Internet/Computer Reliance

Keeping a log of my internet use over the course of a few days really helped me realize exactly how dependent I am on it. I spend about an average of eight hours a day on the computer searching the web or with a computer in front of me. I discovered that starting my day on the computer has become a habit. I begin my internet routine checking my MyRutgers account, Sakai and the weather. Later, if I have enough free time in the morning, I continue my normal pattern and check my AOL email account as well as Facebook. I found it interesting that I go on my laptop and check the weather every morning. I never think to turn on the weather channel or check the newspaper forecast. Internet has made simple tasks even easier. I think having quick access to information for so long now has made me a little bit impatient. Having to sit through a television show and wait for your local weather to come on seems nonsensical.  I also noticed that half of the time I using a computer, I was busy doing something else as well.  I'd have a computer in front of me while reading for a class or while watching my shows.  Facebook would be up in another window while I was writing a paper.  Rather than diagnosing myself with a short intension span, I believe that access to the internet has made this generation much better multi-taskers.
While keeping track of my internet use, I spent a majority of one of my work days on the computer to do research for my boss. There was no way I could not complete this assignment without the internet. I mainly used Rutgers websites and Google to search for potential clients for a talk show that my place of employment is producing. With just a few clicks of the mouse I was able to learn about a specific someone’s educational background, research, job title and even address. Though I’ve always known that you can find out a little to a considerable amount of information on a person with just some searching, this kind of took me aback. The internet, for the most part, is public. Although I do not have an extensive resume and best-selling publications, it is still daunting to think that your information is out there for anyone to find.
During the time I recorded my internet usage down, I also realized that I definitely the internet for granted. I ordered my school books online this weekend. I printed out a coupon code for a store I went to the next day. I’ve used the internet to purchase the thousands of songs that I listen to each day. I watch the television shows that I missed the night before online. The internet has not only become a convenience in my life, but an essential.
I wasn’t necessarily shocked at how much I use the internet. A majority of my school work is done on a computer, I use the internet for leisure, to keep in touch with friends, and stay informed about what is going on in the world today.  I do believe that the internet has made things much easier for my generation.  Access to books, articles and research is right in front of us and available at anytime.  Contact with someone across the world can be made with the click of a button. 
Though I admit that I am dependent on the internet, this exercise made me wonder how it can be negatively affecting this generation.  For example, how is the internet affecting face-to-face communication?  Before the emergence of the internet, social networking, in particular, in order to reach someone, one would have to call them on a telephone or walk to their house.  Now we can just write on their wall.  While the internet is serving as a great tool for education, I wonder if it will eventually have its consequences.  Yet we still must adapt to society and with so many technological advances being made every year, it is inevitable that we become reliant on such advances.