Alhaj Md. Abu Yusuf: As a result of the development of communication technology, human society has entered a new world. Its name is Virtual World. This world is constantly prospering through uninterrupted connection with the real world. As a result, human life is becoming more dynamic.

In this world of internet, there is no time limit. There is no division of day and night. In a real sense, the virtual world is changing the conventional notion of space and time. Connections are being made from one end of the world to the other for the welfare of this world. At one time that was unimaginable. For these reasons, it is no longer possible to evaluate the current world system on the basis of old standards and structures. However, the virtual world has created various opportunities and possibilities as well as various crises. The type and model of communication has changed due to various features. Social media has begun to have a huge impact on people`s real lives.

People`s behavior is also changing due to their dependence on the internet. This change is sometimes positive and sometimes negative. Just as it has become easier to acquire common sense, it has also opened the way for easy involvement in crime. Communication is becoming machine-centric. It is said that even though many people live together, they exchange information through devices. As a result, communication and relationships without media are declining. An interesting aspect of the virtual world is that there is no need to worry about any restrictions in the real sense. If necessary, all work can be continued without keeping one`s identity secret. Even if an organization or government imposes certain restrictions, it is possible to avoid them in this world through alternative technology. But the reality is that the freedom that a user enjoys in the virtual world is not really a freedom. Through this a user is only able to get psychological relief.

The virtual world is a world where people connect with computers, mobiles and devices. William Gibson was the first to use the term virtual world. He is a famous writer of science fiction. Human-to-human communication and transactions are universal as opposed to the real world, and here one can keep one`s identity secret. There is no definite limit to this world. This reality can be realized only by thinking a little about the internet we use. Millions of people from all over the world are active in the virtual world through social media, email and chat rooms.

Interaction is one of the main features of the virtual world. Where you can see each other at the same time, you can talk, you can express yourself by writing or not. In media like radio, TV and newspapers which is not so widely possible. In this age of globalization, the world is constantly changing. These things are happening in collaboration with information and communication technology. The virtual world has opened up horizons in front of people that can be used to develop knowledge and raise awareness. While there are many positive aspects to the virtual world, its level of danger is not small. There is a danger that all classes of people in this world will be in danger. Because in the real world as well as in the virtual world, there are criminals of different levels. Those who are constantly harming people in the guise of good people. Sometimes people are taking away everything. Many naughty men are using women`s names to deceive simple girls.

The impact of the virtual world is different in developed and developing countries. Underdeveloped countries are not very capable of influencing others. However, these countries are mostly affected by the developed countries. However, the most worrying thing is that family and social relationships are being damaged due to the Internet and the virtual world. Mutual intimacy is being lost. The current trend is that young people prefer to spend time in the virtual world via mobile rather than spending time with family members. As a result, the tendency to sit in family chats has decreased. Not only that, the virtual world is taking away people`s sleep. A study by researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience in Bangalore, India, found that excessive Internet use was wasting people`s sleep. And that time is not like throwing away again. The addiction of social sites is taking away 100 minutes of sleep of an average user every day. And this is happening without their knowledge.

The study also found that an average person is about 90 minutes late to wake up due to internet addiction. According to doctors, long-term sleep problems can lead to heart disease and anxiety. An earlier 2015 study found that 90 percent of young patients admitted to hospital with a heart attack could not get enough sleep. As a result, it is clear that the virtual world is affecting every aspect of our lives. Just as the virtual world has created many opportunities and possibilities for us, it has also increased the risk of danger. A little carelessness and unawareness can lead to great danger. (To be continued...)

Author: Alhaj Md. Abu Yusuf is a Columnist, Literary and Chairman of Ababil Hajj Group