Does the Internet makes children smarter?

Daryl Andrada, WHS Reporter

According to the dictionary, the Internet is a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized communication.  We live in an era where technology is becoming more advanced. Even a little kid can access the internet easily. But does the internet make a child smarter? 

Children today are engaged and they can also do a more complex task at a young age. They can improve their critical review skills. They are more open and aware of the world because of the use of the Internet. The internet also displays a more bold approach to information gathering and experience that improves a child’s performance in visual learning. They can also speak their own language fluently and have a wider vocabulary. Some kids have a high IQ because of the Internet. According to studies, Children using the Internet are more sociable, better vocabulary, and greater confidence. According to a study by Internet security software giant, AVG, by the time children reach the age of 2, 90% of them have an online history. By the time they’re five, half of them have already used a tablet or other Internet-connected device, and by the time they reach age 7 or 8, many of them are already playing video games regularly. So using the Internet can improve cognitive abilities such as memory, logical problem solving, critical thinking, concentration, and comprehension. 

But using the internet has also some negative effects. Children abuse the usage of the Internet and forget about doing physical activities. This may lead to some serious health problems, like obesity. According to a clinical psychologist, Kaleyvani Geeseeny Sawmy, children who often use the Internet may link to both repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel and eye strain. Children may be sociable online, but they can’t apply this in a face-to-face conversation. The Internet doesn’t really improve children’s social skills, because the children are just confident online. 

The Internet may be good or bad, it depends on how we use it. It can make children smarter but they neglected their own health, and that’s not very smart.