Nowadays people can carry out tasks such as shopping and banking even business?transactions without meeting each other face to face. What are the effects on individuals and the?society?

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With the wide use of the Internet, the way people conduct business and live their lives has vastly?changed. Many businesses have websites that allow people to conduct business, execute deals and?finish transactions online, as an alternative to a lengthy commute. Although people are thus free from?the constraints of geography and time, there are some consequences of this trend that demand?attention.

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Supposedly, with Internet access, people are able to perform transactions and to do shopping without?leaving home, but meanwhile they have to pay a heavy price for it. One of the most negative aspects?is, for instance, that it alters their social behaviours and habits. For many people, to spend part of the?day on the Internet is quite normal. It can be expected that being addicted to Internet use, most of?home telecommuters or Internet users will become socially isolated. Poor social life and feelings of loneliness are those problems that are very often found among heavy users.

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It is also likely that people have become increasingly accustomed to living in a world that appreciates?convenience and inactivity and they do not want to evade those maxims. It gives explanation of why?the sedentary lifestyle is now prevailing and why people spend little time on leisure or recreational?activities. Time has been spent in front of the computer or Internet. The net result is that they suffer?serious loss of vision, back pain and obesity. It is true that many people finally end up with struggling?with deteriorating health.

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Despite the negative effects, the Internet has its positive implications to the well-being of society.?Online shoppers are able to seek out the lowest prices for items or services. Manufacturers, therefore,?have to improve product quality and lower price levels in an effort to win the favour of consumers and?secure a stable market share. Telecommuting-working at home using a computer is a solution to traffic?congestion, the urban air pollution and petrol use.

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As outlined above, people's growing obsession with Internet use, such as online shopping or banking,?has both immediate and long-term impacts on health, social involvement, lifestyles and emotional?well-being. Although it is of great value from a net surfer's perspective, people should step up efforts?to minimise the negative effects.

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