Opportunities and Pitfalls for Young People in the Online Space
Opportunities and Pitfalls for Young People in the Online Space

Summary/Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to point out the opportunities and pitfalls of the virtualenvironment for children and young people. We start with the analysis of a technocratic paradigmwhich emphasizes a utilitarian view of the world. Technology companies not only seek toimprove the design and ergonomics of their products, they also influence their products to shapepeople’s intentions and habits. Children and young people face the risk of digitalisation on everydaybasis. Undoubtedly, technology has a positive impact on young people. In this paper, welist positives such as developing technical and creative skills, collaborating on projects, globalconnectivity and more. However, the Australian Psychological Society has proposed to recognizea Problematic Internet Use (PIU) as a legitimate diagnosis—Internet addiction disorder. In addition,digital world represents other risks such as cyberbullying, cyber acquaintances, sexualabuse and many more. We also provide advice to parents on how to protect their children frompossible dangers of the virtual world.

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