Sad, lonely world discovered in cyberspace

Article Abstract:

Home Internet users who spend just a few hours online per week tend to have higher levels of depression and loneliness than those who use the medium less frequently, according to Carnegie Mellon University researchers. The Internet use did not attract lonelier and more depressed users or happier and more outgoing participants, based on the two-year project's preliminary questions. By contrast, the findings indicated that Internet use apparently weakened an individual's psychological well-being. Social scientists and many financial backers were stunned by the findings of the $1.5 million 'HomeNet' project, which represents the first concentrated study of the Internet's social and psychological impact. Intel, HP, AT&T Research, Apple and the National Science Foundation are among the survey's sponsors. The project monitored 169 selected participants from Pittsburgh-area schools and community groups. Participants reported that their online use came at the expense of family interaction and friendships.

Psychological aspects, Surveys, Carnegie-Mellon University, Pathological Internet Use, Internet addiction

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On the office PC, bosses opt for all work, and no play

Article Abstract:

Employers seek to prevent employees from using their PCs for recreational purposes, and these actions are creating a conflict between workers and management. Government and private-sector management believes access to computer games, personal e-mail and World Wide Web surfing are lowering worker productivity. Among the management tactics are monitoring employees' computer files and Web access. Workers, who have been operating stand-alone PCs since the mid-1980s, defend their actions as an opportunity to relax. Management is supporting a bill by Sen Lauch Faircloth (R-NC) which would would prohibit Federal workers from playing games on their PCs. Employers estimate that workers with Web access spend five to 10 hours per week handling information that does not pertain to their jobs. Web access is now available to almost two-thirds of employees in medium and large US companies, up from 15% in 1995, according to research firm IDC.

Economic policy, Technological innovations, World Wide Web, Workers, Internet/Web Technology Application, Faircloth, Lauch

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Internet's value in US schools still in question

Article Abstract:

The Internet's effectiveness as an educational tool is under debate. Advocates say students could benefit from the technology, if teachers would receive sufficient training and resources to learn it. Students could take a more innovative approach to learning, which would consist of gathering their own information instead of receiving it from a teacher. Less than 14% of US teachers believe the Internet strengthens students' academic performance, according to a recent Market Data Retrieval survey. Stanford University professor Larry Cuban characterizes Internet support as a romance with the machine that will yield little learning value. Hooking up schools to the Internet has become popular with high-technology professionals. Net Day organizers say they have connected one-third of all US public schools.

Technology in education, Educational technology

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