Is Being “Plugged-In†Hurting Us?
The internet has drastically altered they way people around the world live. 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 get in touch with someone in America almost directly. Even small things like Scrapbooking albums have changed, instead of Scrapbooking on paper, people scrapbook internet albums. The internet can be used by virtually all people. 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 come from the internet.
If used correctly, the internet is a powerful instrument. It can be a great mean to get in touch with with distant loved ones. Sites such as my space and face book connect people. Personally, I wouldn’t use them if it weren’t for the fact that it allows me to keep in touch with relatives in Maryland and friends in Minnesota and Palestine. I know 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 would have barely been able to talk 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, allowing children on the internet can lead them into serious trouble if they misuse it. Knowing proper internet safety guidelines is pivotal to using the internet wisely. Also, parents need to block inappropriate or unfit sites from their children.
The internet can also be treacherous for adults. Sites such as Craig’s list and eBay are playgrounds for scams, con artist and predators. On eBay, being fooled is easy and you may end up 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. This is because it is next to impossible for police to patrol there sorts of things. Millions of people are using this site at one time, 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 is an amazing invention. Sometimes however, our high tech world can be for the worse. Cyber space is a readily available world that can’t be patrolled easily, so lots of predators and con artists make their way into it. It is easy to fall into their traps too. However, if you exhibit simple safety rules, it is also easy to avoid them. When talking over the internet, never respond to someone you don’t recognize. Never post personal information in public places. 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
