Internet and family - Research Paper Example

Internet and Family Internet and Family Internet and Family The excess use of internet has been found to affect the family unit as a whole. It destroys family relationships by interfering with family processes. For instance, parents who spend most of their time on social networking tend to be inattentive to the needs of their children. As a result, interpersonal and social relationship becomes dysfunctional. The prolonged use of internet among parents serves as a model for children to manifest the same practice.

This is reflected in low number of parents who are concern with their children’s use of internet (Livingstone, 2002. Children who spend too much time in front of a computer reduced their social involvement (Kraut, et al. 1998) within their family circle as they become isolated. Observation shows that children who spend long hours in front of the computer are irritated when disturbed. This seems to corroborate with the study by Kim and the group (2010) who disclose that internet has contributed much in the aggressive behavior, depression, and psychiatric problems of adolescents which tends to disrupt family relationship.

This is further supported with the observational studies by Orleans and Laney (2000) where they reveal that children who do computer work at home seldom asks their parents for help showing the interpersonal relationship and social ties are reduced. Furthermore, internet is full of violence and aggression not to exclude video games which negatively affect children in copying the same acts of aggressiveness and might apply it in their families. Huesman & Taylor (2006) agreed with such claim in their study where they found out that violent video games contributes to aggression among users especially children who easily learns.

Schneider (2000) also revealed that adult users experience serious problems in their marital relationships. Adults who are addicted to pornography cannot maintain healthy and positive commitment to their partners. References Huesmann, R., & Taylor. L., (2006). The role of media violence on violent behavior. Annual reviews of public health. Vol. 27: 393-415. Kim, S. et al. (2010). The effects of internet addiction on the lifestyle and dietary behavior of Korean adolescents. Nutrition research and practice.

Kraut, R., et al. ( 1998). Internet paradox: A social technology that reduces social involvement and psychological well-being. American Psychologist, 53, 1017–1031. Livingstone, S. (2002). Young people and new media. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Orleans, M., & Laney, M. C. (2000). Children’s computer use in the home: Isolation or sociation? Social Science Computer Review, 18, 56–72. Schneider, J. P. (2000). Effects of cybersex addiction on the family: Results of a survey. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 7, 31–58.