Do you ever wonder what the world was like before the internet? If we're being honest, the web sits up there with other human progressions, such as discovering the use of fire and inventing the wheel.
In the short span of time that the internet has been around, we dare say that it has had as big of an impact (or even more) as its counterparts.
In truth, the internet has its hand in all sectors of human life, be it education, health, transport, education, business – everything! Thanks to this technological advancement, the world is a much better place. Unfortunately, there are always two sides to a coin, and the case is no different here. Sure, the benefits of the internet are undeniable, but being a double-edged sword makes it a lethal tool.
Malicious individuals use it to get to all kinds of mischief, from spreading fake news all the way to cybercrime.
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Defining the Internet
The internet traces its roots to the United States. In the 1960s, government researchers used computers to share information. And with the acceleration of the Cold War, the US eventually developed ARPANET. This computer network would lay the groundwork for what we now enjoy as the World Wide Web.
The internet, therefore, is a global system of computer networks that communicate between devices and other networks using established protocols, carrying an infinite range of information and other resources.
Advantages of the Internet
We're confident that you could name several advantages of the internet off the top of your head. However, let's dive into the details of some of these benefits.
- Enhanced Communication
The internet has made communication more straightforward than it has ever been before. The possibility of contacting people online implies you don't have to leave your house to meet up with or remain in contact with relatives and close friends who live miles away. In fact, you can utilize social networking sites to connect with folks worldwide, acquaintances and strangers alike.
Individuals and organizations can connect with their friends and consumer base easily because of advancements in internet technology. It takes a few seconds to send and receive a message, making it overly efficient. It is no surprise, therefore, that communication channels are among the most common platforms on the web. People across the globe can easily debate and exchange ideas and facts about multiple issues, all while in the comfort of their homes.
- Never-Ending Education
The internet allows you to learn virtually anything you're interested in. For instance, you can learn how to become a software developer without attending school since you can find complete course tutorials online. And the best part? The process is as flexible as you'd want it to be as you decide when and how to learn.
Students with internet access may also benefit from studying online since many institutions offer online courses. For example, online classes can be especially useful to individuals who live in the Philippines yet want to take a course from an American institution. Additionally, working students will appreciate this even more because it allows them to earn their education without breaking their job schedule.
- Limitless Earning Potential
The internet provides limitless opportunities for people to make money. Some platforms that offer these avenues are YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. In truth, social media sites have enabled millions, especially the youth, to earn a decent living.
Freelancing platforms offering money-making ventures for passive income, like article writing, art and design, and surveys that pay, also exist. Coupled with the numerous other ways to make money online, the web is continuously combating the plague of joblessness.
Disadvantages of the Internet
As with anything else, everything good has its downside. With all its advantages, the internet can be an opposing force for its users. Let's discuss some of its drawbacks.
- Addiction
Internet usage can get quite addictive and may limit the user's productivity. Internet addicts hop from one platform to another, which can be time-consuming. Research shows that the average time these individuals spend online can be up to 10 hours daily. Isn't this time that one can invest in more productive activities?
- Cyberbullying
The anonymity the web provides has led to the proliferation of cyberbullying. Bullies harass internet users by deliberately spreading negative details or misinformation about their targets. Their victims end up losing self-esteem, in addition to having a myriad of mental health issues. The worst part about cyberbullying is that the person sitting behind the keyboard could actually be someone within your circle. It makes you wonder how wicked human beings can get.
Wrapping Up
If used correctly, the internet can be a tremendous tool for gaining knowledge, entertainment, enhancing communication, and improving the quality of one's life. Nonetheless, being conscious of its risks is critical.
Appropriate use can enhance a person's life, while poor usage can be disastrous to multiple parties. For society to flourish, let us all support proper and safe internet use.