Topic > Internet: the negative impacts of the Internet

It has been proven that Internet addiction has a negative effect on academic studies (a drop in grades), on family relationships (having to hide excessive use of the Internet from parents), on physical health (sleep deprivation due to long hours of Internet use), mental health (depression), and finance (cost of accumulated Internet expenses) (Chou, Condron, and Belland 2005). Online gaming and chatting are as fun as any other recreational activity which does not always lead to Internet addiction. However, some evidence suggests that frequency of computer use, such as gaming, decreases the quality of friendships and romantic relationships and may have a negative effect on academics (Wainer 2008). One of the most widespread forms of harassment among young people is cyberbullying. The following is the result of a survey conducted by Ybarra and Mitchell of kids ages 10 to 15 who used the Internet at least once in the last 6 months in 2008. “15% of all youth reported a experience unwanted online sexual solicitation in the past year; 4% reported an incident specifically on a social networking site. 33% reported online harassment in the last year; 9% reported