The 7 Side-Effects of the Internet Age - Jagdish Sheth

Overview

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The internet is the most transformative technology ever created — but its unintended consequences are only beginning to be understood. This course examines the dark side of the digital revolution, exploring seven significant side-effects of the internet age that are reshaping society, behavior, and institutions in ways few anticipated. Learners will investigate real and growing challenges including digital addiction, the blurring of virtual and real life, the rise of cybercrime and cyberwarfare, the emergence of a "roommate nation," stranded real estate assets, and the breakdown of jurisdictional boundaries in a borderless digital world. Drawing on data, research, and cross-industry examples, this course moves beyond celebrating the internet's benefits to equip learners with the critical awareness needed to anticipate, minimize, and respond to its most disruptive social consequences.

Syllabus

Evolution of Technology

Part 1 traces the evolution of technology from the Agricultural Age through the Internet Age, establishing why the internet is more transformative and disruptive than any technology that came before it. Learners are introduced to the seven side-effects of the internet age and begin exploring the first: digital addiction and its growing impact on behavior across all age groups.

The Digital Addiction

Part 2 takes a deeper look at digital addiction, examining the data behind compulsive internet use and how social media platforms are accelerating dependency worldwide. Learners also explore the broader origins of the internet — from DARPA and ARPANET to the mobile revolution — to understand the infrastructure that made these side-effects possible.

Building Digital Vigilance

Part 3 examines the rise of cybercrime and cyberwarfare as two of the most consequential side-effects of the internet age, covering everything from identity theft and ransomware to nation-state cyber conflicts. Learners will explore practical strategies for reducing vulnerability and building greater digital vigilance at both the individual and organizational level.