Today’s culture is very fickle towards internet use. Researchers often conduct studies on health problems, mental and psychological deficiencies, and other ailments caused by constant connection to the internet. Parents and adolescents alike debate the pros and cons of constant technology use. In the end, most seem to conclude that constant connectivity and the internet cause nothing but harm. No matter how much evidence can be stacked up against the internet, a few success stories can be found that reinforce internet-lovers’ convictions. This begs the question: “Do the positive attributes of the internet compensate for being constantly connected to it?” There really isn’t a solid answer; this is just a thought-provoking discussion on the matter.Internet success stories are frequent and noteworthy, but few are as well-known as that of teen pop artist, Justin Bieber. He began as a normal kid in Canada, but when his mom posted videos of his music covers on YouTube for their friends and family to enjoy, he became a YouTube star. A man named Scooter Braun randomly found one of Bieber’s videos and was so enthralled he had to find him. Braun took Bieber to jump start his career with the popular pop artist Usher’s guidance, and now girls ranging from ages three to 73 are screaming his name. After various number one hits, platinum albums, awards, and more, it has been made apparent that Justin Bieber is quite the internet success story. You might say that Bieber wasn’t technically “constantly connected,” but having any sort of YouTube presence indicates that the internet plays a significant role in a person’s life. Certainly no one can argue that Bieber was harmed by an internet presence. Although not everyone becomes rich and famous from being constantly connected, and almost none to this degree, many find musical careers, entrepreneurial endeavors, and other avenues towards success in this manner.
Now we know that constant connectivity can make you rich and famous, but can it save a life? This success story certainly suggests so. Nancy Makin weighed in at a whopping 700 pounds for over 12 years, and her weight gain only promoted hopelessness. When her sister gave her a computer, Makin’s life began to improve. She stated, “The anonymity of the computer gave me access to a world that would have just as well have left me alone, alone to die but I did not.” Online, Makin made and maintained many friendships. In these online friendships, she wasn’t judged by her looks but by her personality. She found love and acceptance through her constant connectivity, and as a result, Makin lost weight. She didn’t use any sort of weight-loss techniques; she just stopped overeating. The depression was no longer an issue, and her psychological state vastly improved. Makin now weighs around 170 pounds, and she hopes that her story will inspire others to do the same. Did her constant connectivity directly save her life? Well, no, but as a result of spending her time immersed in the internet, her health and mental state improved tremendously, thus increasing her standard of living and presumably prolonging her life. A lot can be said about the possibility of constant connectivity helping to improve peoples’ lives in this manner.
You will probably maintain your beliefs as to the effects of constant connectivity, but hopefully after reading this and examining the success stories, you at least did a double-take. Constant connectivity and the internet may be plagued with negativity, and some of it may be true, but some good can also come of this constant connectivity. Many people base their livelihoods on the internet and their ability to remain constantly connected. It is arguable that constant connectivity in this manner benefits these people more than it harms them. If standard of living can increase for these internet users, who are we to tell them that what they do is a detriment to their health and well-being?
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4 comments:
I'm glad someone finally focused on the positives of the internet. I would estimate that for every two cases of internet/video game overuse, there's at least one success story to match up against them.
I have always had a difficult time sticking to a workout plan. Recently, I joined a group of gals on the Internet who are doing a 5k training program. We are all on the same program so we can tweet, email, and facebook each other on our workout days and keep each other motivated. I don't have time to meet people in person for a workout at the gym, since I often have to work my exercising into odd hours of the day, so this is a great alternative to gym buddies.
I never thought of the idea that the anonymity of the internet could be a benefit. I have mostly thought of the anonymous internet users as scary and a potential danger. The story of this woman definitely opened my eyes to the positive psychological affects of the internet. In a society that is quick to judge, the internet can be place of refuge and hope.
I'm also glad someone focused on the positives of the internet. The success stories that you mentioned focus on huge life changes from the internet, but I believe the little positive changes are the reasons most people argue that being constantly connected is successful. As you mentioned, it’s hard for the pros vs. cons debate to have an agreed upon outcome; people just need to use technology in the way that gives them the most benefit.
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