Lack of Internet access counts as a handicap in the present world. Internet access seems to have become a basic need, ranking behind air, water, food and shelter for at least 33 per cent of the respondents to a recent global survey by networking giant Cisco.
The study also pointed out that four out of five college students and young employees surveyed believed that the Internet is important and an essential part of their lives.
Isha Sinha, 24, Delhi-based professional, keeps a good part of her monthly budget for the Internet. “Along with my house rent, expense on food and transport, Internet is a must-have for me,” she says, adding that it’s practically not possible for her to survive without it.
Aseem Sachdeva, 21, a student, agrees that life isn’t possible without social networking he does via his cellphone. “From the time I open my eye till I go to bed, I have to update my status on the Facebook. So, networking is something I start even before breakfast,” he says.
Experts point out that if done in moderation, Internet is a boon, but excessive usage has its cons. “Youngsters aren’t ready to invest emotion in a relationship, most of which happen through casual means. Starting and ending of relationships has become very easy for them,” says Dr Geetanjali Kumar, CBSE counselor.
“With the emailing culture, youth often display weak social skills. And on that they are becoming attention-deficient as they become used to speed,” she adds.