Which is the Real Bully, Other Users or the Internet Itself ?

Studies have shown that people of all ages are using the internet more and more over the years. Mainly teenagers have come to use the internet the most through social media, television, and even for school purposes. Is this large amount of internet time affecting the health of teens ?

From the New York Times, "Is Internet Addiction a Health Threat for Teens," Brendesha Tynes believes the internet is not an addiction, but is affecting teens health through cyber-bullying.  Cyber-bullying has been proved to cause depression and increase anxiety. Tynes points out that it is the harassment that teens receive through devices that are very accessible all around them that causes a threat to the health of teenagers. In her article she states, "scholars are beginning to make distinctions between screen time that interferes with functioning, and that which leads to more positive engagement." The internet teaches adolescents creativity and provides connection to knowledge. However, People such as Nicholas Carr, believe the internet is doing more harm to our brains than any online bully. Carr believes our brains are functioning less as we continue to over use the internet. Thus, our brains will over time continue to be misused as we prevail the internet over books. Who do you agree with more ?


B'elanna Herrera