in the etiology, development and outcomes’ of generalized IA.

Loneliness, social anxiety, IA and online social interaction

The appeal of the enhanced social environment online is pertinent in explaining the relationship between IA and loneliness and social anxiety and is central to an emerging theory of generalized IA. As noted earlier, several studies have found that IA is related to loneliness (Morahan-Martin and Schumacher 2000 , 2003 ; Kubey et al.   2001 ; Caplan 2002 ; Nalwa and Anand, 2003 ; Whang et al.   2003 ) as well as social anxiety and shyness (Pratarelli and Browne 2002 ; Caplan 2004 ; Chak and Leung 2004 ). However, the direction of these relationships is not clear, especially in the case of loneliness and IA. The following sections explore approaches to understanding the increased incidence of IA among first the lonely, and then the socially anxious. Drawing on literature from personality, communications and Internet use, they describe characteristics of the lonely and socially anxious, how they use the Internet, and why they may be more prone to develop IA. An integrative theory to explain IA follows.

IA and loneliness: two hypotheses

Two hypotheses have been proposed to explain the relationship between loneliness and IA. The first hypothesis claims that loneliness is a result of excessive Internet use and abuse while the second hypothesis claims that lonely individuals are at greater risk for developing Internet-related problems such as IA because the changed social interaction available online can become so compelling that it disrupts users' lives (Morahan-Martin 1999 ; Morahan-Martin and Schumacher 2003 ).

Hypothesis 1: the Internet causes loneliness

The first hypothesis contends that loneliness is a by-product of excessive Internet use because time spent online displaces ftf time spent with friends and families, thus isolating individuals and interrupting their sense of connection and belonging in their community (Nie, 2001 ; Nie and Ebring 2002 ).

The release of the first wave of the HomeNet study (Kraut et al.   1998 ) provided support for this hypothesis. This study monitored Internet use of new users and found neither depression nor loneliness before starting to use the Internet predicted depression or loneliness after the first 12–18 months of Internet use. However, increased Internet use was associated with higher levels of both depression and loneliness. The authors attribute these increases in depression and loneliness to decreases in family communication, social activities, happiness and the number of individuals in one's social network, which also were associated with increased Internet use. A second study using a time diary also found increases in Internet use led to declines in spending time with family and friends and in attending social events (Nie and Ebring 2002 ).

The HomeNet study and its findings were widely criticized. However, despite its small and select sample, it is one of a limited number of systematic longitudinal studies which followed the antecedents and consequences when users were introduced to the Internet.

The second wave of the HomeNet study (Kraut et al.   2002 ) contradicted the results from the first. Instead, this study found that after participants had been online for two to three years, loneliness and depression was unrelated to amount of Internet use. However, the impact of Internet use on psychological well-being varies between extroverts and introverts. For extroverts, increased use of the Internet is associated with greater social involvement and ‘increased sense of well-being, including decreased levels of loneliness, decreased negative affect, decreased time pressure, and increased self esteem’ (2002:64). Conversely, for introverts, the effects were opposite in each of these measures of self esteem. Separate analyses controlling for previous levels of loneliness and social involvement found increased use of the Internet decreases loneliness and increases social involvement for extroverts, but has the opposite effects for introverts. The authors suggest a ‘rich get richer’ hypothesis. That is, for extroverts who already have greater social resources, Internet use enhances their well-being while the opposite is true for introverts.

Hypothesis 2: the lonely are drawn to the Internet

The finding that the positive or negative impact of Internet use is dependent upon personality is consistent with the second hypothesis regarding the relationship between loneliness and IA. This hypothesis asserts that chronically lonely individuals are vulnerable to develop IA and other Internet-related problems. The Internet can provide social networks and a changed social environment that may be especially appealing to those who are chronically lonely, but at the same time, this environment can become so compelling that they spend increasingly more time online to the exclusion of other activities and develop IA (Morahan-Martin 1999 ; Morahan-Martin and Schumacher 2003 ). Research on characteristics of the lonely and how they use the Internet provides support for this approach.

This hypothesis views loneliness as a personality trait rather than as a temporary reaction. Being lonely can be a transient, situational state. Seventy-five per cent of first year students in their first two weeks at a large university reported that they had experienced loneliness, with 40 per cent saying that they were moderately to severely lonely (Cutrona 1982 ). For some, though, loneliness is a chronic state that is considered a stable personality trait (Weeks et al.   1980 ). Chronically lonely people have fewer friends, spend less time with friends, date less and attend less parties than others (Archibald et al.   1995 ). They find it difficult to make friends, participate in groups and initiate social activities (Horowitz and deSales French 1979 ; Prisbell 1988 ). Compared to those who are not lonely, lonely individuals report that they are less interested in ftf social activity and perceive ftf social activity to be less rewarding (Prisbell 1988 ). Chronically lonely tend to be self-conscious, introverted, socially inhibited, and sensitive to rejection (Russell et al.   1980 ; Bruch et al.   1988 ; Solano and Koester 1989 ). They are inclined to feel close to and spend more time in shallow relationships with strangers than with family and friends (Jones 1981 ). Lack of social skills and negative expectation about social encounters are major contributors to chronic loneliness (Burger 2004 ). Those who are lonely are prone to approach social situations pessimistically. They expect rejection and anticipate negative appraisal by others. This often results in their tendency to display minimal interest in getting to know others (Sloane and Solano 1984 ; Burger 2004 ). This sensitivity to interpersonal criticism and rejection (Frankel and Prentice-Dunn 1990 ) underlies their problems initiating social activities (Horowitz and deSales French 1979 ; Burger, 2004 ). Additionally, problems in interpersonal style make it difficult for the chronically lonely to cultivate friendships. They tend to adopt a passive interpersonal style (Vitkus and Horowitz 1984 ) and show a lack of understanding of social rules (Sloane and Solano 1984 ). They have problems with self-disclosure, either revealing too little about themselves (Sloane and Solano 1984 ) or too much (Solano and Koester 1989 ). Not surprisingly, chronically lonely are more likely than others to be depressed (Koenig et al.   1995 ; Joiner et.   1999 ) and have other psychological problems (Booth 2000 ).

The appeal of the Internet to the lonely

The Internet may provide a safe haven where those who are lonely can interact to a vastly expanded social network in an anonymous, non-ftf environment in which they may be less restrained by existing self-defeating behavioural patterns and cognitions. On the Internet, lonely individuals can control their self presentation and interactions in ways which may alleviate some of their negative expectations and skill deficits. Online anonymity can weaken patterns of social inhibition which plague the chronically lonely. ‘Self perceptions of social incompetence may lead lonely … people to seek out what they perceive to be a safer and less threatening alternative to ftf interaction’ (Caplan 2003 : 628). Further, the heightened intimacy which characterizes many online interactions (Bargh et al.   2002 ; Walther 1996 ) can facilitate lonely individuals' opening up to others. This may lead to their being able to interact at a more intimate level with online acquaintances, which in turn may cause them to find greater social support online and alleviate their sense of isolation. Additionally, the lonely can use the Internet to alleviate depression and other negative feelings associated with loneliness (Morahan-Martin 1998; Caplan 2003 ; Morahan-Martin and Schumacher 2003 ). Finally, the very attractiveness of the Internet to the lonely can lead them to depend on it increasingly, leading them to develop IA and other problems in their offline lives (Caplan 2003 ; Morahan-Martin and Schumacher 2003 ).

How the lonely use the Internet

Research supports that the lonely use the Internet differently than others in ways that help them cope with some of the deficiencies described above. The lonely are more likely than others to use the Internet to increase their social network (McKenna and Bargh 1998 ; Morahan-Martin and Schumacher 2003 ), find others similar to themselves, make friends, and find emotional support (Bonebrake 2002 ; Morahan-Martin and Schumacher 2003 ). They show a strong preference for online rather than ftf interactions and find online anonymity liberating (Caplan 2003 ; Morahan-Martin and Schumacher 2003 ). Overall, the social behaviour of the lonely is enhanced online. They are friendlier online, find it easier than the non-lonely to open up to others online than off, and are more likely to share intimate secrets with others online (Morahan-Martin and Schumacher 2003 ; Whang et al.   2003 ). Those who are lonely are ‘somewhat more likely to feel they can express their real selves with others on the Internet than they can with those they know offline’ (McKenna et al.   2002 : 28), and believe that they are more themselves online than off (Morahan-Martin and Schumacher 2003 ). The lonely also are more likely than non-lonely to report improvement in friendships on the Internet. They were more likely to say that

going online had make it easier to make friends, that they had a network of online friends, and even that most of their friends were online friends. These friendships were positive; lonely individuals were more likely than others to report that they had more fun with their online than ftf friends, and that their online friends understand them better. (Morahan-Martin and Schumacher 2003 : 20)

Consistent with the model presented above, lonely individuals also are more likely than others to use the Internet to deal with negative feelings. Compared with others, they are more likely to go online to feel better when they are down and anxious, to talk with others when they are isolated, to use the Internet to relax and waste time and to feel totally absorbed when online (Caplan 2002 ; Gross et al.   2002 ; Morahan-Martin and Schumacher 2003 ).

For lonely people, the quality of the online relationships that they seek when feeling isolated may be weak. A study of early adolescents that measured daily adjustment levels of loneliness and social anxiety and Internet activities found that when lonely, youth were more likely to communicate online with people with whom they did not have a close affiliation. The authors suggest that

when they feel connected and comfortable with school-based peers, early adolescents use the Internet to seek out additional opportunities to interact with them. In the case of chronic or even temporary feelings of social discomfort or detachment, however, adolescents may use the Internet to avoid being alone, and, in doing so, turn to people disconnected from their daily life. (Gross et al. 2002 : 87)

This tendency may play a role in explaining the paradox that even though the lonely report positive social benefits from their online interactions, they also report that they have missed online social engagements because of online activities (Morahan-Martin and Schumacher 2003 ). Additionally, despite the benefits derived from online interactions, lonely people are more likely to develop problems in their real life because of their use of the Internet (Caplan 2003 ; Morahan-Martin and Schumacher 2003 ).

Social anxiety, shyness, and Internet use and abuse

Social anxiety also has been associated with increased risk of developing IA as has shyness (Pratarelli and Browne 2002 ; Caplan 2004 ; Chak and Leung 2004 ). This is not surprising because the socially interactive aspects of the Internet are ideally suited to those who are socially anxious in ways that are analogous to the appeal of the Internet for the lonely. The characteristics of those who are socially anxious and shy help explain the appeal of the Internet to them.

Social anxiety and shyness are highly correlated with each other. Although some psychologists distinguish between the two (Buss 1980 ), most researchers refer to the two interchangeably (Rapee 1995 ; Burger 2004 ). Social anxiety exists on a continuum from mild to severe. Clinically, many of those with high degree of social anxiety meet the criteria for social phobia and avoidant personality disorder. Shyness is inversely related to sociability (Bruch et al.   1989 ). Those who are socially anxious tend to have poor social skills, decreased networks of social support (American Psychiatric Association 2000 ), and difficulty forming and maintaining satisfying social relationships (Leary and Kowalski 1995a ). In one study, over 2/3s (69 per cent) of people with social phobia believed that their anxiety interfered with social relationships (Turner et al.   1986 ).

An underlying issue for shyness and social anxiety is evaluation apprehension. That is, socially anxious people are afraid of what others will think of them and are especially sensitive to negative evaluation from others (Leary and Kowalsky 1995b ). Subjectively, those who are socially anxious approach social situations with a great deal of apprehension about others’ impressions and evaluations of them. They

tend to interpret the reactions of others as less positive … (and) are more likely than nonsocially anxious persons to feel rejected even in the absence of any objective indication of exclusion. Relative to non shy people, shy individuals report that their friends are less supportive, accepting, understanding, and attentive. (Leary and Kowalsky 1995a : 173)

They also tend to be self-preoccupied with their perceived social limitations and deficiencies. This in turn negatively impacts their social behaviour. Socially anxious people tend to have trouble expressing themselves, and their behaviour is often socially inhibited, reticent and socially withdrawn. Many avoid social situations (Leary and Kowalsky 1995a ). Interpersonally, socially anxious people disaffiliate, that is, they behave in ways that reduce the amount of social contact they have with others. This social withdrawal results in varying degrees of social avoidance. Often, those who are socially anxious become involved in a vicious cycle. ‘Because social anxiety entails heightened self-awareness, socially anxious persons become preoccupied with personal deficiencies and more sensitive to the negative reactions of others lead to a further increase in social anxiety’ (Leary and Kowalsky 1995a , pg. 138). Subjectively, social anxiety is a very painful, distressing state. It is often comorbid with other disorders including depression, other anxiety disorders, substance abuse and other escapist behaviours (Leary and Kowalsky 1995a ; Rapee 1995 ; American Psychiatric Association 2000 ).

The aversiveness of subjective social anxiety, paired with the negative self-thoughts of socially anxious people, may help explain why people who are socially anxious or social phobic are prone to abuse alcohol and engage in other escapist behaviors. (Leary and Kowalsky 1995a : 138)

Social anxiety, Internet use and IA

Those who are socially anxious are drawn to the socially interactive aspects of the Internet. They use the Internet more and spend more time using chat rooms than extroverts (Anolli et al.   2005 ). They are more likely than others to form friendships and intimate relationships with those they meet on the Internet (McKenna and Bargh 1999 ), and these relationships are intense (Anolli et al   2005 ). Degree of social anxiety is strongly related to a preference for online over ftf social interactions (Caplan 2003 ; Erwin et al.   2004 ). In a study of how those who are socially anxious use the Internet, Erwin et al. ( 2004 ) found amount of time socially interacting on the Internet was associated with greater ‘comfort initiating and maintaining conversations with others on the Internet than ftf and … (preference for) discussing their problems with others on the Internet to interacting ftf socially’ (2004: 643). They argue that their findings suggest that a subgroup of individuals with social anxiety disorder have found out a ‘separate, more tolerable social world on the Internet’ (2004: 643), but, at the same time, ‘these gains may prove to be elusive, belying greater isolation, anxiety, and impairment associated with non-cyberspace interactions, and greater misinformation and entrenchment of maladaptive beliefs’ (2004: 643).

Similarly, Caplan ( 2003 ) has found that an important mediator between social anxiety and negative outcomes from Internet use is a preference for online over ftf social interaction. This preference for online interactions may be due to reductions in anxiety in online social interactions for those who are shy. Yuen and Lavin ( 2004 ) compared those with and without IA in their level of reported shyness in online versus ftf situations. Level of shyness did not differ in ftf and online interactions for those without IA. However, those with IA reported they would feel less shy in online interactions than in ftf interactions. They suggest that

the Internet provides a safe haven where feelings of social discomfort are alleviated. Online use eliminates the negative and undesirable feelings that accompany ftf communication. Internet dependents may feel more confident when interacting online rather than in ftf situations … The attenuation of shyness fosters online dependency. (Yuen and Lavin 2004 : 382)

As reported earlier, longitudinal research also has found Internet-related impairment in adjustment for introverts. That is, for introverts, increased levels of Internet use is associated with decreased sense of well-being, including increased levels of loneliness, negative affect, time pressure and decreased self-esteem. However, the results are opposite for extroverts (Kraut et al.   2002 ).

Loneliness, social anxiety and IA

There is considerable overlap in loneliness and social anxiety in both their characteristics and how those who are lonely and socially anxious use the Internet. In fact, trait loneliness and social anxiety are highly correlated (Lamm and Stephan 1987 ; Anderson and Harvey 1988 ), although the two are considered separate personality constructs (Jones et al.   1990 ). Caplan ( 2004 ) maintains that the relationship between loneliness and IA ‘is spurious, an artifact of the influence of social anxiety on both problematic Internet use and loneliness’ (2004: 11). Using structural equation modelling, he found that when social anxiety was accounted for, loneliness failed to predict negative outcomes from Internet use.

A cognitive—behavioural model of IA

Thus far, the evidence presented supports that some personality types may be vulnerable to develop IA and other Internet-related problems. From a person by situation approach, research supports that some vulnerable individuals such as those who are lonely or socially anxious find the socially interactive aspects of the Internet so compelling that they begin to use the Internet to the detriment of their everyday life. Still missing is a comprehensive theory which explains the etiology of IA.

In a series of research studies, Caplan has developed a cognitive—behavioural model of IA which advances understanding of the etiology of IA (Caplan 2002 , 2003 , 2004 , 2005 ). Caplan's model is an extension and refinement of Davis' cognitive-behavioural model of IA (2001) which argues that existing psychosocial problems such as loneliness predispose some Internet users to exhibit maladaptive cognitions and behaviours that result in IA. Caplan maintains that ‘a social-skill deficit, along with exposure to the Internet, predisposes an individual to develop a preference for online, rather than ftf, social interaction, which then leads to compulsive Internet use that results in negative outcomes’ (2005: 725).

The social skill deficit identified in this theory is a deficit in self-presentational skills, which is the ability to make strategic self-presentation of themselves on others to make positive impressions. Those with well developed self-presentational skills ‘are generally adept, tactful, and self confident in social situations and can fit in comfortably in just about any type of social situation’ (Riggio 1989 : 3). However, those with deficits in self-presentation skills lack confidence in their ability to make effective self-presentations: this includes many who are socially anxious and lonely. People who perceive themselves to have weak self-presentational skills are ‘likely to seek out communicative channels that minimize potential costs and enhance their limited abilities’ (Caplan 2005 ). In situations where their self-presentation is threatened, people tend to prefer computer mediated communication (CMC) over ftf communication (OʼSullivan 2002 ). Online social interactions are well matched for those who have weak self-presentation skills. OʼSullivan argues that CMC is helpful ‘for managing self-relevant information in pursuit of self-presentational goals’ (2002: 404).

As discussed earlier, many factors related to online social interactions combine to facilitate more effective self-presentation online than ftf. Online communication allows for greater control over self-presentation. Online anonymity can lead to weakened inhibitions and decreased risk in social interactions. Individuals are freed of existing social roles, and can experiment with different ways of interacting. Success and acceptance in online interactions can foster an increased sense of control and self-efficacy in online social interactions. This also reinforces a preference for online over ftf interaction, which is a key cognitive component of IA. Caplan ( 2003 ) defines preference for online over ftf social interaction as a ‘cognitive individual-difference construct characterized by beliefs that one is safer, more efficacious, more confident and more comfortable with online interpersonal interactions and relationships than with traditional ftf social activities’ (2003: 629).

Once individuals develop a preference for online over ftf interactions, they spend increasingly more time and become more emotionally connected with online interactions which weakens ftf interactions. For some, this leads to compulsive Internet use which in turn leads to negative outcomes (Caplan 2005 ).

This model is pertinent in explaining the relationship between IA and loneliness and social anxiety. Both are characterized by low levels of self-presentation skills and high levels of fear of negative evaluation (Leary and Kowalsky 1995 a , b ; Burger 2004 ) which may make them vulnerable to developing a preference for online over ftf interactions. This preference in turn would lead to compulsive use and negative outcomes including IA.

Conclusions

A small percentage of Internet users become dependent upon the Internet to such an extent that their Internet use is causing serious problems in their lives have been called Internet abusers. Research has found that IA is associated with a number of other disorders. Critics have questioned the concept of IA and maintained that IA may instead be a manifestation of other disorder. Two subgroups of dependent users are identified: the first consists of those who develop problems from their use of specific Internet applications such as online gambling or online sexual activities. In these cases, the Internet has become a new vehicle for other, established pathologies. The second group consists of those who develop problems from a more generalized use of the Internet, a group Davis ( 2001 ) describes as suffering from generalized IA. There is strong evidence that the socially interactive aspects of the Internet have strong appeal for those who develop IA and that the development of generalized IA is a result of the unique communication context of the Internet. People with IA are drawn to the experience of being online, and prefer virtual rather than ftf interpersonal communication. Those who are lonely and socially anxious or shy are at higher risk of developing IA. Although it has been suggested that excessive Internet use causes loneliness, research indicates that those who are chronically lonely as well as those who are socially anxious or shy are more likely than others to find socially interactive activities on the Internet so compelling that they increasingly become more emotionally invested online and spend increasing amount of time online which eventually can lead to the development of IA. Caplan's Cognitive—Behavioural Model of Problematic Internet Use provides a framework to understand IA and why those who are lonely and socially anxious may be at higher risk of developing IA. This approach proposes that those with a social skill deficit in self-presentation skills when exposed to the Internet are at risk of developing a preference for online, rather than ftf social interaction, and this can lead to compulsive Internet use and IA (Caplan 2004 ).

Internet abuse is a fertile area for future research. The Internet is in constant flux. How one can access the Internet, the types of activities available and the population who are online has changed dramatically in the decade since the first studies on IA were published. Future research will need to address these changes. One high priority for future research is to distinguish the specific activities that are associated with disturbed behaviour. Most research on IA has consisted of surveys which have been given to convenience samples; longitudinal studies as well as more experimental studies with more representative samples would provide valuable data.

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NB: This essay contains 470 words.

The term ‘internet’ has come from interconnected networks. It is a global system of interconnected computer networks that is used to link devices worldwide. It is a network of networks. It includes public, private, business, academic, and government networks linked by optical or wireless networking technologies. It has brought the world within our reach. The world is now defined as ‘global village’ only because of internet.

Internet came in the 1960s with the creation of ARPANET. ARPANET is the short of Advanced Research Projects Agency Network . It was a WAN technology to link different universities using packet switching method. In 1969 the first message was sent over the ARPANET. After closing the activities of ARPANET the term “internet” was adopted as the name of the network in 1990. On that period computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee also invented the World Wide Web. Gradually the use of internet expanded worldwide immensely with its different products and services.

Internet is a real blessing science. The chief advantage of it is its ability to connect billions of computers and devices with one another. It has widened our knowledge. In the field of trade and commerce, it plays an effective role. It also plays an important role in the field of education. Not only students and teachers but also business persons, economists, doctors, politicians, and other professionals can be benefited by using internet.

While some consider internet as a blessing others regard it as a curse because internet has a good and a bad side to it. Proper use of internet can bring welfare for human being in many ways. Again misuse of it can bring disadvantages. We should ensure the proper use of internet. For example, many cybercriminal have access to our finances. For better protection, we can use PC security software and to keep our operating system, Web browsers, and other applications up-to-date. People who spend too much time in front of computer at their homes are getting weaker. Sitting for a long time is also harmful to the spine of our body. Another thing is that in many cases internet can by addictive.

On the other hand we find that there is no sense of censorship in the world of internet. Our young generation can easily get pornographic images and videos through internet. As a result, their moral character is damaged. Many evil people also occur crime by using internet. The abuse of internet is hacking, cyber-crime, plagiarism, spreading virus and malware, software piracy, E-Mail spamming, etc.

The government of a country needs to take necessary steps to manage easy access to internet for the people. At the same time the government should also realize the bad effect of internet on the life of the people and introduce necessary law against it. Then the people of the country will enjoy the fruitful benefit of internet.

Essay on Uses of Internet – Advantages and Disadvantages

Essay on uses of Internet – advantages, and disadvantages: – The Internet is one of the best gifts of science. It has made our life and lifestyle much easier than before. Today Team GuideToExam brings to you a number of essays on the internet along with the advantages and disadvantages of the internet.

Are you ready?

Let’s Start…

Table of Contents

Essay on Internet advantages and disadvantages (50 Words)

The Internet is a modern gift of science to us. In this modern world, we can’t do anything without the use of the internet. We all know the use of the internet in business, online transactions, different official works, etc. Students also use the internet to boost their studies.

But there are both advantages and disadvantages of the internet for students. Some students know how can the internet be used to improve their studies, but due to misuse of the internet some students loss, their valuable time and can’t score well in exams. But we can’t deny the use of the internet in education, business, online transactions, etc.

Essay on Internet advantages and disadvantages (150 Words)         

The Internet is the greatest invention of science. It helps us in getting every piece of information with a click. We can share information, and get connected with people around the world through the use of the internet.

The Internet is a vast storage of information where we can get a bunch of information from different fields. There are both uses and abuses of the internet. The use of the internet in business has developed the business in modern times.

In today’s world, the use of the internet in education can also be seen. Some advanced schools and colleges in our country have introduced the digital class. It has become possible due to the uses of the internet.

Though there are a lot of advantages of the internet, a few disadvantages of the internet can also be seen. Misuse of the internet has always been a headache for national security. We need to know the proper uses of the internet so we can be beneficial from this modern invention of science.

Essay on Internet advantages and disadvantages (200 Words )

In today’s world, we use the internet in every walk of our life. About two decades ago there was a question in most people’s minds ‘how can the internet be used’. But in today’s world, the uses of the internet are very common almost in every field.

Today the use of the internet for students has been very common. Students can get online help from different websites, they can opt for online coaching, online courses, etc. use of the internet can be seen in every sphere of life.

It has connected the whole world. The Internet provides us with various moods of communication like email, social networking sites, web and video calls, etc. on the other hand use of the internet in business has brought a revolutionary change to the market.

The Internet has promoted the online marketing platform in the world. Now a businessman can sell his product online from his home.

Though we can point out many advantages of the internet, there are some abuses of the internet too. The misuse of the internet can be seen among some students. They sometimes stick to social networking sites and waste their valuable time.

As a result of that, they don’t get much time for studies.  They should know the proper uses of the internet and should use it for their benefit.

Essay on Internet advantages and disadvantages (300 Words )

Introduction to internet essay: – The Internet is a modern invention of science that has brought a revolutionary change to our lives. Using the internet, we can access any information from anywhere that has been stored on the web.

In today’s world, we can’t imagine anything without the internet. There are a lot of advantages of the internet, but it is impossible to turn our faces from the disadvantages of the internet.

Uses of the internet: – The internet is used for any purpose. It is used to send emails, online chat, online transactions, share files, access different web pages, etc. On the other hand, in this modern era, a businessman can’t grow his business without the use of the internet in business.

Again the use of the internet in education has completely changed our education system. The use of the internet for students is very necessary as a student can get all his syllabus-oriented information on the web.

Abuses of the internet/ Disadvantages of the internet: – We all know the advantages of the internet. But there are some abuses of the internet too. We can’t deny the fact that the internet has brought a revolutionary change to our lifestyle, but we can’t ignore the disadvantages of the internet.

First of all, a person who spend too much time in from of a computer may fall ill. It may damage his/her eyesight. On the other hand, sometimes the internet can provide us with the wrong information. Because on internet or web anyone can post any information.

So sometimes wrong information can also be posted on the internet. Again hackers may post malicious links and can cause harm to our confidential data. One of the most dangerous disadvantages of the internet in today’s time is fraud business. With the popularity of the internet, we can see rapid growth in the fraud business.

Conclusion to internet essay: – The Internet has made our work easy in every field. With the invention of the internet human civilization has developed a lot. Though there are both advantages and disadvantages of the internet, we can’t deny the fact that the internet has developed us a lot.

Everything depends on its use. We all need to know “how can the internet be used” and should use the internet for our benefit.

Essay on Internet advantages and disadvantages (400 Words )

Introduction to internet essay: – The Internet has completely changed our lifestyle and the style of our work as well. The invention of the internet has saved our time and reduced our effort in almost every work. The Internet can provide any information to us in no time that has been stored in it. So the question is ‘how can the internet be used?’. In order to use the internet, we require a telephone connection, a computer, and a modem.

Uses of the internet: –  The uses of the internet are immense. Internet is used everywhere such as in schools, colleges, banks, shopping malls, railways, airports, etc. Moreover, we use the internet at home for different purposes. We can access different websites, and social networking sites can make online transactions through the internet.

Different files and information can be shared via emails or messengers. The use of the internet in business has made a different platform for both- buyers and sellers. We have lots of advantages of the internet.

Uses of the internet for students: – The use of the internet for students is like a blessing to them. Students can find any needed information on the web to boost up their studies. Now a day the use of the internet in education is very common. The educational institutions provide internet for students at schools so that their knowledge can be improved.

Abuses of the internet or Disadvantages of the internet: – We can’t decline the fact that the uses of the internet have developed human civilization a lot, But we must agree that we have both advantages and disadvantages of the internet. The abuses of the internet or misuse of the internet can ruin a person at any moment.

Generally, abuses of the internet or internet abuse mean the improper use of the internet. These days teenagers are found addicted to the internet as they spend most of their time on the internet playing online games, surfing social networking sites, etc.

As a result, they are lacking behind in their study. On the other hand, lots of people have become victims of cybercrime. Some anti-social groups use the internet to deceive people through cheating funds. Again hackers may easily access our personal information that has been stored in the internet. Misuse of the internet can spoil our life.

Conclusion to internet essay: –  Excess or misuse of everything is bad. The use of the internet has developed us to a great extent. It has made our life simple, easy, and comfortable as well.

Uses of the internet in education have made us wiser than before, use of the internet in business has formed a different and wider market for us. Misuse of the internet can definitely ruin us but if we use the internet for our benefit, it will make our life easier and more simple in the future.

Long Essay on Internet advantages and disadvantages (800 Words)

Introduction to internet essay: – The internet is naturally one of the most exciting and brilliant gifts of science to mankind. The invention of the internet and its uses of the internet have radically changed the ways of our life and living standards as well. In today’s world, most of our routine activities are done through the internet.

How can the internet be used: – Everybody knows the uses of the internet. In order to use the internet, we need a telephone connection, a computer, and a modem. We can also use the internet through mobile via hotspot.

  Uses of the internet: – In this modern era, there is hardly any walk of life that is not affected by the internet. Most shops, offices, factories, and service centers use the internet to make their work easier. It is called ‘the storehouse of information. The whole world has been made a global village with the invention of the internet.

The Internet has reduced the load of work from our offices. A huge amount of data can be stored on the internet. We can get each and every information in a click from our doorstep, can communicate with our near and dear ones at any time from anywhere, can make payments online, can buy and sell products online, etc. All these become possible only because of the internet.

Uses of the internet in Education: – The use of the internet in education has brought a remarkable change to our education system. Now a student can have access to any required information on the web.

Earlier it was very difficult for a student to collect data in order to prepare a project on a specific subject. But now it can be found on the web with a click. Moreover, they can share their ideas with their friends through email or social networking sites.

Use of the internet in business: – The use of the internet in business has upgraded the standard of business. In this century it is really hard to imagine an established business without the use of the internet. Now the internet has become a vital tool for marketing and advertising.

The use of the internet in business can boost the business by promoting or advertising the product. It can reach a more targeted audience/buyer/consumers through online promotion. Thus now the day internet is considered very useful in business.

Use of the internet in communication: – The invention of the internet helps a lot in globalization. The whole world is connected directly or indirectly through the internet. In earlier days’ people had to write letters to communicate with others who were not near to them.

But after the invention of the telephone, people could make calls to each other. But then came the internet as the blessing of science and now people can not only talk to each other on phone, but also they can watch each other live sitting at home.

Through social networking sites, we can get in touch with our friends, we can share information, and documents via emails, etc.

Abuses of internet / Disadvantages of the internet: – Does the internet have any disadvantages? YES, there a few disadvantages to the internet. It is very hard to believe that there are a few abuses of internet too. We know that excess of everything is bad. Excess use of the internet can also be harmful to our health.

On the other hand, internet can distract us at our work. Teenagers are seen as addicted to the internet. They spend hour after hour in front of the mobile or computer and waste their valuable time.

The Internet is a source of vast information, simultaneously it offers numerous sources of entertainment too. The major disadvantage of the internet is that sometimes it provides illegal sources of entertainment like pornography, private videos, etc.

People who fall prey to it may get addicted and thus may get distracted from their work. We can get benefited if we can skip the abuses of internet and use it to enhance our knowledge.

Misuse of internet: – There are numerous uses of the internet. But as we discussed earlier there are disadvantages to the internet too. Misuse of the internet may cause serious harm to mankind. One of the main misuses of the internet is Cyberbullying. A fake profile can be made on social networking sites to threaten people.

Anti-social groups or terrorist may use internet to spread anti-social activities. On the other hand, lots of black hate activities take place on the internet. After the invention of internet our personal and official data are accessible in the internet.

Though they are kept protected, the misuse of internet always causes a threat to that confidential information. Hackers may hack those data any may threat to reveal that information in public. Again with the popularity of social networking sites, a new trend of spreading rumors in public is seen these days.

Conclusion to internet essay: – Different people have different opinions on the internet. But we can’t ignore the benefits of internet. It has completely changed our lives and lifestyle as well. Though there are a few disadvantages of the internet too, we need to skip those internet abuses and try to use it for the development of mankind.

Essay on My Mother

Long Essay on Internet advantages and disadvantages (650 Words)

Introduction to internet essay: – internet is one of the modern wonders of science that connects crores of computers across the world. After the invention of the internet, it has become very easy to do our day-to-day activities which took too much time before. With the use of internet, a lots of work can be done in a minute or two.

How can the internet be used: – In today’s world it is not necessary to teach anyone “how can the internet be used?”. Everybody knows how to use internet. Earlier we need a telephone connection, a modem and a computer to use the internet.

Now modern technology has provided us lots of other methods to use the internet. Now we can use the internet through mobile or other modern routers.

Uses of internet: – In this modern era, the internet is used in every walk of life. In the world of communication, internet plays a vital role. With the invention of the internet, communication has become very easy and simple. In earlier days’ letters were the most depended mode of communication.

But it was very time taking. A piece of urgent information can’t be shared through letters. But now we can share information via emails, SMS, or social networking sites within a minute. 

Simultaneously the uses of the internet have reduced the use of paper and paperwork to a great extent. Now information or important documents can be kept on the web or through emails rather than keeping it in the paper. Internet is the storehouse of vast knowledge. We can get any information within a minute on the web.

We can make online transactions, take online courses, book our train-bus-air tickets online, watch videos, share thoughts, ideas using internet.  (But there are both uses and abuses of internet. We will discuss the abuses of the internet or internet abuse separately).

Uses of internet for students: – There are various internet for students. A student can do research online degrees, get involved in part-time jobs, and appear in the mock test using internet. Students need to know the proper uses of internet to get benefited from it.

In the web, students can find various applications and tools that can enhance their studies. In this developing world, educational institutions are seen spending a huge amount of money to set up internet facilities for students at their institutions as they are aware of the various uses of the internet for students.

Use of internet in business: – The uses of internet in business has strengthened the business opportunity and business standard as well. The internet can maximize the profit in business. There are many advantages of using internet in business.

The use of internet for business purpose can create a platform for business. Now a day’s internet is the most powerful tool for advertising and marketing as well. Online advertising is proved to be the best publicity in this century. It can reach more targeted audience rather than manual publicity.

On the other hand, with the use of the internet business meetings can be organized through video conferencing. Again there are lots of tools and software available for accounting and bookkeeping in business. The Internet has introduced a new method of payment i.e. online payment. Now a businessman can sell his product online and can reach a wider market than before.

Abuses of internet / Disadvantages of the internet: – The improper use of internet is known as abuses of the internet. The first and foremost abuses of internet are the excessive use of social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc.

The social media is to communicate with our near and dear ones. But some people especially some students spend too much time on those social networking sites and waste their valuable time. Again internet has promoted some cheat funds that have ruined many people.

Conclusion to internet essay: – The Internet has developed mankind to a great extent. We need to use internet for the wellness of mankind.

Essay on uses and abuses of internet (950 Words)

Uses of internet.

The Internet is nowadays a kind of compulsory thing in our daily lives. Uses of the Internet in our daily life have become obligatory. We spend lots of time on the Internet to get an answer to every question which strikes our minds.

We can even fulfill our desire to learn more with the help of the internet. The optimistic use of the Internet makes our lives straightforward and plain. As every single thing on this earth has both its positive and negative sides, the Internet has also got its negative and positive sides.

It is up to us to utilize our time on the internet in a productive manner. While there are various uses of the Internet but you can use the internet for getting an online education. You can use the Internet to promote your business online.

The uses of the internet in education

Nowadays with the help of the internet, we can do online courses and improve our writing. We also get the answer of every answer to every question on the internet is it a question of English or of algebra.

If we want to become flourishing in our career or business the Internet is a miraculous tool, but only the positive and productive use of the Internet will assist us to do so. Students these days are using the Internet to gain knowledge of fresh skills and even to acquire degrees in professional online courses.

Likewise, educators use the Internet for teaching and sharing their knowledge and experience throughout the world with the help of the internet. The internet has changed the lives of students massively.

Students nowadays are starting to use the Internet so that they can learn more and pass the competitive exams or entrance exams. That’s why more than half of the students are coupled with the internet.

Abuses of internet

Cybercrime (use of computers in unlawful doings.): Offenses those are committed against individuals or groups with a criminal purpose to deliberately harm the status/name of the victim or cause physical or mental damage, or loss, to the victim using modern networks such as the Internet.

Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying is a form of bullying or harassment using electronic devices or simply using the internet. Cyberbullying is also known as online bullying. Cyberbullying is when someone bullies or hassles others on social media sites.

Damaging bullying behavior can include posting rumors, threats, and a victim’s personal information on the internet.

Electronic spam: This refers to sending the unwanted advertisement.

Advantages of internet

Internet helps us to boost the speed of our daily tasks. The Internet is used for research and development. The quality of research is developed by Internet tools only. Again the Use of the Internet provides us speedy and free-of-charge communication.

The best thing is that Communication on the Internet is free and fast. We all are linked with each other on social media sites. Social media is common for both personal and professional purposes.

Uses of the internet in money management       

We can use the internet in money management also. The use of the Internet is not limited to only earning money; it can also be used to manage money. Nowadays we can see thousands of apps, websites, etc. that help us in handling daily management, budget planning, transactions, transfers, etc. and this trend is rising gradually.

The use of Internet banking and mobile banking is also rising. All the banks are really functioning tough to provide Internet banking and mobile apps to empower people to utilize the power of the Internet and the latest money management tools. This is helping the common people a lot.

Uses of the internet in business

People also use the internet to promote their business. They sell their products by using various e-commerce solutions on the internet. E-commerce is booming on the internet and we can see new services and creative businesses starting up every single day, which in turn is creating jobs and thereby reducing unemployment. This is helping numerous people to earn money.

Uses of the internet for shopping in our daily life.

Shopping has become a stress-free task now and almost everybody can order products online there’ll be no one to say anything if you see numerous of products still find nothing to be nice to you or simply if you don’t buy anything.

The competitions in online shopping business are obvious. Shopping sites are more interesting because of the huge discounts different companies are offering to the customers also they offer real choice to the customers. The best part is people get attracted to those things more easily.

The customers can pay cash for the product after the delivery also and also can return the product if they don’t like the same. There are numerous online shops where we can buy the things we need in a very cheap rate in comparison to the local shops.

Conclusion to internet essay: –  Internet has completely changed our lifestyle. It has made our works much easier than before. Internet has brought a remarkable change in the world of communication.

Final Words

So we have come to the concluding part of internet essay or essay on internet. In conclusion, we can say that internet and the uses of internet is a very vast topic to discuss. We have tried to cover as much as we can in our essay on internet.

We have also tried to discuss thoroughly on the different related topic such as uses of the internet for students along with advantages and disadvantages of the internet for students and uses of the internet in education.

Abuses of internet, misuse of internet, use of internet in business etc. These essays on internet are composed in such a way that you can also prepare an article on the internet or a speech on the internet and its uses and abuses. Hope these essays helped you.

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USES & ABUSES OF INTERNET | COMPOSITION BY FKENGLISH

Published by fk english on february 9, 2024, uses and abuses of the internet.

The internet! Everyone talks about it, from my teacher to my rickshaw driver. It’s like a magic box, bringing the world to our fingertips. But sometimes, I wonder, is it good or bad?

On the good side, the internet is a learning machine. I can find answers to any question, from the biggest dinosaurs to the smallest insects. It’s like having a library in my pocket! I can also watch educational videos, practice English with funny cartoons, and even learn new skills like coding. It’s like having a super-smart tutor who never sleeps!

But the internet can be tricky too. Sometimes, it shows me things that are not good for my eyes, like scary movies or games full of violence. It’s like watching a bad dream come true! And then there are the endless games and videos that make me lose track of time, forgetting my homework and chores. It’s like being hypnotized by a shiny screen!

My parents worry about “bad people” online. They say they can trick me or steal my information, like a thief in the dark. It’s scary! So I have to be careful, only using trusted websites and never sharing secrets with strangers. It’s like being a detective, always looking out for danger.

But the internet can also be a friend. I can connect with people from all over the world, making new friends and sharing stories. It’s like having a window to different cultures and languages! And when I feel lonely, I can chat with my cousins online, laughing and sharing secrets like superheroes in disguise.

So, the internet is both good and bad, like a double-edged sword. It depends on how we use it. We need to be smart, responsible users, choosing the good parts and avoiding the bad. It’s like training a wild animal, teaching it to be our friend and helper, not our enemy.

Remember, the internet is a powerful tool, and like any tool, it can be used for good or bad. It’s up to us to make sure it helps us learn, grow, and connect, making our lives and our Bangladesh a brighter place!

The internet is like a giant library and playground all rolled into one! It’s a place to learn anything, connect with anyone, and have endless fun. But like any powerful tool, it can be used for good or bad. So, let’s explore the good and bad sides of this amazing invention!

On the good side, the internet is a knowledge powerhouse. Need help with schoolwork? Just type in your question, and boom! Answers, explanations, even cool videos appear. It’s like having a personal tutor at your fingertips, making learning fun and exciting. Imagine explaining the solar system with amazing animations!

The internet also connects us to the world in ways never imagined before. Friends and family far away? No problem! Video calls, chats, and messages allow us to share stories, jokes, and even sing songs together. It’s like having a magic window to the whole world! And who can forget the entertainment? From funny cat videos to exciting games, the internet is like a giant playground full of things to explore and enjoy.

But hold on, the internet isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes, it can be tricky. Have you ever seen something online that seems strange or unbelievable? It might be fake news! Scary stories, rumors, and even lies can spread quickly on the internet. It’s like believing a ghost story and being scared in the dark. We need to be careful, check the information carefully, and use our brains to know what’s true and what’s just made up.

Another danger is getting lost in the internet world. Spending hours playing games, chatting, or watching videos can steal precious time from studies, family, and even sleep. It’s like eating too much candy, fun at first, but bad for you in the long run. We need to set limits on how much time we spend online and use the internet wisely, not let it control our lives.

Remember, the internet is a powerful tool, just like a hammer. Use it to build knowledge, connect with people, and have fun. But be careful not to misuse it, or it can hurt your studies, health, and even relationships. So, let’s be smart internet users, responsible navigators of this amazing world, and make it a force for good in our lives! After all, a balanced internet use is like having the best of both worlds, knowledge and fun, without any harm. And that’s the kind of magic we all want in our lives!

The internet is everywhere these days, like a buzzing beehive full of information and fun. It’s like a magic door that opens up a world of possibilities, but just like any powerful tool, it can be used for good or bad. So, let’s take a peek inside and see how we can use this internet thing wisely!

On the good side, the internet is a learning powerhouse. Stuck on a school project? No problem! The internet has answers to all your questions, from the tiniest insect to the biggest galaxy. It’s like having a personal library that you can access anytime, anywhere. And learning isn’t just boring books anymore! The internet can show you cool videos, interactive games, and even connect you with experts who can explain things in a fun way. It’s like turning learning into a treasure hunt, full of exciting discoveries!

But the internet isn’t just about schoolwork. It’s also a social butterfly, connecting you with friends and family near and far. Video calls let you chat face-to-face, even if they’re miles away. You can share jokes, stories, and even play games together. It’s like having a virtual playground where you can hang out with your loved ones, no matter where they are. And let’s not forget the entertainment! From funny cat videos to exciting games, the internet has something for everyone. It’s like a giant amusement park, full of laughter and fun!

However, just like any friend, the internet can sometimes be a little mischievous. Not everything you find online is true. Fake news and rumors can spread like wildfire, confusing you and making it hard to know what to believe. It’s like listening to scary ghost stories and getting scared in the dark. Be careful, check where information comes from, and use your brain to figure out what’s real and what’s just made up.

Another thing to watch out for is spending too much time online. Games and chatting can be addictive, like eating too much candy – fun at first, but bad for you later. It can steal time from your studies, family, and even sleep. Remember, the internet is a tool, not a babysitter. Use it for a while, and have fun, but then put it away and go play outside, read a book, or talk to your family.

So, how can we be good internet friends? Use it to learn new things, connect with people, and have fun. But remember to be careful, don’t believe everything you see, and set limits on how much time you spend online. By using the internet wisely, you can make it a positive force in your life, helping you learn, grow, and connect with the world around you. After all, a balanced internet friend is the best kind of friend to have!

This is a simple composition on the uses and abuses of the Internet by Faysal Khan on behalf of the FKENGLISH team.

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Uses and abuses of internet essay for students.

Uses and abuses of internet essay : Internet is the name of a unique system that contributes largely to the establishment of effective international communication. It is playing a significant role in the concept of globalization. It is being used in almost every sphere of life considering its positive aspects. But, it has some negative aspects too.

 ‘Internet’ is the abbreviation of ‘International Network’. It is actually an international computer network connecting other networks and computers around the world. To have access to Internet, four things are needed. These are computer, Modem, Telephone connection and Internet service provider.

It is now possible through Internet to send or receive information to or from any part of the world. Books are essential for study and research. But they may not be available every time. Internet can solve this problem. We can get access into any library of the world to search for necessary information. Internet also helps traveler giving information about the environment of the spot and making arrangements for air ticket, hotel booking etc. Internet also helps the patients to get prescription and treatment of the famous doctors at a minimum cost. We can get important news of home and abroad from it. On the other hand, Internet provides us with the opportunities to enjoy music, movie, sports etc. In a word, it can be said that Internet plays a very important role in different fields of our life including trade and commerce, education and recreation and above all effective communication.

Internet has some harmful aspects beside its great contribution. Some miscreants spread Internet virus and destroy computers to fulfill their illegal ends. Some computer hackers use Internet to hack into other’s computer system and cause them harm. Nudity and pornography are also increasing on Internet which degrade moral values especially of our youngsters. Different terrorist groups also use Internet facilities for their terrorist activities. However, all these refer to the wrong use of Internet. The Internet system is, in no way, responsible for these problems.

Information is considered to be power. Information and communication technology represented by Internet is the sole tool to overall development of the present world. But it is a matter of great regret that many people in our country still do not have access to internet. So, we all should make a concerted effort for the large scale and multi-farious expansion of Internet in our country. Only then we will be able to keep pace with the advanced world.

Remember able points for uses and abuses of internet essay:

• Introduction
• What is Internet 
• Use of Internet
• Abuses of Internet

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Uses and Abuses of Internet Paragraph

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■ what are the abuses of internet , paragraph on the uses and abuses of internet .

Uses of Internet  The internet is the wonderful invention of modern science and technology. Modern life without internet is unthinkable. The word ‘Internet’ is the short form of the words International Network. The internet has been spreading its net over a vast and every part of the civilisation. It is clear that the whole world is linked with a network.

Satellites are much involved in making the connections easier. Information technology is highly developed today and information of any kind and nature can be transmitted through internet. Trade, business and financial transactions have become easier and efficient on account of internet. As a matter of fact, the influences that the internet brings today on people’s life-style, behaviour and communication are marvellous.

Banking transactions have become much easier. One can book or cancel tickets simply sitting at the comfort of home by using internet. Internet has been steadily showing its deep impact in the field of education and healthcare. Internet has become so popular particularly among the younger generation that it is very hard to live a day without internet. 

Yet all is not gold in the gift of internet. It spoils and affects badly on the younger generation. It also affects on human relationships. The students are so much addicted to it that they even waste their valuable time by  playing online games . The worst effect is on human health. Finally, the unrestraint cyber crimes which are the great threat to human civilisation now-a-days have been destroying the peace and decency of life.

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David Wallace-Wells

Are smartphones driving our teens to depression.

By David Wallace-Wells

Opinion Writer

Here is a story. In 2007, Apple released the iPhone, initiating the smartphone revolution that would quickly transform the world. In 2010, it added a front-facing camera, helping shift the social-media landscape toward images, especially selfies. Partly as a result, in the five years that followed, the nature of childhood and especially adolescence was fundamentally changed — a “great rewiring,” in the words of the social psychologist Jonathan Haidt — such that between 2010 and 2015 mental health and well-being plummeted and suffering and despair exploded, particularly among teenage girls.

For young women, rates of hospitalization for nonfatal self-harm in the United States, which had bottomed out in 2009, started to rise again, according to data reported to the C.D.C., taking a leap beginning in 2012 and another beginning in 2016, and producing , over about a decade, an alarming 48 percent increase in such emergency room visits among American girls ages 15 to 19 and a shocking 188 percent increase among girls ages 10 to14.

Here is another story. In 2011, as part of the rollout of the Affordable Care Act, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a new set of guidelines that recommended that teenage girls should be screened annually for depression by their primary care physicians and that same year required that insurance providers cover such screenings in full. In 2015, H.H.S. finally mandated a coding change, proposed by the World Health Organization almost two decades before, that required hospitals to record whether an injury was self-inflicted or accidental — and which seemingly overnight nearly doubled rates for self-harm across all demographic groups. Soon thereafter, the coding of suicidal ideation was also updated. The effect of these bureaucratic changes on hospitalization data presumably varied from place to place. But in one place where it has been studied systematically, New Jersey, where 90 percent of children had health coverage even before the A.C.A., researchers have found that the changes explain nearly all of the state’s apparent upward trend in suicide-related hospital visits, turning what were “essentially flat” trendlines into something that looked like a youth mental health “crisis.”

Could both of these stories be partially true? Of course: Emotional distress among teenagers may be genuinely growing while simultaneous bureaucratic and cultural changes — more focus on mental health, destigmatization, growing comfort with therapy and medication — exaggerate the underlying trends. (This is what Adriana Corredor-Waldron, a co-author of the New Jersey study, believes — that suicidal behavior is distressingly high among teenagers in the United States and that many of our conventional measures are not very reliable to assess changes in suicidal behavior over time.) But over the past several years, Americans worrying over the well-being of teenagers have heard much less about that second story, which emphasizes changes in the broader culture of mental illness, screening guidelines and treatment, than the first one, which suggests smartphones and social-media use explain a whole raft of concerns about the well-being of the country’s youth.

When the smartphone thesis first came to prominence more than six years ago, advanced by Haidt’s sometime collaborator Jean Twenge, there was a fair amount of skepticism from scientists and social scientists and other commentators: Were teenagers really suffering that much? they asked. How much in this messy world could you pin on one piece of technology anyway? But some things have changed since then, including the conventional liberal perspective on the virtues of Big Tech, and, in the past few years, as more data has rolled in and more red flags have been raised about American teenagers — about the culture of college campuses, about the political hopelessness or neuroticism or radicalism or fatalism of teenagers, about a growing political gender divide, about how often they socialize or drink or have sex — a two-part conventional wisdom has taken hold across the pundit class. First, that American teenagers are experiencing a mental health crisis; second, that it is the fault of phones.

“Smartphones and social media are destroying children’s mental health,” the Financial Times declared last spring. This spring, Haidt’s new book on the subject, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, debuted at the top of the New York Times best-seller list. In its review of the book, The Guardian described the smartphone as “a pocket full of poison,” and in an essay , The New Yorker accepted as a given that Gen Z was in the midst of a “mental health emergency” and that “social media is bad for young people.” “Parents could see their phone-obsessed children changing and succumbing to distress,” The Wall Street Journal reflected . “Now we know the true horror of what happened.”

But, well, do we? Over the past five years, “Is it the phones?” has become “It’s probably the phones,” particularly among an anxious older generation processing bleak-looking charts of teenage mental health on social media as they are scrolling on their own phones. But however much we may think we know about how corrosive screen time is to mental health, the data looks murkier and more ambiguous than the headlines suggest — or than our own private anxieties, as parents and smartphone addicts, seem to tell us.

What do we really know about the state of mental health among teenagers today? Suicide offers the most concrete measure of emotional distress, and rates among American teenagers ages 15 to 19 have indeed risen over the past decade or so, to about 11.8 deaths per 100,000 in 2021 from about 7.5 deaths per 100,000 in 2009. But the American suicide epidemic is not confined to teenagers. In 2022, the rate had increased roughly as much since 2000 for the country as a whole, suggesting a national story both broader and more complicated than one focused on the emotional vulnerabilities of teenagers to Instagram. And among the teenagers of other rich countries, there is essentially no sign of a similar pattern. As Max Roser of Our World in Data recently documented , suicide rates among older teenagers and young adults have held roughly steady or declined over the same time period in France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Germany, Greece, Poland, Norway and Belgium. In Sweden there were only very small increases.

Is there a stronger distress signal in the data for young women? Yes, somewhat. According to an international analysis by The Economist, suicide rates among young women in 17 wealthy countries have grown since 2003, by about 17 percent, to a 2020 rate of 3.5 suicides per 100,000 people. The rate among young women has always been low, compared with other groups, and among the countries in the Economist data set, the rate among male teenagers, which has hardly grown at all, remains almost twice as high. Among men in their 50s, the rate is more than seven times as high.

In some countries, we see concerning signs of convergence by gender and age, with suicide rates among young women growing closer to other demographic groups. But the pattern, across countries, is quite varied. In Denmark, where smartphone penetration was the highest in the world in 2017, rates of hospitalization for self-harm among 10- to 19-year-olds fell by more than 40 percent between 2008 and 2016. In Germany, there are today barely one-quarter as many suicides among women between 15 and 20 as there were in the early 1980s, and the number has been remarkably flat for more than two decades. In the United States, suicide rates for young men are still three and a half times as high as for young women, the recent increases have been larger in absolute terms among young men than among young women, and suicide rates for all teenagers have been gradually declining since 2018. In 2022, the latest year for which C.D.C. data is available, suicide declined by 18 percent for Americans ages 10 to 14 and 9 percent for those ages 15 to 24.

None of this is to say that everything is fine — that the kids are perfectly all right, that there is no sign at all of worsening mental health among teenagers, or that there isn’t something significant and even potentially damaging about smartphone use and social media. Phones have changed us, and are still changing us, as anyone using one or observing the world through them knows well. But are they generating an obvious mental health crisis?

The picture that emerges from the suicide data is mixed and complicated to parse. Suicide is the hardest-to-dispute measure of despair, but not the most capacious. But while rates of depression and anxiety have grown strikingly for teenagers in certain parts of the world, including the U.S., it’s tricky to disentangle those increases from growing mental-health awareness and destigmatization, and attempts to measure the phenomenon in different ways can yield very different results.

According to data Haidt uses, from the U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health, conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the percent of teenage girls reporting major depressive episodes in the last year grew by about 50 percent between 2005 and 2017, for instance, during which time the share of teenage boys reporting the same grew by roughly 75 percent from a lower level. But in a biannual C.D.C. survey of teenage mental health, the share of teenagers reporting that they had been persistently sad for a period of at least two weeks in the past year grew from only 28.5 percent in 2005 to 31.5 percent in 2017. Two different surveys tracked exactly the same period, and one showed an enormous increase in depression while the other showed almost no change at all.

And if the rise of mood disorders were a straightforward effect of the smartphone, you’d expect to see it everywhere smartphones were, and, as with suicide, you don’t. In Britain, the share of young people who reported “feeling down” or experiencing depression grew from 31 percent in 2012 to 38 percent on the eve of the pandemic and to 41 percent in 2021. That is significant, though by other measures British teenagers appear, if more depressed than they were in the 2000s, not much more depressed than they were in the 1990s.

Overall, when you dig into the country-by-country data, many places seem to be registering increases in depression among teenagers, particularly among the countries of Western Europe and North America. But the trends are hard to disentangle from changes in diagnostic patterns and the medicalization of sadness, as Lucy Foulkes has argued , and the picture varies considerably from country to country. In Canada , for instance, surveys of teenagers’ well-being show a significant decline between 2015 and 2021, particularly among young women; in South Korea rates of depressive episodes among teenagers fell by 35 percent between 2006 and 2018.

Because much of our sense of teenage well-being comes from self-reported surveys, when you ask questions in different ways, the answers vary enormously. Haidt likes to cite data collected as part of an international standardized test program called PISA, which adds a few questions about loneliness at school to its sections covering progress in math, science and reading, and has found a pattern of increasing loneliness over the past decade. But according to the World Happiness Report , life satisfaction among those ages 15 to 24 around the world has been improving pretty steadily since 2013, with more significant gains among women, as the smartphone completed its global takeover, with a slight dip during the first two years of the pandemic. An international review published in 2020, examining more than 900,000 adolescents in 36 countries, showed no change in life satisfaction between 2002 and 2018.

“It doesn’t look like there’s one big uniform thing happening to people’s mental health,” said Andrew Przybylski, a professor at Oxford. “In some particular places, there are some measures moving in the wrong direction. But if I had to describe the global trend over the last decade, I would say there is no uniform trend showing a global crisis, and, where things are getting worse for teenagers, no evidence that it is the result of the spread of technology.”

If Haidt is the public face of worry about teenagers and phones, Przybylski is probably the most prominent skeptic of the thesis. Others include Amy Orben, at the University of Cambridge, who in January told The Guardian, “I think the concern about phones as a singular entity are overblown”; Chris Ferguson, at Stetson University, who is about to publish a new meta-analysis showing no relationship between smartphone use and well-being; and Candice Odgers, of the University of California, Irvine, who published a much-debated review of Haidt in Nature, in which she declared “the book’s repeated suggestion that digital technologies are rewiring our children’s brains and causing an epidemic of mental illness is not supported by science.”

Does that overstate the case? In a technical sense, I think, no: There may be some concerning changes in the underlying incidence of certain mood disorders among American teenagers over the past couple of decades, but they are hard to separate from changing methods of measuring and addressing mental health and mental illness. There isn’t great data on international trends in teenage suicide — but in those places with good reporting, the rates are generally not worsening — and the trends around anxiety, depression and well-being are ambiguous elsewhere in the world. And the association of those local increases with the rise of the smartphone, while now almost conventional wisdom among people like me, is, among specialists, very much a contested claim. Indeed, even Haidt, who has also emphasized broader changes to the culture of childhood , estimated that social media use is responsible for only about 10 percent to 15 percent of the variation in teenage well-being — which would be a significant correlation, given the complexities of adolescent life and of social science, but is also a much more measured estimate than you tend to see in headlines trumpeting the connection. And many others have arrived at much smaller estimates still.

But this all also raises the complicated question of what exactly we mean by “science,” in the context of social phenomena like these, and what standard of evidence we should be applying when asking whether something qualifies as a “crisis” or “emergency” and what we know about what may have caused it. There is a reason we rarely reduce broad social changes to monocausal explanations, whether we’re talking about the rapid decline of teenage pregnancy in the 2000s, or the spike in youth suicide in the late ’80s and early 1990s, or the rise in crime that began in the 1960s: Lives are far too complex to easily reduce to the influence of single factors, whether the factor is a recession or political conditions or, for that matter, climate breakdown.

To me, the number of places where rates of depression among teenagers are markedly on the rise is a legitimate cause for concern. But it is also worth remembering that, for instance, between the mid-1990s and the mid-2000s, diagnoses of American youth for bipolar disorder grew about 40-fold , and it is hard to find anyone who believes that change was a true reflection of underlying incidence. And when we find ourselves panicking over charts showing rapid increases in, say, the number of British girls who say they’re often unhappy or feel they are a failure, it’s worth keeping in mind that the charts were probably zoomed in to emphasize the spike, and the increase is only from about 5 percent of teenagers to about 10 percent in the first case, or from about 15 percent to about 20 percent in the second. It may also be the case, as Orben has emphasized , that smartphones and social media may be problematic for some teenagers without doing emotional damage to a majority of them. That’s not to say that in taking in the full scope of the problem, there is nothing there. But overall it is probably less than meets the eye.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources.

Further reading (and listening):

On Jonathan Haidt’s After Babel Substack , a series of admirable responses to critics of “The Anxious Generation” and the smartphone thesis by Haidt, his lead researcher Zach Rausch, and his sometime collaborator Jean Twenge.

In Vox, Eric Levitz weighs the body of evidence for and against the thesis.

Tom Chivers and Stuart Ritchie deliver a useful overview of the evidence and its limitations on the Studies Show podcast.

Five experts review the evidence for the smartphone hypothesis in The Guardian.

A Substack survey of “diagnostic inflation” and teenage mental health.

Essay writing in English| On Internet Uses and Abuses| Disaster Management Essay

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

A disaster is a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society due to hazardous events leading to human, material, economic and environmental losses. Disasters can be both man-made as well as natural. Earthquakes, floods, landslides, cyclones and volcanic eruptions are usually considered as natural disasters whereas bomb explosions, gas leakage and wars are the examples of man-made disasters.

Disaster management is the organization, planning and application of resources and responsibilities with the aim to effectively anticipate, respond to, and recover from the impacts of likely, imminent or current disasters. It refers to the management of both risk and consequences of a disaster.

Disaster management involves all levels of government, non-government and community based organizations playing a vital role in the process. There are three key phases of activity within disaster management; Pre-disaster, During disaster and Post-disaster phase. Pre-disaster phase refers to preparedness and preventive actions before a disaster to reduce the potential for human, material and environmental losses caused by a hazard. It includes the formulation of emergency plans, development of warning system, maintenance of inventories, public awareness, education and training of the personnel.

During disaster phase refers to the first stage response to any calamity which includes setting of control rooms, issue warning, action for evacuation, taking people to safer areas, providing medical aid, relief to the homeless, needy, restoration of communication and disbursement of assistance in cash or kind.

The post-disaster phase encompasses all measures related to relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction. In this phase, structural damages are repaired and infrastructure and lifeline activities are enhanced.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is an apex body for disaster management headed by the Prime Minister. It lays down policies, plans and guidelines for disaster management. It coordinates with the State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMA) to tackle the disasters in India.

Disasters can come anytime without warnings. It is important to have a proper disaster management plans using latest technologies with focus on long term prevention and disaster reduction measures.

INTERNET – USES AND ABUSES

Internet is one of the biggest gifts of science. It is a global network of computers and other electronic devices. With the internet, it is possible to access almost any information, communicate with anyone in the world and do much more. It has made modern life easy and convenient.

Uses of internet One of the best features of internet is the ability to communicate instantly. Social media allows people to connect in a variety of ways and build communities. Through internet, we can get access to a vast knowledge, learn new skills, shop for anything, pay your bills, manage our bank accounts, watch movies, listen to music and do almost anything online. It has revolutionized methods of doing business in modern time. Students can get help from different websites; can opt for online coaching and online courses. The internet is becoming an increasingly important tool for social and economic development.

Abuses of internet The internet have its dark and ugly side too. All the age groups of the society are influenced by the internet majority of which being youngsters. They get addicted to internet. They waste time on social networking sites. Excessive use of internet reduces their interest in studies and may have adverse effects on their health. Hackers create viruses and can cause threat to our confidential data. Besides legitimate sites, there are other sites that make frauds of money. Cyber bullying or online harassment is another serious issue.

Thus, internet has its own uses and few abuses too. If used in the right way, it can be very productive and beneficial for the development of mankind.

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Essay On Uses And Abuses Of Internet

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Internet has become an integral part of our lives. It has revolutionized how we communicate, access information, and conduct business. However, along with the many advantages, several cases of abuse are also associated with the Internet. In this Essay On Uses And Abuses Of Internet , we will examine the uses and abuses of the Internet and discuss its impact on individuals and society.

The Internet has numerous uses, some of which are discussed below:

Communication

The Internet has made communication easier and more efficient. People can now connect with others from all around the world in real time. Email, instant messaging, and social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have become popular modes of communication.

Access to Information

The Internet is a vast Database of information on almost every topic imaginable. It has made access to information much easier and more convenient. People can now access news, research papers, and educational material anywhere.

Online Shopping

Online shopping has become extremely popular in recent years. The Internet has made it possible for people to buy almost anything they need from the comfort of their own homes. This has made shopping more convenient and has increased many online businesses.

Online Education

The Internet has revolutionized the way we learn . Online courses and degree programs have become increasingly popular, allowing people to study at their own pace and from anywhere in the world.

Entertainment

The Internet has also become a major source of entertainment. People can now stream movies and TV shows, listen to music, and play video games online. This has made entertainment more accessible and convenient.

Essay On Uses And Misuses Of Internet

Abuses of the Internet

Along with the many advantages, several cases of abuse are associated with the Internet. Some of these abuses are discussed below:

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying has become a serious problem in recent years. People use the Internet to harass, intimidate, and bully others. This can have serious consequences, especially for young people who may not know how to cope with this behavior.

Online Addiction

The Internet can be addictive, and many people spend hours each day browsing the Internet or using social media platforms. This can hurt their health and well-being.

The Internet has introduced several new types of crime, including identity theft, online scams, and hacking. These crimes can cause significant financial and emotional damage to individuals and businesses.

Spread of Misinformation

The Internet has made it easier for misinformation and fake news to spread. This can have serious consequences, especially concerning public health and politics.

Privacy and Security Concerns

The Internet has raised concerns about privacy and security. Many people worry about how their personal information is being used online, and numerous data breaches and hacking incidents have occurred.

Impact of the Internet

The Internet has had a significant impact on individuals and society as a whole. Some of the impacts are discussed below.

Positive Impact

The Internet has had several positive impacts, such as making communication and access to information easier and more convenient. It has also created new business opportunities and has revolutionized the way we learn.

Negative Impact

The Internet has also had some negative impacts, such as spreading misinformation and the rise of cyberbullying and online addiction. It has also significantly impacted our privacy and security, with many people now concerned about how their personal information is being used online.

Social Impact

The Internet has had a significant social impact, changing how we interact with each other and our communities. Social media platforms have become a major way for people to connect and share information, but they have also been criticized for contributing to the spread of misinformation and polarization.

Economic Impact

The Internet has had a major impact on the global economy, creating new business opportunities and transforming traditional industries. E-commerce and online marketplaces have become major players in the retail industry, and many businesses now rely on the Internet to conduct their operations.

Political Impact

The Internet has also significantly impacted politics, providing a platform for political discourse and activism. Social media platforms have played a major role in political campaigns and have been used to organize protests and social movements.

Several solutions have been proposed to address the abuses associated with the Internet. Some of these solutions are discussed below:

Education and Awareness

One of the most important solutions is education and awareness. People need to be educated about the potential risks associated with the Internet, such as cyberbullying, online addiction, and identity theft.

Regulation and Legislation

Regulation and legislation can also play a role in addressing the abuses associated with the Internet. Governments and regulatory bodies can impose stricter rules and regulations on businesses and individuals that use the Internet and penalties for those who violate these rules.

Online Safety Tools

Some online safety tools, such as parental controls and anti-virus software, are available to help people protect themselves from the abuses associated with the Internet. These tools can help prevent cyberbullying, online addiction, and other threats.

Community and Social Support

Communities and social networks can also play a role in addressing the abuses associated with the Internet. By creating supportive networks, people can help each other cope with the negative impacts of the Internet, such as cyberbullying and online addiction.

This essay on uses and abuses of Internet concludes that The Internet has revolutionized communication, accessing information, and conduct of business. However, along with the many advantages, many waves of abuse are also associated with the Internet. Cyberbullying, online addiction, cybercrime, the spread of misinformation, and privacy and security concerns are just a few examples. To address these abuses, education and awareness, regulation and legislation, online safety tools, and community and social support can all play a role. Working together can help create a safer and more secure online environment for everyone.

What are uses and abuses of internet?

Our lives now revolve around the Internet, which offers many advantages and opportunities. Its uses are vast and varied, from communication and information access to entertainment and e-commerce. People can connect with others worldwide through social media platforms, stay updated on current events through news websites, conduct research for academic or professional purposes, and even seek medical advice online.

However, alongside these advantages, there are also potential abuses associated with the Internet. It can be misused for cyberbullying, identity theft, spreading false information, online scams, and illegal activities such as hacking or piracy. Therefore, while the Internet offers immense benefits, using it responsibly and being aware of its potential risks is crucial.

What are 5 misuse of the internet?

Despite its many advantages, the Internet can be misused in several ways. Here are five common examples: a) Cyberbullying: Some individuals may use the Internet to harass, intimidate, or threaten others through social media platforms or online forums. b) Online Scams: The Internet allows scammers to deceive people into revealing personal information or making fraudulent transactions. c) Spread of False Information: False information, rumors, and conspiracy theories can easily spread on the Internet, leading to misinformation and confusion. d) Online Piracy: The Internet allows for the unauthorized sharing and distribution of copyrighted materials, such as movies, music, and software. e) Hacking and Cyber Attacks: Computer networks and systems include vulnerabilities that knowledgeable users can exploit to obtain access without authorization, steal data, or interfere with services.

What are the uses of internet short paragraph?

The Internet is a vast virtual empire that enables us to access a tremendous amount of resources and connect globally. It has transformed how we interact, conduct business, acquire knowledge, and entertain ourselves. Through the Internet, we can communicate with friends, family, and colleagues instantly via email, messaging apps, or video calls. It provides a wealth of information through search engines, allowing us to research any topic of interest, explore academic resources, or gather news from various sources. Additionally, the Internet facilitates online shopping, making purchasing items and services from our homes convenient. It offers countless entertainment options, including streaming movies, TV shows, music, and online gaming. The Internet has changed how we work, live, and interact with the outside world.

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Short Essay on Uses and Abuses of Internet

Internet plays a very important role in every individual life today and it has become an important thing. One cannot live without internet as it has become a major part of the life. for everything we need Internet and it has become a basic necessity. Internet is essential but many people use it for a good reason others misuse it. There have been many cases where the people have been abused on the internet and it has also spoiled their lives to a great extent.

Uses of Internet-

• Communication – Internet helps in communication and it has made the process of communication very simple and easy. Anyone can communicate with anyone from anywhere in the world.
• Research – Internet also helps in doing research and there are a lot of things that have been researched and is available on the internet. One can get a lot of benefit from it.
• Education – The Internet plays a major role in education as it helps in providing a lot of information and knowledge. There are many tutorials that teach many things and one can easily learn anything they want from the internet.
• Money Transfer – internet has also made the transfer of money easy. A person sitting in one corner of the world can transfer money to anyone who is sitting in another corner of the world within seconds and without any problem.
• It keeps you updated – The internet also plays a major role in keeping oneself updated. They have the real-life update and they can easily cope up with the happening around the world.

Despite many uses, the internet is also misused a lot and in today’s world, the people are using the net to abuse and sham people publically.

Abuses of the Internet 

• Used to sham people- There are many people who see the Internet as a promoter of shamelessness. People use the internet for various bad and mean reasons.
• Excessive misuse of social media- The first and the principal Abuses of the Internet for students is the wastage of time social websites like Facebook, Twitter, Orkut and so forth. The social media is meant to communicate and spread goodness, but people use it to troll others and abuse them in front of many people.
• Cyber bullying- It is another major problem that the people are facing today. Cyber bullying is increasing and it is affecting the lives of those who are abused deeply.

The Internet has been maybe the most exceptional development in the field of communication. The Internet is characterized as an accumulation of different administrations and assets. Albeit, many individuals still think email and World Wide Internet as the standard constituents of the Internet, there is significantly more in store than email, talk rooms, big-name sites and Internet indexes. The Internet has its own good points and weaknesses. In any case, the upsides of the Internet are so enormous in number that they beat the impediments effortlessly. The internet plays a vital role in one’s life and it is a very good discovery but only if people use it in a proper way and don’t use it for public abusing

Santosh Kumar

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Uses & Abuses of Internet

Uses & abuses of internet english essay, 250 words on uses & abuses of internet.

The Internet is an online information channel that connects computers and websites. It’s a worldwide operating system.

Communication has become more potent with the help of the Internet. It not just provides entertainment but also provides every sort of knowledge. Business information is available on the Internet. Most business organizations sell their products through the Internet.

Many bank transactions can now be done through the Internet. Chat platforms on the Internet enable users to share their ideas and opinions. Thus the solution to many problems can be discovered by the exchange of views and opinions.

On the Internet, you can find well-known encyclopedias and dictionaries. Many job opportunities and the procedure of acquiring a specific job in a particular field can be searched using the Internet. Thus Internet provides a source of communication with many advantages if it is used with constructive thinking.

As there are many uses and advantages of the Internet, it also has some abuse and disadvantages. Misuse of the Internet has the potential to be harmful. The majority of pupils, including young boys and girls, use chat systems for unnecessary conversation.

Thus, they waste their precious time using the Internet because they do not benefit from searching for new movies, music, pictures, love quotations, and another kind of material entertainment.

Many criminals who engage in prostitution have set up blogs on the internet. Thus they effectively coordinate their operations and conduct business.

So it is necessary to cultivate awareness. If the Internet is used with understanding, it has many advantages as compared to its disadvantages.

350 words on Uses & Abuses of Internet

An international system of communication through connecting computers and websites is called as Internet. It is a global computer network. In 1998, the Internet provided an estimated 301 billion dollars in sales and 1.2 million jobs.

At the end of 1999, an estimated 220 million users had access to the Internet. The number of users soon increased, and by the early 1990s, connectivity had become affordable enough for domestic users to get their connections on their home computers.

Communication has become more potent with the help of the Internet. It not just provides entertainment but also provides every sort of knowledge. Business information is available on the Internet.

Most business organizations sell their products through the Internet. The Internet also provides communications for industrial units and business organizations for doing their business deals and other activities.

On the Internet, you can find well-known encyclopedias and dictionaries. The Internet may provide knowledge about science, economics, society, philosophy, religion, geography, geology, cosmology, famous people, and other topics.

Many career openings and procedures for obtaining a specific job in a specific sector can be found on the Internet. As a result, once used for positive thought, the Internet is a means of contact with many benefits.

The Internet has numerous applications and benefits, but it still has some violence and drawbacks. Misuse of the Internet has the potential to be detrimental. The majority of pupils, including young boys and girls, use chat systems for meaningless conversation.

Thus, they waste their precious time using the Internet because they do not benefit from searching for new movies, music, pictures, love quotations, and another kind of material of entertainment.

Many criminals who engage in prostitution have set up blogs on the internet. As a result, they effectively coordinate their operations and conduct business.

450 Words on Uses & Abuses of Internet

An international system of communication through connecting computers and websites is called as Internet. It is a global computer network.

In 1998, the Internet provided an estimated 301 billion dollars in sales and 1.2 million jobs. At the end of 1999, an estimated 220 million users had access to the Internet.

The number of users soon increased, and by the early 1990s, connectivity had become affordable enough for domestic users to get their connections on their home computers.

Some specific terms are related to the Internet. Any program that allows the user to search for and view data is called a browser. A program that is designed to retrieve specific information is called a search engine.

Surfing is the act of switching from one website to another. URL stands for uniform resource locator, which provides letters and numbers specifying the location of a document on the World Wide Web.

A system for publishing information on the Internet is called as World Wide Web (WWW). Any company that sells dial-up access to the Internet is called an internet service provider.

Many bank transactions can now be done through the Internet. The Internet provides chat services by which people exchange their ideas and thoughts; thus, the solution to many problems can be discovered by exchanging views and opinions.

On the Internet, you can find well-known encyclopedias and dictionaries.The Internet will provide information on research, economics, sociology, philosophy, theology, geography, geology, cosmology, popular people, and other topics.

Many job opportunities and the procedure of acquiring a specific job in a particular field can be searched using the Internet. Thus if the Internet is used constructively, it offers a means of contact with many benefits.

The Internet has a lot of applications and benefits, but it also has a lot of violence and drawbacks. Misuse of the Internet has the potential to be detrimental.

The majority of pupils, including young boys and girls, use chat systems for meaningless conversations because they do not benefit from searching for new movies, music, pictures, love quotations, and another kind of entertainment material.

Many criminals who engage in prostitution have set up blogs on the Internet. As a result, they effectively coordinate their operations and conduct business.

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Ethan Zuckerman Publishes NY Times Guest Essay on Third Party Extensions, Online Civic Life, and Meta Lawsuit

Post date: 

Ethan Zuckerman, associate professor of public policy, communication, and information, published a guest essay in the New York Times titled, “I Love Facebook. That’s Why I’m Suing Meta.” In the May 5, 2024 essay, Zuckerman argues for a more public-minded internet infrastructure through the use of different browser extensions. He describes how certain extensions, known as “middleware”, can help tailor Facebook user experiences and feasibly help create a more “civic-minded internet.” He also describes how large platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit, have quashed attempts by extension developers to bring them to market through a variety of means.

Zuckerman is developing a Facebook extension known as Unfollow Everything 2.0. Based on an earlier app by Louis Barclay, Unfollow Everything 2.0 would allow users to select how Facebook filters content to them, effectively ceding algorithmic control from Facebook to the public. Zuckerman, along with the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia, sued Meta in a California court earlier this month to allow the release of Unfollow Everything 2.0.

Read the guest essay in its entirety at the New York Times .

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