Americans' Overreliance on the Internet Americans' overreliance on the Internet is causing more harm than good. Technological advancement, coupled with our easy access to virtual life through computers, cell phones, iPods, among others, has ushered us into a new era of extreme livelihood and lifestyle; we have gradually expanded the use of the Internet to carry out most of the activities of daily life for us. This growing trend in Internet obsession has led to an increase in online sexual predators, social withdrawal, Internet fraud, and health problems. If left unchanged, this social stigma will lead to further deterioration of our emotional, physical and social well-being. This article will take the position that our excessive use of the Internet has caused more harm than good. One researcher noted in his journal in 2001 that: “In recent years, there has been concern about the social impact of the Internet at several levels. A major concern was that Internet use would push people to withdraw from social engagement and become isolated, depressed, and alienated. A related fear was that Internet users might abandon contact with their local communities as they discover how easy it is to go online to communicate with those in other parts of the world and obtain information from anywhere on the planet.” This prediction has partially, if not completely, come true. Since the average American spends about five and a half hours a day on social networking sites (Nielson, March 19, 2010), it has become more difficult for people to make time for community associations. Many people tend to get more satisfaction from online acquaintances than from face-to-face interactions. This growing phenomenon has pushed our community spirit to its deepest limit... middle of paper... ristotle once no, "we are social animals". Even though I have friends with whom I communicate from time to time on social networking sites, they are not a reason to detach myself from my family and friends who will be physically present to support me in difficult times. Our local communities play a significant role in the consolidation process and it is a great shame that people do not realize the threat the Internet poses to our community bonds. So, what is the way forward? At this point, government censorship is extremely necessary to penetrate this social dilemma and initiate measures that can facilitate safe browsing. Even though the internet has become indispensable in our lives, its overuse has led to some serious harmful effects on society and it is time we work together as a nation to keep this stigma under control..