Young people need the guidance of parents and educators in the proper use of the Internet.
Accessibility of Internet
Internet, an interconnection of millions of computers all over the world, is a great attraction among youth today.
It is becoming more accessible at home since many parents try to acquire computer unit to comply with their children’s requirement in school. Internet is now part of the curriculum of our educational system from elementary to college. Young people are adept in using them than their parents and elders.
Every school tries to have Internet connection so that all students can get a hands-on practicum. They are taught how to access and surf the Internet.
Another place where the youth can get Internet connection is cyber-cafe, a center where many computer units are publicly available for a fee. Cyber-cafes are mostly located near the school zone so that students can access anytime during school days.
During a Media Education Seminar, eighty high school students were asked about their favorite media. The overwhelming answer was Internet. It came as a surprise since the common perception is television as the favorite medium of the youth. This could be an indicator that they are shifting to Internet having discovered its many attractive features.
Why is Internet attractive to the youth?
Internet is interactive. Young people can have direct communication with friends, peers, and relatives through email and chatting. They locate former classmates and acquaintances, and find new ones as they wish to. Relationships are created, renewed and enhanced in an intimate manner.
Internet is multimedia. All media forms are accessible in the Internet. Young people love music and the latest hits can be downloaded. The youth enjoy movies and they have their choice online. Some television programs have regular following among them, and they can watch on their convenient time online. Programs of some radio stations can be heard, and article features of newspapers and magazines are readable as well.
Internet gives immediate satisfaction. Young people are said to be easily bored. When their senses are not satisfied, they look for something else that is instant and occupies the senses.
Internet is a personal medium. It is between the user and the computer. Nobody surfs the Internet with another person, so it is easy to indulge in it for long hours. Who can tell what Internet websites the youth is surfing? Who can count the number of hours spent when the parents or elder may think s/he is doing a school work? Who can observe what type of conversation is going on in the Internet chat room?
Effects on Thoughts and Behavior
The Church says that all media including the Internet are gifts of God to humanity. So much benefit can be gained when surfing is guided by critical thinking and Christian morality. Students are taught how to use media technology but teaching them to choose the right content is still wanting. Is critical media analysis taught in school? This is the challenge for all educators today including parents and pastoral workers. It is our hope that in the future the curriculum of our basic education will include Critical Media Analysis.
The value system of the youth tends toward the external rather than the internal development of the person. Physical appearance and possession of material goods are given greater importance instead of internal goodness such as honesty, fidelity, patience and forgiveness. There are many websites that promote values formation and it would give incentive to young audience to surf if these are subject matters in schools.