The Internet: affects and helplines

We are so reliant on technology and the internet in today's lifestyle. Almost everyone in a developed country has access to some sort of internet and technology. In the UK 99% of 16-24-year-olds and 70% of 55-64-year-olds use mobile phones. These devices we hold in our pockets have so much power and it makes us question the effects of them and whether we could do without them.

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We previously have lived in a society that didn't depend on the use of the internet however when the first iPhone was realised in 2007, the internet had a huge increase to now where we all use it pretty much every day. The internet provides access to many different platforms, such as social media platforms, Google and search engines, and many others. We now all seem to use the internet for work, leisure, and almost everything. If we think about it everything comes down to the internet, through booking, maps, emails, and searching for anything. It can be a very positive environment and it is seen to have benefits to many people. It makes everyday things so much easier. Online shopping has created a huge shift on the internet and it has allowed people to stay home and shop for everything they need, which throughout lockdown, proved very useful. Online banking is also incredibly useful for organization and ease, as it makes it accessible to everyone. Google maps are also popular for navigation and internet helplines through websites create a useful, easy way of getting support. We can already see all the positive effects of the internet and I haven't even mentioned the obvious of communication. Nearly everyone uses a form of social media, even our grandparents. It's a great way to communicate with everyone we know and it also allows us to make new friends.

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Despite all these positives, there are also some major negatives. Human beings are naturally social creatures and therefore we rely on communication with others, which hugely improves mental health. Social media and the internet has many hiding spots for bad and negative things. Cyberbullying (the online form of bullying) sadly takes place a lot more than we think. Instagram is one of the most popular forms of social media amongst young people, however, 42% of cyberbullying takes place on this platform. The power of social media is a dangerous thing. It is so easy to create fake or anonymous accounts and send rude, aggressive, and bullying messages to other people. Without any proof of who is doing the bullying, it can continue to happen which quickly pulls mental health down. It's not an uncommon issue and it brings down self-esteem and can bring on anxiety and depression. Social media and the internet have become an addiction for many people. It comes from the idea of popularity and as a result, is common in young people. As young people, we get a buzz from getting a message, or alike, or a comment, etc. It fills us with excitement which may sound like a good thing, however, in reality, we end up checking our phones so much more than we need to.

We want to get that satisfaction and excitement however it becomes addictive- one of the main side effects of this checking nature is stress. Stress impacts everyone especially teens going through adolescence. This stress then is carried through their lifestyle, impact their schoolwork, social life and attitudes, and behaviors on society.

The dark web is a dangerous place. It is hard for ordinary uses of the internet to access however they can be exposed to it. It takes up over 5% of the internet, but we would never know. The dark web is a place for criminals, drug dealers, and sexual predators to embark on criminal activity. It is full of dangers and is a very negative place. Police can not track down these dangerous people because of the annominimity and secret nature of the dark web making it almost impossible to stop. When people get exposed to the dark web it causes traumatising effects, the trauma can stay with them for a lifetime.

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We can see that the internet can be a dangerous place but it provides so many positives. If it weren't for the internet you would not be capable of reading this! It shows how we all need to be sensible and careful on the intent whilst we still enjoy it.

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If you are struggling with anything online or offline please do not be afraid to talk to someone to ask for help. someone will always be there to support, help, and listen.

Childline- Childline | Childline: 08001111

The samaritans- https://www.samaritans.org 166 123

Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk 0300 123 3393

Get connected- https://www.getconnected.org.uk 02039935571

find more specific helplines at Telephone Helplines for Mental Health (getselfhelp.co.uk)

it's okay not to be okay...