Stem in Current Events Information Technology

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S T E M I N C U R R E N T E V E N T S

The Internet was originally used by scientists and the military to share and deliver critical information. Once the general pub- lic began to access the Internet, it became much more social in nature, and expanded dramatically. Whatever your interest is, you can now find a lifetime of information about it with a few simple clicks, from engineering to construction to how to use chopsticks. If you like to cook, you have access to a nearly unlimited supply of recipes; if you’re an astronomy fan, you can tap right into the latest information from NASA. The Internet helps fulfill the psychological need that all humans have to satisfy their own curiosity. The social aspect of technology has transformed how people interact. Psychologically, humans have a need to interact, a drive to feel that they belong. Social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter allowpeople fromaround the globe to share their thoughts on any subject they like, and others will “like” or “follow” those messages or even respond directly to the original author. That psychological need to reach out and be part of a community can now be achieved through virtual means. While fulfilling psychological needs, there are dangers involved in spending too much time interacting with technology. The Internet, for all of its power, can also be a tremendous timewaster. With so much fascinating information available at the touch of a button, it’s very easy to get distracted from the real world and spend a vast amount of time jumping from link to curious link.For a species that is already prone to procrastination, having another way to avoid what needs to get done can be counterproductive.