The ’00s have been a turbulent decade with an innovative revolution that has forever altered the global landscape. The internet has paved the way for new manners of engaging with each other and the world at large, but the ability for society to keep up socially has made for difficult times.

Was ignorance bliss?

The ‘oos have highlighted the lack of transparency which existed in the 20th century. Previously, governments and corporations were able to manipulate citizens without having to explain their motives or the return on their investments.

With the internet, access to information and social networking have dramatically changed these interactions. From 9/11 to the election of Barack H. Obama to the financial meltdown, the internet has provided different views from its vast database. In the last century, society would tend to believe the mainstream explanation of different events; yet now there exists endless scrutiny.

This certainly helps to deliver a spectrum of sources but leaves individuals uncertain of the validity of any information. It is just as simple to find the positive as it is to now seek the world’s horrors. And, it is increasingly difficult to discern fact from fiction. How has this affected society?

Niche or cocoon?

The word niche is frequently thrown around to denote how concentrated communities have networked via the internet during the ’00s.

Yet, the damaging effects of submersing oneself into these communities is finally drawing attention and we are witnessing the risk that technology can have on sustaining a balanced life.

A CBC article from the beginning of the decade suggests “the internet could be the ultimate isolating technology that further reduces our participation in communities even more than did automobiles and television before it.”

During the 00s, suicides reported from internet addiction and video game obsession emerged as a disastrous effect of the internet vice.

Yet, a study released Nov. 2009 suggests the internet may not be to blame.

“The extent of social isolation has hardly changed since 1985, contrary to concerns that the prevalence of severe isolation has tripled since then.”

The article also argues that frequent web users are more likely to interact with their neighbours or to join a local voluntary association.

Technology Overload

The PBS documentary Technology Overload explores the effect of internet addiction and how to maintain a balanced lifestyle in the face of temptation.

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