Internet an Integral Part of Human Life in 21st Century: A Review

Abstract

The Internet in 21st is the backbone of an inexhaustible source of global information that has revolutionized the communication system, knowledge transmission and education system which brings progress in all fields of endeavour from the creation of new goods, services and ideas for the advancement of knowledge and well-being of society as well. Internet is not just a mere technology, rather a cultural artefact bringing cultures together and aggregates people in more accessible forms, nurturing the rise of new forms of expression for art, innovation and enormous knowledge transmission. The internet has strongly influenced our education system by connecting and empowering students and educators through unbounded possibilities of knowledge sharing and creating new ways of teaching and learning without the restriction of time and physical constraints that captivate and stimulate students' imagination at anytime, anywhere using an internet connected device. The internet can speed up growth, development and offer immense opportunities for strengthening the economy through e-commerce coupled with improved productivity and competitiveness as it has become a major distribution channel for goods and services. Our lives are surrounded by the internet in every aspect and altered the way of interaction with our family, friends and life partners, and the meaning of cultural identity as well. Internet is a formidable resource of building knowledge in which the users are highly sensitized with the security and privacy issues, particularly minors and children despite raising awareness. Though it a huge network of networks, it acts as an easy medium to access pornography in children causing a sexually deviant or sexually- addictive and increase in the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Social media and the internet have become an inseparable part of the younger generation's lifestyle. The excessive use of Internet had leads to IA Disorder (IAD) resulting negative impact on physical, mental, social and occupational health impairment to people who are exposed and also to vulnerable population by disabling their time control. This paper emphasized on both positive and negative impacts of Internet in our day to day lives; Psychological profile of addicted people; potential risk on emotional, mental and physical health and possible treatment strategies of IAD.