Life Online

In a generation in which constant Internet access is the rule rather than the exception, many people wonder how the so-called "online generation" will pan out.

"Growing up Online," a Frontline documentary that aired on PBS Tuesday night, took an in-depth look at the changes and consequences this innovation has brought to a generation who has seemingly grown up with the Internet at its fingertips.

Sari Biklen, a professor and department chair in the School of Education, said today's students, who have grown up with the Internet, don't appear much different than the students of previous generations.

"The kinds of things that people are saying about students and the Internet today are similar to what was said about students and television when television was new," Biklen said. "Teachers often said that because of Sesame Street, students couldn't sit still and listen to a lecture; they just want to be entertained, which is similar to what teachers are saying about students and the Internet now."

Bruce Carter, a professor in the College of Human Ecology, said the Internet alone cannot be blamed for the changes present in this generation.

"Some things are more directly related to the Internet, like the expectation of instantaneous information," he said.

Carter explained that groups of people who are born around the same time and share the same experiences are called cohorts, and certain cohorts behave differently than others because of their experiences as well as other changes.

"The Internet is only one of the changes that people of this generation have experienced," he said. For this reason, one cannot specifically say differences between today's generation and the previous generations are solely based on the Internet.

Freshman information technology major Jessica Rello said although growing up with the Internet has made this generation more lazy, it has also benefited individuals by allowing them to learn more.

"Not every kid picks up a newspaper every day, but every kid signs online every day," she said.

Simmone Dargoltz, a freshman psychology major, agrees the Internet has affected this generation greatly. She cited the fact that many people now turn to Internet search engines and online libraries rather than actually going to the library.

Dargoltz also said computers can be a big distraction, too. "Lots of parents won't let their kids have computers in their rooms because they're afraid their kids will never come out because everything they need is online," she said.

Biklen and Carter both agree there are many pros and cons to allowing the Internet to be such a big part of society and daily life. Biklen says the Internet allows people to connect to one another socially, but also has negative impacts.

Carter also said the Internet has allowed people to connect socially more than they had previously, but he sees cons as to how easily anyone can create a Web site and put up whatever information they want.

"Anyone can put up a Web site, but not everyone can put up accurate information," he said. People assume that because something is published it is valued or true, and this is not always so."

"One downfall is the quickness and the power of online groups," Biklen said. "They can reinforce stereotypes and prejudiced views in society. This has always existed, but the Internet just quickens it and makes it more widespread."

Biklen echoed this sentiment. "People will need to learn to be good consumers on the Internet."