DOES THE INTERNET CAUSE DEPRESSION AND SOCIAL ISOLATION? “When an individuals self-awareness is blocked or seriously reduced by environmental conditions...deindividuation can occur. Anonymity [as on the internet]…[has] been shown to encourage, and often produce, deindividuation. Some of the outcomes produced by deindividuation include a weakened ability for an individual to regulate his or her own behavior, reduced ability to engage in rational, long-term planning, and a tendency to react to immediate cues or based largely on his or her current emotional state. Furthermore, an individual will be less likely to care what others think of his or her behavior and may even have a reduced awareness of what others have said or done. These effects can culminate in impulsive and disinhibited behaviors.” --McKenna and Bargh So, yes, because of the way that we interact on the internet, it may have a number of negative effects on our psyche and our ability to interact with others (although they are careful to say that it is mostly dependent on the user). On the flip side, the internet allows us to meet many people that we couldn’t have met in another way. “That physical distance...does not matter on the Internet means that one can interact with, and meet, people from all over the world, at least those who speak the same languages. Physical distance is the major determinant of who one will meet and form relationships with in the real world, but the Internet vastly expands the range and variety of interaction partners.” --McKenna and Bargh The internet also allows people with specific interests to find and meet each other, although this can be a double edged sword when it comes to hate groups or, god forbid, bronies.
Posted on: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 03:35:36 +0000
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