Growing Up Online

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In the video "Growing Up Online", the impact of the internet on the lives of teenagers is discussed. The video seemed to over-exaggerate the fact that teenagers live their lives with the internet as an extension of it. I personally feel that the so called addiction that young people seem to have with the internet has developed because of the internet's ease. It is extremely easy to do research online, to connect with people online, and to be entertained online. The adults in the film discussed the internet as if it was a plague to the lives of teenagers, when in fact, it is a priceless tool that improves the lives of teenagers. I am not one of those people that uses my desktop or laptop religiously, however, I often use my Blackberry for Twitter, Facebook, email, and general research. I have everything I need at my fingertips and that makes me more efficient overall. For example, I find out things necessary for class and can plan accordingly.
I think the problem with the internet arises when teenagers completely shut out reality in exchange for a virtual one. You can't spend all of your free time on the internet because you are missing out on true interaction which is beneficial to all humans as well as exercise which is beneficial as well. What is important is for teenagers to strike a balance between using the internet and living life.