Internet has become our lifeline, but should be depend on it totally?
Sukriti Tankha
“Hi!! I’m Sara. I’m 13 and study in Class 8 at Ryan International School. What? Oh, my hobbies? My hobbies include watching videos on YouTube, chatting with friends on Facebook, and updating my Twitter status every hour.”
No, no! This is not something I made up. This is exactly how my sister Sara introduced herself to my friends. At first, we all laughed. But a minute later, we realised she was serious.
That’s when it struck me—how important the internet has become in our lives today.
Internet: A Necessity or an Obsession?
We are living in a world where the internet feels like the most vital thing. We use it so often that we forget earlier generations survived perfectly well without it.
Ask someone in their 40s or 50s, “What is essential for living?” and they will say “oxygen.” But ask a teenager the same question, and the answer might just be “internet.”
That is the kind of impact the internet has created—it has become a part of our existence.
Losing Our Real Identity in the Digital World
In this digital age, we often forget who we really are. We start identifying ourselves with the gadgets we own rather than the personality we carry.
But having the latest smartphone or laptop does not define a person. It is our character and values that truly matter. After all, owning the newest phone doesn’t mean having the biggest heart.
How the Internet Connects—and Disconnects
There is no denying that the internet has brought people closer. I can talk to my brother living in America anytime through video calls, and that too for free.
But at the same time, it has also distanced us from people around us. Everyone is now comfortable in their own digital space.
There was a time when people feared being alone. Today, people prefer being alone—with their phones.
Changing Definitions of Popularity
Earlier, people were appreciated for their real achievements and personality. Today, appreciation often depends on how well someone edits their display picture or how many likes their post gets.
There was a time when people had fewer friends but deeper trust. Now, people have hundreds of online friends but often less real connection.
Popularity today is no longer about excelling in studies or sports—it’s about social media presence.
The Double-Edged Sword of the Internet
The internet has undoubtedly made access to information easier and faster. It helps us learn, connect, and grow in countless ways.
But at the same time, it has made us overly dependent. While information is just a click away, the habit of thinking, exploring, and understanding deeply is slowly fading.
Finding the Right Balance
I am not against the internet. It is a powerful tool—but only when used wisely.
We must ensure that it does not take over our lives or distance us from the people who truly matter.
A Thought to Reflect On
I would like to end with a quote:
“Google can bring you back 1,00,000 answers. A librarian can bring you back the right one.”
