The Good and Bad Aspects of the Internet
The internet has changed daily life in so many aspects, and still is. The way people communicate, do work, share information, and even travel has all been digitalized. Everyone seems to be connected nowadays. Some one in India can talk to someone in America almost directly. Even small things like Scrapbooking albums have changed, instead of Scrapbooking on paper, people scrapbook internet collections. The internet can be used by almost anyone too. There are users as young as four years old to senor citizens. This openness in the world can also be unhealthy. In the past five years we have seen a climb in inter-net related crimes. It is a very sharp double sided sword, extreme good and extreme bad can result when using the internet.
If used constructively, the internet is a powerful tool. It can be a great device for communicating with distant loved ones. Sites such as my space and face book bring people together. Personally, I wouldn’t have one if it weren’t for the fact that it gives me a way to keep in touch with relatives in Maryland and friends in Minnesota and Palestine. I have a family friend whose son went to Chile and they used face book to keep in touch, send photos and document his journey. If it weren’t for the internet, he wouldn’t have spoken much to his son for three months because there was no cell phone service in Chile.
However, if used inappropriately or in a dangerous fashion, the internet is dangerous. Unfortunately, no one can find a way to completely control predators on the internet. So, letting children on the internet can be dangerous if they misuse it. Knowing proper internet safety guidelines is key to using the internet wisely. Also, parents should block inappropriate or unfit sites from their children.
The internet can also be dangerous for adults. Sites such as Craig’s list and eBay are breeding grounds for scams, con artist and predators. On eBay, it is easy to be fooled into buying a faulty product or something that you never get. Scamming on this site has become an art, however it can be avoided if careful. In the past few weeks, there have been murderers and inappropriate users reported on Craig’s list. The Police can’t patrol this site, so these things can occur. Millions of people are selling and buying on this site, it is easy to get away unnoticed. Children should not have access websites like this, and adults should be careful.
When used correctly, the internet can do great things. Sometimes however, our plugged in world can be for the worse. Cyber space is a huge place that can’t be patrolled easily, so lots of predators and con artists find homes there. It is easy to fall into their traps too. However, if you exhibit simple safety rules, it is also easy to avoid them. When communicating on the internet, never respond to someone you don’t recognize. Never post personal information for websites that aren’t confidential. If you follow these simple guidelines, {the internet can be a fun, useful pace for you|you will only gain positive things from the internet