What effect can using the internet alone have on individuals?

When individuals use the internet in isolation, particularly in online settings such as social media, forums, or anonymous chat rooms, it can create a sense of detachment from social norms and expectations. This environment may lead some people to express themselves in ways they might not consider appropriate or acceptable in face-to-face interactions. The anonymity or physical distance provided by the internet can diminish feelings of accountability, encouraging behaviors that are more impulsive or uninhibited.

For instance, someone might engage in negative behaviors such as cyberbullying or making offensive remarks, as the immediate social feedback they would typically receive in person is absent. This altered perception of social boundaries can result in actions or statements that reflect a divergence from their real-world persona or ethical standards, highlighting the complex relationship between online interactions and personal behavior.