The internet has undoubtedly had a huge impact on society. Where before people didnt rely on the internet for very much, now a large portion of society depend on it for a lot of things. Now you can check your bank account, book a holiday, and even do you're shopping online.
Moral panic's RE the success of internet are focused around (in my opinion) 3 areas.
Firstly, safety - Some people do not feel easy with the use of internet as you just dont know who it is your speaking too. (Obviously this only applys if using the likes of chatrooms etc) It has become known to society that in some cases young children can be speaking to inappropriate people online, which can in some cases result in a lot of danger if they meet up.
Also there is the safety issues RE virus's that you're computer can collect whilst online! This creates panic as people fear that they're computers will be ruined if they visit certain websites.
Finally there is the issue of Fraud, people can take your details and create things in your name. This is a huge moral panic and some people will even refuse to order anything online or give away any details, no matter how minor, in the fear that someone will fraud them.
The second area is consumerism. With everyone relying on the internet for everything that they need, what will happen to the shops out there? How many of you know people that do their shopping online? I am personally constantly always on the internet looking at clothes websites, I dont buy anything but if I could afford it I probably would! At home we also now do our food shopping online. I know quite a few people who do this too.
The final panic I think society has had over the internet, is because of the social impact the internet has had on society. With so many websites etc available where people can meet new people, talk to their friends etc etc, then it is understandable that people have become concerned that people will not feel the need for 'real-life' communication anymore. I think that although I can see the concern, surely these types of websites are only helping people build on the friendships they have already built? (Referring to the likes of facebook, myspace etc here, when you have already 'met' the person in real life). However, I do think some people can become too dependant on the people they meet online, and even refer to them in their own life as 'real' friends. But, if it is helping them build confidence and making them happy, then that's what matters, and it's also helping them build up good communication skills i.e how to make conversations etc.
I think that people will still always socialise, online and in real life. You can't go to a nightclub online and get the same experience etc!
After voicing my own opinions I did a bit of background reading - this website was interesting! Have a read! http://www.mysocialnetwork.net/blog/410/y42/2006/10/the_internets_impact_on_societ.html
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment