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 usecomputers [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 UsAs more people join the online community, the internet produces more lures for

people to get hooked on.

Source: Jlhopgood, Flickr

Emergence of Social Media

Trending NowSource: 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 trappedwithin 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 October2016.

[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-uslonely.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.