Is the Internet Isolating or Connecting us?

Is the
Internet
Connecting
or Isolating
us?
By Matthew KehoeSource: Caroline Gorka, Fineartsamerica

Birth of
the
Internet
Source: Waiting For The Word, Flickr

Growth
The first networked ‘sharing’ was in 1962, but it wasn’t until July of
1972 that the modern internet was formed [1].
Source: Promotional Still
on Docurama

Integration
Human relationships are being
changed through the growing
importance of social connectedness.
Younger generations integrate new
technology and require it to connect
to the world.
Source: JustaMonster, Flickr

The internet now becomes a new mode of communication,
effecting both professional and social aspects of life.
A survey in 2014 said that “87% of
American adults use the internet, up
from 14% in 1995” [2].
Source: Thomas P. Röthlisberger, Flickr
Communication

While youths are adapting to the changing world, older generations are
falling behind.
• Only 45% over the age of 65 use
computers [4].
• Older generations tend not to use the
computer due to lack of interest [4].
Source: Martin Andersson, Flickr

Part of our
Identity
Global rise in identification with
virtual communities through
sharing, commenting, and
comparing various forms of
information with one another.Source: Norg88, Flickr

One Stop
Mall of
Obsession
Everything you need is now available
from your house. Introduction of
entertainment through video games,
shopping sites, etc. Source: Matthias Hildebrandt, Flickr

One of Us
As more people join the online
community, the internet
produces more lures for
people to get hooked on.
Source: Jlhopgood, Flickr

Trending Now
Source: Cole Hansen, Infogram

In Real Life
Social media has become part of the adolescent identity
• “71% of teens use more than one social network site” [5].
• “92% of teens report going online daily” [5], aged 13-17.
• Global estimate of around 2.8 billion accounts [6].
• Facebook is more widely used than any other social media app in
kids aged 13-17 [5].
Source: Maggie Zhouhui Cai, http://zhuohuicai.com

Is it helping us?
Studies show that elderly over the age of 65 use
social media benefit from reduction in
cognitive decline [3], but what about teens?
Source: Challot, Flickr

What is it Doing for Teens?
• Social media is used as a conversation starter, as a way to share interests.
• It can become an isolation factor for some people, if you aren’t
connected society thinks you’re missing out.
• “Compared to 1985, there has been small-to-modest change, rather
than a large drop in the number of people who report that they have no
one with whom they can discuss important matters” [10].
• Contrary to common belief, social media isn’t taking as much of a toll of
teens as we might think.
Source: María Jesús, Flickr

On the Go
As social media continues to become a bigger part of
our lives, we need ways to stay connected.
Source: cspguy, canstockphoto

Popularization of
Mobile Devices
Source: DevicePharm, ShutterShock

Up to Date
Social media is able to hook teens by being available to
connect at any time on mobile devices. Creating this
sense of multitasking, always looking for the next
‘snapchat story.’
Source: IEEE Computer Society

Always Online
• There is a global estimate of 1.69 billion accounts linked to
smartphones [6].
• Of adults aged 18-34, 84%have smartphones [9].
• Of adults aged 18-24, 77% agree that when there is nothing that
occupies their attention, they’ll check their phones [9].
Source: Miltos A, Flickr

Unplugging
With a society of constantly connected citizens, we can get trapped
within a virtual sphere. Are we becoming too connected?
Source: ratch0013, CanStockPhoto

Necessary to Live
Are we becoming too reliant on
technology? What do you think?
Source: Andrew Rich, iStock Getty Images

Reacting
Source: ronstik, 123rf.com

• "Overall, Americans reported no more
loneliness in the 2000s than they did
in the 1970s“ [7].
• Children adapt very quickly to
technology, they are able to
understand complex idea about how
communication works around the
world at a young age [8].
• Older generations who use the
internet are less likely to suffer from
cognitive degradation [3].
• Easier for elderly to connect to
younger generations.
• Emergency situations are able to
connect and react more quickly.
• Less interactive local communities [10].
• Research showing that more tech savvy
individuals having lower attention spans,
making it more difficult to focus on one
thing [9].
• Degradation of language, prominence of
‘slang.’
• Privacy leaks, companies taking your
searches and selling the data.
• Another form of addiction, people stuck
inside.
Source: onlinepianist.com

It’s up to
you to
decide
Source: Guillaume Lamazou, Instagram

Works Cited
[1]
Leiner, Barry M., et al. “Brief History of the Internet.” Internet Society. 2016,
www.internetsociety.org/internet/what-internet/history-internet/brief-history-internet.
[2]
“Internet Use Over Time.” Key Indicators, Pew Research Center, 2015,
www.pewinternet.org/data-trend/internet-use/internet-use-over-time/. Accessed 18 October
2016.
[3]
Klein, Lauren. “Does Technology Cut Us Off from Other People?” Greater Good The Science of a
Meaning Life, 12 Mar. 2014,
greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/does_technology_cut_us_off_from_other_people.
Accessed 21 October 2014.
[4]
Kim, Kyungo, et al. “Understanding Older Individuals’ Emotional Responses to New Technology
Associated with Healthy Lifestyle Choice.” Journal of Physical Education & Sport, vol. 14, no.
2, 25 June 2014, pp. 138-147, dx.doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2014.02022. Accessed 19 October 2016.
[5]
“Teens, Social Media & Technology Overview 2015: Smartphones Facilitate Shifts in Communication
Landscape for Teens.” Pew Research Center, 9 April 2015,
www.pewinternet.org/2015/04/09/teens-social-media-technology-2015/

[6]
We are Social, Singapore. “Digital, Social & Mobile in 2015.” SlideShare, 20 Jan. 2015,
www.slideshare.net/wearesocialsg/digital-social-mobile-in-2015. Accessed 20 October, 2016.
[7]
Masnick, Mike. “Yeah, It Turns Out That Technology Doesn't Make Us Lonely.” Techdirt. 9 May 2012,
www.techdirt.com/articles/20120504/02032818774/yeah-it-turns-out-that-technology-doesnt-make-us
lonely.shtml.
[8]
Marsh, Jackie, et al. “Young Children’s Initiation into Family Literacy Practices in the Digital Age.” Journal of Early Childhood
Research, 2015, pp. 1-14. dx.doi.org/10.1177/1476718X15582095. Accessed 19 Oct. 2016.
[9]
Krashinsky, Susan. “Four Ways Canadian are Consuming Media Differently.” The Globe and Mail, 4 Dec. 2014,. Accessed 17
Oct. 2016. www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/marketing/four-ways-canadians-are-
consuming-media-differently/article21949630/
[10]
Hampton, Keith, et al. “Social Isolation and New Technology.” Pew Research Center, 4 Nov. 2014,
www.pewinternet.org/2009/11/04/social-isolation-and-new-technology/. Accessed 18 October 2016.

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