Admitted Internet addict likes to be connected

Oh, the Internet. It is a vast wonderland of distractions and information. One simple search can turn into an hour of related, yet somehow unrelated, searches via Google or Yahoo!.

We can learn about national and international issues our parents and grandparents would never have had the ability to learn at our age.

Social media allows us share our feelings, dinner plans and musical preferences.

It has also become a forum to promote issues we don't even understand. Maybe, if we share this video enough it will become "viral" and a bunch of teens and 20-somethings can say how despicable it is.

One of the most recent viral sensations has been the virtual tirades against Joseph Kony, a guerrilla warfare tactic using, Ugandan misanthrope.

(From what I have heard) a 30 minute video has widely circled the Internet. Half of my Facebook friends have posted the Invisible Children's "informative" video, supposedly claiming he has taken female children as sex slaves and making young males join his militia.

Personally, I haven't watched the video.

The "Kony 2012" video has made national news, as well as the co-creator's recent visit to a mental hospital.

It's great people my age seemed so passionate about the campaign, and wanted to spread the word about such a horrible man.

But, as soon as the next tragedy struck they moved on to trying to help fight that battle via status updates and shared links.

I, too, have gotten caught up in the hype of issues presented on the Internet. When I heard what a radio show host said about something that directly related to my life, I got upset and stated my opinion.

What is the use, I wonder? Can we really make a difference just by sharing a link? Will a Facebook status really stop a crazed militia leader from continuing his tactics?

The most recent arguments I have seen and heard from friends is about Trayvon Martin, the young, African-American male who was shot by a neighborhood watchmen in Florida.

People of all races are bickering back and forth about "pulling the race card" or whether this was a legitimate hate crime.

I try to refrain from discussing topics like this because no matter what is said someone gets offended. Also, what's the point? Will my opinion make any difference in the tragedy that took place nearly 1,000 miles away?

I got an email from a petition website the other day in regards to Martin's death. Change.org asked me to sign up, and the simple click of a button would sign a petition in his honor. You don't even have to read the details of the case. Just click sign, and your name goes on a virtual clipboard.

I'll admit, I am a Internet addict. There is something about keeping up with the kids I used to baby-sit and where my former classmates are in their lives that is intriguing. I love being able to lightly research a topic by just clicking the "search" button on my phone.

Maybe, we're all just internationally nosy. Times have changed. You can't just go up to the store and get the local gossip. People want more, and we have the means to do so.

Sabrina is a staff writer for the Greene County Daily World. She can be reached by email at swestfall@gcdailyworld.com or by telephone at 847-4487.