The Role of the Internet
One of the greatest innovations of all time is the Internet. The Internet is not a new technology; its predecessor, the Arpanet, was initially launched in 1969. Today, over 4 billion people utilize the Internet globally. While this invention has several advantages, including ease of communication, availability of essential online services, and entertainment, the Internet poses several disadvantages like Internet Addiction Disorder, social alienation, and web crimes.
The Internet has several advantages to its users. First, it facilitates faster communication between individuals. Through internet platforms like Skype, friends, and families can keep in touch regardless of the distance between them! Second, unlimited essential online services like e-commerce and educational facilities are easily accessible on the Internet. Individuals and companies can freely send free e-mails to clients, while one can do online banking and shop at the comfort of the home. Thirdly, the Internet is an entertainment platform for everyone: People of all ages break their boredom by either watching a movie, listening to music, or playing a game. Finally, the Internet offers inexhaustible educational materials to scholars all around the world. Apart from finding tutors online, students can access a variety of materials that can help them learn and do their homework effectively. Besides, individuals can learn and teach a large number of people through various online platforms.
While the Internet offers several advantages to users, the system is associated with several flaws. To begin with, overuse of the Internet can lead to Internet Addiction Disorder. This condition is not only detrimental to the physical health of an individual but also their mental health. Subsequently, several web crimes are associated with online activities. But how? By creating and deploying computer viruses, hackers may destroy valuable data on users’ personal computers. Criminals as well may commit fraudulent activities by accessing individuals’ details online. Lastly, uncontrolled utilization of online services can lead to social alienation. The Internet offers various exciting materials that can “hook” users – thereby decreasing their networking abilities.
In conclusion, the Internet is among the essential inventions with several advantages as well as drawbacks. While this invention has several merits, including ease of communication, availability of essential online services, and entertainment, the Internet poses several disadvantages like Internet Addiction Disorder, social alienation, and web crimes. As such, because the advantages of the Internet outweigh its consequences, laws should be put in place to enhance privacy and control its use.
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