Americans' Overdependence on the Internet Americans' overdependence on the Internet causes more harm than good. Technological advancements, coupled with our easy access to virtual life through computers, cell phones, and iPods, among others, have ushered us into a new era of extreme livelihoods and lifestyles; we have gradually expanded the use of the Internet to do most of our daily activities for us. This growing trend of Internet obsession has led to an increase in online sexual predators, social withdrawal, Internet fraud, and health problems. If this social stigma remains unchanged, it will lead to an even greater deterioration in our emotional, physical and social well-being. This article will argue 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, the social impact of the Internet has raised concerns on several levels. One of the main fears was that Internet use would cause people to withdraw from social engagement and become isolated, depressed and alienated. Another fear was that Internet users might abandon contact with their local communities when they discovered how easy it is to go online to communicate with those in other parts of the world and get information from anywhere on the planet. This prediction came true in part, if not entirely. With the average American spending about five and a half hours a day on social networking sites (Nielson, March 19, 2010), it is increasingly difficult for people to dedicate time to community associations. More and more people tend to get more satisfaction from online acquaintances than from face-to-face interactions. This growing phenomenon has worn down our community spirit to the middle of paper......ristotle, once again, "we are social animals". Even though I have friends with whom I communicate from time to time on social networks, this is 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 an important role in the development process and it is very unfortunate that people do not realize the threat that the Internet poses to our community ties. So what is the way forward? At this point, government censorship is extremely necessary to resolve this social dilemma and take steps that can make it easier to navigate safely. Even though the Internet has become indispensable in our lives, its excessive use has led to serious adverse effects on society and it is time that we work together as a nation to bring this stigma under control..