Internet Addiction; the Good Side and the Bad Side

           Friendster, Twitter, My Space, Tumblr, Facebook; these are some of the most popular social networking sites, with facebook leading the pack with a total number of 750 million active users (as of July 2011); where individuals of any age, gender, race, or occupation addictively indulge into. Social networking has become a part of the daily lifestyle of most people worldwide due to the fact that these social medias are excellent in sharing photos, videos, and information and undeniably superior in connecting with friends and families all over the world. Aside from that, Facebook is a happy, wonderful, pleasant and beautiful world where one can post and share only the crème de la crème of their lives. However, researchers suggest that Facebook addiction is becoming a serious problem increasingly affecting large groups of people.

          People are able and are willing spend their maximum time on these social networking sites. A day would not be complete without updating their Facebook status or blogging a photo on Tumblr. On the other hand, a decrease in time spent of Facebook would leave the users curious and anxious maybe as what would be written on their walls or if someone had already commented on the photo they have posted. Each day, they crave for more satisfaction up to the point where they lose sleep because of being logged on in these networking sites and, upon waking up, logging on takes the number one spot on their to-do-list. Also, homeworks or jobs are neglected much to the point where one’s own health is at risk because of giving more importance to Facebook.

          Facebook has become a different world where people would “meet” virtually. Asking someone if they have a Facebook account has become customary when meeting new people. Then they would say, “add me”, or “see you on Facebook”. This virtual world is taking its toll on us already.

          We are in the digital age now where the internet unite with every activity of each individual. The internet affects persons in different ways. Some may find it conducive while some may already be under its destructive consequences. Internet addiction is already taking its toll, it is but important to remind ourselves of our acts to minimize this addiction. One should always see to it that there is balance between having a real social life from a “virtual social life”. Relationships are imperative. However, it becomes more precious when maintained in a reality where you get to feel and see other people and not merely by fabricating your own exciting and happy social virtual life.