Affect of Internet on Teens and Children Essay Example

their studies.

A study conducted by Yuan K, Qin W, Wang G, Zeng F, Zhao L, et al. (3 June 2011) revealed that certain students face difficulties in maintaining focus during classes and instead spend their time daydreaming and sketching pictures they have seen on the internet. This lack of concentration significantly hinders their capacity to effectively engage with their studies. Moreover, children who have internet access are at risk of stumbling upon explicit videos and images unintentionally, which can have detrimental effects on their development. The accessibility of these websites to anyone means that unsupervised children can easily come across and view such inappropriate content. Consequently, this exposure has a negative impact on their mental well-being and ability to concentrate.

The internet's growing presence of immoral content has adversely affected society, specifically teenagers. This exposure to objectionable material undermines their moral values and grants access to inappropriate topics, including criminal activities. Moreover, the utilization of social websites as recruitment tools by terrorist groups is a major concern, with impressionable teenagers being targeted by radical leaders for recruitment into these illegal organizations.

The increase in crimes worldwide has resulted in the loss of innocent lives. One concerning issue is the rising number of youths struggling with drug addictions. The internet plays a significant role in influencing these individuals to engage in drug use (Jessie Connell March 2012). Through online platforms, they can easily access articles and written materials that promote drug use. These contents are often written by drug lords who provide false information to young internet users, especially teenagers and children, about the effects of drugs. These articles even go as far as presenting illusory benefits of

using these dangerous substances, thereby negatively impacting the lives of many youths.

The health effects experienced by individuals addicted to drugs not only impact their lives, but also lead some to drop out of school, rendering their lives useless in society. Additionally, teenagers and children who are new to the internet often view it as a playground for continuous exploration. This can result in drifting, causing them to explore various materials on the internet, including chatting websites and content (Jessie Connell March 2012). Such experiences leave a lasting impression on their young, developing minds. Internet-accessible social websites like Facebook have even led many teenagers into relationships with unknown individuals under the guise of online dating. However, it would be unfair to say that the internet only brings negative effects to the daily lives of children and teenagers.

Most of the challenges related to internet use stem from misuse, but those who utilize it correctly have greatly benefited. The development of technological advancements like the Google play store on Android phones has allowed teenagers and children to access Bibles, enabling them to easily receive Biblical teachings online (Jessie Connell March 2012). Religious leaders have been able to impact the lives of countless children and teenagers by sharing their teachings on social websites accessed through the internet.

The Internet has made learning easier for school children and teenagers. It provides access to e-learning materials such as books and revision papers, reducing the reliance on school-provided materials (Chivers, Tom 2009-10-21). Additionally, teachers can connect with students through video conferencing and Skype, allowing for online studies without the need to travel between schools. The Internet also facilitates online study groups among children

and adolescents, enabling virtual group discussions (Chivers, Tom 2009-10-21).

The internet offers children and teenagers the opportunity to seek help from other internet users by posting questions they don't understand. Additionally, platforms like YouTube enable them to watch instructional videos on subjects such as Mathematics, eliminating the need for a teacher (Chivers, Tom 2009-10-21). Moreover, the internet grants children access to information about influential world leaders in different fields who can serve as role models. By learning about these individuals' life journeys, they can strive to replicate their success even without personal interaction.

It can be concluded that the internet has reduced the global space into a small village for both adults and children, allowing them to interact with their role models from different parts of the world.

Work Cited

• Chivers, Tom "Internet use 'may improve brain function in adults', says UCLA study". The Telegraph UK 2009-10-21.
• Jessie Connell. "Parents' Use of Technology and the Internet"(PDF). University of Minnesota March 2012.
• Yuan K, Qin W, Wang G, Zeng F, Zhao L, et al. "Microstructure Abnormalities in Adolescents with Internet Addiction Disorder". 3 June 2011. PLoS ONE. 6(6): e20708. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0020708. PMC 3108989.PMID 21677775. Retrieved 17 March 2013