The best and the worst things about the internet

PUBLISHED: JUNE 25, 2022 TIME: 7:51 PM PST ARTICLE #: 142

Since over a decade ago, social media have been our greatest friends, and I believe the internet has a significant impact on how we understand who we are as humans. I was also able to describe how members of generations ranging from millennials to generation Z share their roles in the rapid shift that is occurring in mobile technology. In point of fact, there are a great deal of factors that contribute to our use of the internet. Through the use of the internet, we are able to keep in touch with our loved ones and friends who live in other countries, conduct research with relative ease, find videos from all over the world to keep us entertained, and at the same time, we also have the opportunity to make new friends who are only virtual.

I can vividly recall the very first time I actively participated on Facebook. It was the year 2009, and I am only using it in order to connect with both my playmates and my cousins. And despite the fact that I had just created my very first account, I continued to make use of several other social media. After I started junior high, Google and Yahoo quickly became some of my closest friends. (But Encarta will never be forgotten, haha.) Every time that I need to search for anything, I'll be able to uncover intriguing details about it in a matter of seconds thanks to the usage of these platforms.

However, in light of the fact that mobile technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, there are certain disadvantages and drawbacks associated with its usage.

• The use of social media platforms might put you in a depressive state and cause you to develop anxiety.

  Certain individuals, particularly teenagers, who spend an excessive amount of time on the internet may develop some mental health difficulties, particularly if they see an excessive amount of videos or photographs that include depressing or disturbing material. When "Oplan Tokhang" was happening in the Philippines, there were several videos that surfaced online regarding the people who were responsible for the killings. I recall that period. As a result of it, I began to have trust difficulties with regard to other individuals. I also developed separation anxiety with my kid anytime I needed to go outside, and at the same time, I worried about what would happen to me if anything terrible occurred to me while I was outdoors.

• Certain individuals are racist, engage in body shaming, and participate in discriminatory behavior.

  When you use multiple social media sites, you could come across several variations of the names "Karen" and "Marites." Be wary of participating in conversation with or socializing with these individuals since they are the kind of people that take pleasure in making fun of other people's bodies and insulting them. Furthermore, they like spreading rumors and gossip. And because Facebook now has a lot of features where you can bind your Tiktok and Instagram reels and so on, pictures and videos are so easy to spread. For this reason, if you are unable to deal with criticism from everyone, you should try to limit the number of people who are able to view your posts.

• Some of the things that are said on social media are not true.

  When it comes to revealing your identity online, I agree with the statement that it is extremely simple to fabricate a few facts about yourself in order to give the impression to everyone that you are leading a happy and successful life. It is also simple to make up some stories in order to get everyone's attention, and this can be done with minimal effort. Because there is such a large amount of false news on the internet, the best way to get information is to watch videos and read articles that come from reliable sources.

The consequences of social media still rely on how its users choose to use the platform, just as they do with everything else. Be aware that spending an excessive amount of time on the internet may have a negative effect, not only on you but also on the world around you.

If you are being bullied online, distracted in class, having trouble sleeping, engaged in dangerous activity on social media, or don't have time for self-reflection or spending time with family, these are all signs that the internet is having a negative influence on your life. Please, if you ever become aware of any of these warning signs, try to restrict the amount of time you spend online, go for a walk, exercise and meditate, keep a daily diary, try to organize your closet or room, or read a book and a magazine.

I have a sincere desire for this piece of writing to be of use to all of you, who are reading it. (✿◠‿◠)

Lead image is from gifer.com