JOIN USInternet, not the answer to every query
Can anybody imagine their life without something called ‘internet’? Well, a clear cut answer is ‘No’! But why this madness over internet? What is that compels one to get glued to their computers - social networking sites, chatting with friends or porn? Nowadays, especially youngsters find it almost impossible to manage without the net.
Although internet has given instant access to vast amounts of information and an option to stay in touch with friends, colleagues and relatives like never before, it is also hampering the growth of one’s mind.
Ann Simi John, cilinical phychologist, Colombia Asia Hospital, says, “One should understand that internet is just a tool, not your life and too much of anything is bad. One can only understand the addiction part when something is withdrawn from somebody. So, only if you remove the internet connection, will you see a different side of a child. Like, if a child is irritable and cranky all the time and fights with his parents often, over small things, one can attribute it to withdrawal symptoms, with internet being the culprit.”
A shocking incident shared by Ann involves a Std X child who consumed phenyle because her father cut the internet connection at home since she was addicted to Facebook. In another case, a girl who had fallen in love with a boy online, despite never having met him is now seeking clinical intervention because she had a fight with her ‘virtual’ boyfriend. So, where are we headed?
The internet is changing the way we think, read and remember now. Youngsters are losing their capacity for concentration and even when they are away from computers, their mind is constant seeking reactions and quick information. Worse, they are always distracted.
Like Ann says, “Youngsters want instant gratification and that is actually the root cause. You try to take away their phones, technology, their favourite food and they will go berserk. One also needs to understand that youngsters need constant attention and when parents don’t have time for their children, they get involved in something or the other, and internet is now the most common saviour and it is fun and interesting too.”
Kirit Chakraborty, a hardware professional, says, “I cannot think of a single minute without internet. I have internet on my phone, in office and at home as well. If I am not working on my computer then I am hooked to my phone and constantly downloding something or playing games. There is actually no end to the facilities available on the internet.”
Another disturbing factor is blind dependence on the internet, like learning tips on excersises, how to cope with depression, makeup tips, and generally anything under the sun.
People are also increasingly becoming dependent on the net to learn about the maladies or illnesses they may be suffering from and have taken to self-medication in a big way. One needs to understand that internet does not provide medication and that is why experts help is neccesary to cure you. So, don’t be an internet addict and kill your thought process.