do you think the internet is harming people's social skills?
By morticia1
@morticia1 (42)
Australia
January 20, 2009 10:10pm CST
I have a son that I can email or msn that lives on the other side of the world and I think 'isn't technology marvellous'.On the other hand,I have a son who suffers with anxiety who rarely leaves the house,but is always on msn and my space,therefore not having any motivation or need to go out and socialize.There are many people who have anxiety or similar conditions or maybe just shy or lonely who need to get out and socialize and meet people,and many of these people are constantly on the computer when they need to be out and about meeting people.Even people that I know,who have no such problems are continually on the net in their spare time and no longer get out and socialize myself included.I've also heard of people practically becoming hermits as they no longer need to leave the house,they can shop online,pay bills online,arrange tradespeople online and even make money online,talk to people online etc.I think in the long run this could be quite harmful to people and their social skills,what do you think?
2 people like this
10 responses
@Porcospino (31366)
• Denmark
21 Jan 09
I think technology that has made many things easier for people who are shy or people who have social anxiety. In many cases you no longer have to call someone if it makes you uncomfortable, you can just can send an sms or an email instead. You can chat to people instead of meeting them in real life etc. There are many great things about the internet, but if it is the only way that you are able to communicate with other people, it is problematic. It is fine to have an online life as along as it isn't the only life that you have got.
@sudiptacallingu (10879)
• India
21 Jan 09
Yes, of course. Just think of letter-writing and sending actual greeting cards. How many of us do actually bother to pour our heart thru the pen or to browse the racks of cards for that perfect card…the free email account is there are so are thousands of free ecards for the taking. And the less we need to go out, the more we tend to withdraw into our shell.
@izathewzia (5134)
• Philippines
21 Jan 09
That is one of the effect of too much use of computer. I noticed it to myself also. I am loosing time to socialize and do fun activities. So better still find time to relax and smell the air and see Mr. Sun. It is worth it to maintain our well balance life.
@Operator93 (40)
• Belgium
21 Jan 09
i think that if we hadnt internet, the world would be totally different. i would see my friends much more then i see them now. i would love it when i could see them every day, and do stuff together, but now we cant, because i live to for from them. and i dont have any cool neighbour. i just have my brothers, but we are totally different. sometimes i would like to take my bike, and drive to them, but i cant
@kristenffdd (37)
• China
21 Jan 09
You are abosulutely right. I have a friend who is always staying on line,playing game, chatting with people and don't like go outside meeting people, finally, he find himself addicted going online and talked about love with a girl. but it's a pity that the girl cheating him, she already has bf.finally, he told me that he will not go online any more. I think people need seperate society and virtual life, people need socielize with other people, if he do all the activities online, shopping, chatting with people, work online, he will definitely loose social skills and kind of social phobia
@moonbeam94 (387)
• Australia
21 Jan 09
People really don't need to move far from their computers ,every day living can almost be achieved from one's computer ,the world is at your fingertips and for those that are homebound the computer would be their life-line and gives them inderpendence so in that regard it's good, It's almost like we have no need to get dressed and step outside our front door ,we are becoming loners and the more time we spend on the computers the easier it brcomes to not get out there ,so in that regard I think it's something we should address
@lockheart (1405)
• Philippines
21 Jan 09
Sometimes it also happens to me! I just prefer to work in the front of my computer and spend my time in the net just socializing with other people. I barely event use my phone to call and text my friends. But you know, people easily get tired of things they usually do, i mean. . If they find what they are doing gets boring, they will definitely find some other things to do! However, that case should not be taken for granted, maybe you could limit your son in accessing the net.
@seemamishra (56)
• India
21 Jan 09
Well! There is an old saying, 'excess of everything is bad', which is absolutely true. Internet has provided many things for us and yes we can chat, earn, spend and do lot of things online. But everyone needs to go out and have fresh air, talk to real people and interact with them. To keep yourself healthy, mentally and physically, it is very important that you move out and meet people. There are some people who sit in front of their computer anytime and every time they feel bored. So it is good if one balances everything in life and this adds pleasure too. You can try this yourself and see the difference in your mood.
@ktosea (2026)
• China
21 Jan 09
I think you are right, to be honest I myself has some similar problems too, with the computer I do not play basketball as offen as I played before,I feel that I am lazy recently,I do not want to go out if it's not necessary.I know I can learn many things in front of the computer but still I need to go out and socialize,meet people.maybe you can limit the time of you son on the net and bring him out for some social activities
