Internet Risks

The Internet is an amazing invention that has dramatically enhanced the lives of most Americans. People use the Internet and its diverse amount of features every day for entertainment, videos, games, and to connect with friends as well as others around the world. The Internet can also be used for research, news, and to discover information about any number of topics. Despite these many expedient and beneficial uses of the Internet, there are many dangerous and harmful risks, including addiction to social media and online gaming, interaction with complete strangers, promotion of dangerous activities, serious damage to reputation, and cyber bullying. Although these Internet dangers can affect anybody, they are most destructive to teenagers, who are the most vulnerable (Kam; Scheff). …show more content…
They often spend so much time on their computers and phones accessing the Internet that they communicate more often by text, e-mail, or social media than by speaking face to face. One specific addiction, online gaming, is especially hazardous as it is extremely time-consuming when people are so easily motivated to keep playing by the thrill and sense of accomplishment that comes with finally reaching the next level or beating their high score. In extreme cases gamers can become so preoccupied that they neglect food, exercise, sleep, hobbies, and socializing with other people, and they can also succumb to physical ailments, such as back and eye strain and carpal tunnel syndrome. Internet addiction is a serious problem for teenagers who often neglect spending time with others so they can spend more time on the Internet, when they should be spending time with their family and friends so that they can use their relationships with others to learn and grow (Scheff;