Internet-Harmful or Helpful

The Internet has brought many good things to people throughout the world.  From connecting people from various places to the ability to receive news from anywhere in world, it has literally given new freedoms to the individual.  On the downside, there are problems that have come with the good.  Identity theft, money scams, just to name a couple.  But what about social interaction between people?  Has it hurt or helped the social relations and business of individuals and groups?

In the article by Philip Brey that we read in class about the social and cultural implications of the Internet on society, he has a list of both perceived benefits of the Internet and perceived harms of the Internet.  He speaks to the point of the harmful effects of the Internet on social relations and how it hurts face to face relationships because people will take less time and effort when offline.  I feel that this is very true to an extent.  Many people use the Internet as a way to communicate with others, yet they still seem fine from doing it.  Facebook has been the latest craze in staying in touch with old friends and developing relations with new friends you meet everyday at school, work and in everyday life.  It is seen as a tool to help enhance, but sometimes that is all that people will use.  I personally have found myself being both ways with the use of Facebook.  While I have and kept in touch in people from years ago to people I just have recently meet, it helps me keep in touch because I wouldn't have otherwise.  On the downside, I have found myself to be slacking in some areas of social interaction from Facebook too.  Because of the fact that I can see their status updates or look at posted pictures or items on their page, I can understand what is going on in their life right now.  And if I get enough motivation, I sometimes will send them a message or chat for a brief second on Facebook Chat.  Some of these people were good friends, people I would otherwise call if not meet up with in person because I would want to have that interaction with them to see how they are doing.  For that reason, I have found my social interaction being hindered by the Internet.

Myspace has developed into a way for people or groups to get their music, photos, videos, ideas, etc, out into the general audience, helping their interaction with people everywhere.  Not only does this help them with the public, but helps generate publicity with companies and individuals who want to promote them on a higher level and make them bigger.  There has a been a big influx of music groups that have come from being popular on Myspace to now having their hit music heard over the radio.   I have several friends with bands that have Myspace pages, with their music, band and personal info, tour dates, etc.  The Internet has created a new resume for these people, helping them to be seen and heard and how the general public views them. 

There is no clear cut understanding of whether the Internet is harmful or helpful with social interaction.  It allows for both good and bad, but that definition to an extent is different for each person.  Find that out for yourself and adapt to it.