Internet usage can traumatically have a negative
affect a teenager’s academic performance as it is constantly in use. The
internet plays a major role in a teen’s life as they use it in terms of social
media, homework help, research, music downloads, video games and a source to
watch movies and videos. Internet usage in a teenager’s life can be used to
their advantage, depending on how it is put in use. Teens often get sidetracked
by the internet, taking them away from their main goal, such as completing
their school work. But when used in the right way, it is proved to be a helpful
asset as students them complete their school work.
A research done by “Bayraktar and Gun (2007) found that
secondary and high school students’ grade point averages decreased as their
disturbed use of the Internet increased.” Many studies have proved that
internet usage has a negative impact on the lives of teens, affecting many
aspects of their life, such as the way they see things. Other research has
shown “increased availability of Internet access in educational environments
has raised the recent question of whether disturbed Internet usage can be related
to some academic variables.” The study has also raised questions about the
effect of internet usage in classrooms, affecting other academic aspects such
as school participation, paying attention to classroom surroundings and their
ability to learn. This could also affect the student’s attitude towards school
and their peers. Despite the many cons of internet usage
affecting a teen’s academic achievement and other aspects of life, internet
usage can also provide many pros. The internet provides great entertainment and
aids personal needs. A balance of how and how much the internet is used needs
to be found in order to have success. When used in the right ways, the internet
can be used to their advantage as it is a tool to help students excel through
school and homework.
Teens who are internet
abusers will become the next generation of workers who will only achieve
minimum wage due to their poor academic performance. But when a balance of
productive and distractive internet usage is found, teens will get what they
need and achieve high and outstanding academic performance, becoming our next
generation of doctors, lawyers, engineers and nurses. High academic performance
is crucial to a teen's life, setting them up for a successful future. The
overuse of the Internet can create a chain of cause and effect, having one
thing lead to another. Poor academic performance from the internet can also
lead to the loss of sleep which can affect daily actions. Teens are easily
distracted by the internet, having endless things to keep them entertained.
