By Morgan Greene
Did you know that 5.3 billion people have access to the internet? That’s 65% of the world! It’s also, of course, very common for an American citizen to use it. I find that online connectivity has both positives and negatives, and an overused overlap as well.
To begin, I think it’s only uplifting to lead with the good of online connectivity. For example, long-distance communication is much, much faster than it used to be, back in those days where all people could do was write letters to each other and hope that they’ll arrive in time, or at least arrive at all. Also, online connectivity can make a new pal in need, very often found among the social medias of the world. Not that anyone should have social media unless for a particular reason, such as the only way of communication with your sports team or theater program. But, if you do have access to one, find a member who posts rarely enough and friend her/him. You could make a long-time buddy from simply that. Another thing; you can more easily and frequently keep in touch with friends from school, your sport, or dance studio. This will keep buddies close even if they are not seen around your usual route like you wish that they were.
Unfortunately, there are indeed cons to having such free range of online connectivity. Quite a few, actually. Most often, people tend to get obsessed with messaging, social media, Facetime, etc. This can kill off brain cells and social graces. You can forget how to be outgoing around actual people because of all the unnecessary time spent on devices. You will most likely get attached to certain electronics, taking them around with you everywhere you go. If you still happen to be a social person despite too much online connectivity, still…all you will ever think to talk about is “Hey, have you seen the new meme on Tik Tok?”. And while on that note, just a word of warning; if your friends are anything like me, nobody cares. In fact, whatever happened to talking about boys? You know, boys that you actually see on a daily basis, NOT cute YouTubers. Also, while keeping in touch with people that you care about is great and all, you can get into the habit of overly texting them (again, obsession). Or, especially if you’re a regularly shy person, you can make yourself seem very talkative over online chat rooms, only giving yourself a worse impression when all you do is squeak when you’re being interviewed, in-person, for the school newspaper. Or, if you happen to have a text with your crush, and you’re too nervous to ask them out in-person, well, you can imagine what happens next. Sadly, people have gotten too awkward or just plain lazy about informing special things to others in-person. This can turn friends away from each other just as well as bring them together. For instance, if you don’t actually hear the person speaking, there’s really no complete way of knowing what kind of tone they’re using, which can unravel into a series of misunderstandings. Is it sarcasm, or are they serious? Is it a joke, or are they completely straight-faced this time? See?
Now onto the very important overlap of pros and cons concerning online connectivity- entertainment. It is obviously a big part of the use of electronic devices. It can satisfy you on long trips, in the waiting room at the doctors office, when you get bored watching the football game, after you’ve come home from a long day of school, basically anywhere, as long as there’s WiFi, which is usually a critical factor. But, it can take you away from what matters most. Maybe your parents wanted that road trip to be a learning experience for you. Maybe you were being a bit standoffish when you were so zoned into your video game while relatives were over for the Superbowl. Or, maybe you were supposed to be doing homework as soon as you had gotten home from school, but whatever was new on Pinterest distracted you, and now you’re behind.
In conclusion, there are many advantages to having the internet, but unfortunately, only more bad. However…, if we limit our screen time, take advantage of that gap of no devices to hang in-person with friends and family, and even use online communication for something useful, we can make online connectivity great again! Are you with us?
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