ICTs and Social Behaviour
Understand my lingo!
June 27, 2008, Vasumita S, Deccan Herald
This report narrates how the spread of SMS among youngsters is changing the way they use language. While the new medium is no doubt exciting and cost effective, it has its pitfalls. According to experts, there is a tendency among youngsters to use the new SMS language in official communications and examinations which leads to erosion in the quality of English.
Suicide sites pose deadly problem
March 16, 2008, The Times of India
A new disturbing phenomenon in the online space are websites that provide a guide to commit suicide. While the exact impact of such websites to increase suicide occurrences is still a subject of study, it is no doubt a very serious development which has to be looked at by both government and civil society in order to block potentially harmful content. India unfortunately lags behind other countries in tracking such developments and enhancing its laws and guidelines to handle such sites.
The importance of being cautious
September 2, 2007, Nishant Shah, The Hindu
Social networking websites, which are the new (virtual) communities of today have become extremely popular recently, especially among the younger generation. However, the tragic deaths of two young people have thrown up larger issues with such relationships forged in cyber worlds and have even led to demands for regulation or censorship of such sites.
Linking ancient and modern, a worldwide web of worship
March 14, 2007, Kevin Sullivan, Washington Post
The Internet has become a centre of religious worship for millions of people around the world of all faiths. Many use websites for prayer and meditation, or to gather in "virtual" religious settings. The Internet is thus providing a new arena for religious seekers. Although people are questioning traditional institutions, the Internet allows them a chance to individualise religion for themselves.
Indian internet addiction
March 13, 2007, Andrew Leonard, Salon.com
Many of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) are restricting campus Internet use during night hours, because of recent suicides being linked to the presumed anti-social behaviour that Internet use promotes. Administrators claim that participation in sports and cultural activities is waning, that an atmosphere of camaraderie is no longer felt, and that students' studies are being negatively impacted. On the other hand, students are unhappy with the restrictions placed on their ability to spend their free time as they would like.
