Reader Response Draft 4

According to Wakefield (2010), there is an increasing technological gap between developed countries and less-developed countries, which in turn reflects the economy of these countries. Wi-Fi infrastructures are built to provide internet access in rural parts of Hungary, where PCs are also available for sale at lower prices to poorer citizens. Meinrath (2010), a report author for New America Foundation, believes that even when internet access is made available to the rural parts of Hungary, it is also crucial for them to have the desire to learn to use in order to maximise the benefits of internet access.

Although the article provides a clear view of the advantages of internet access with a comparison between the developed countries and less developed countries, it fails to mention the various social impacts that are affecting the society with the use of internet access.  While internet access have brought about extensive advantages to the society, the negative social impacts brought about should not be neglected and the individual use of internet access should be moderated to prevent individuals from being negatively impacted in everyday lives.

First and foremost, internet access has made humans over-reliant on the information we can get online. 

Being over-reliant could mean that humans are not able to function efficiently without the use of internet.  According to an experiment done by Emily, Dean, Kenneth, Richard and Joan (2007), one of the results had revealed that clinicians were not able to perform without the use of technology. It was recorded that many medical students had never practice medicine without the aid of technology. This phenomenon can also  be related to the generation where the majority of us is using smartphones these days and we do require internet access in the smartphones to function. With the internet access, we are able to connect to the world with social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter. Moreover, the younger generation has the tendency to Google search for anything, such as homework solutions and even directions. 

Following that, internet access enables us to be exposed to the different trends and issues around the world. However, this could also bring about negative effects to the society's perception of beauty, especially towards the younger girls. According to Strickland (n.d.), media possess a negative effect on individual self-image. The media provides a platform to showcase the unrealistic definition of beauty and body image, where viewers of such content would believe them. It is evident that people who have internet access are likely to access these media content as it is the fastest way to receive information.

In conclusion, amidst the fact that internet access has brought about countless advantages to our everyday lives, such as bringing more convenience as well as aids in globalisation, it is undeniable that there are numerous disadvantages building on them as well. The above mentioned details are two of the many social impacts brought about by the internet access. There are still many negative impacts in the society that could adversely affect the economy of the country. All in all, even though internet access has brought about tremendous benefits to all users, users should also take precaution and moderation in usage to prevent themselves from falling into the negative impacts brought about with over-reliance of internet. 

References

Emily M. Campbell, R.N., M.S. , Dean F. Sittig, Ph.D., and Joan S. Ash. (2007) Overdependence

on Technology: An Unintended Adverse Consequence of Computerized Provider Order Entry. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2710605/

Strickland, J. (n.d.) Self Image Media Influences - Just Say Yes. Retrieved

from http://justsayyes.org/topics/self-image-media-influences/ Last Accessed [15^th September 2014]

Wakefield, J. (19 March 2010). BBC News - World wakes up to digital divide.  Retrieved                from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8568681.stm Last Accessed [10th            September 2014]

Warning about online fraud as information theft rises. (2012, July 17). Retrieved                from http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-18866347 Last Accessed [15th September 2014]