What is Internet?
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If given permission, a person can obtain any information they require via the “network of networks” known as the internet. You’re reading this article right now because of the internet. Information is via the internet, which connects numerous computers worldwide via satellites. You have access to all available knowledge. Everything seems overwhelming, and it looks like the internet is beneficial, but it should note that everything has advantages and disadvantages.
The creation of the internet undoubtedly brought benefits to the world, but it also had drawbacks. The advantages and disadvantages of the internet will highlight in this article, some of which you may need to be aware of.
Top 5 Advantages of the Internet
The ability to instantly share information thanks to the internet is available to almost everyone, making it the most outstanding human achievement.
#1 Provides A Means Of Communication
Has it been a while since you last spoke with your loved one? The best part is that you can video call them to feel even closer, thanks to the internet, which makes you just a call away. Because it is so easy to communicate online, everyone has become closer. You can connect with your friends and family using a variety of social media apps in addition to video calls. Thanks to the internet, you can start a conversation with anyone.
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#2 Access To Information
The days spent researching and processing information in public libraries are long gone. All kinds of information are now instantly accessible thanks to the internet. You can learn anything in the world by searching for it online or enrolling in an online course.
#3 digital Identity
Making a digital identity is now simple, thanks to the internet. You can spread your interests, passions, and knowledge to the world through the internet. It reveals to others the type of person you are and vice versa. Employers can easily search for people suitable for their companies.
#4 Products and Services
You now have the luxury of ordering groceries from the comfort of your home, eliminating the need to leave it to go out and buy them. You also have many options, and the best part is that you can check customer reviews and a product or service’s level of popularity to decide which is best for you.
#5 Entertainment
Covid demonstrated that having fun doesn’t always require leaving the house. You can choose to “Netflix and Chill” at home while expanding your social media presence. You can watch any show from any era or sporting event on your devices.
Top 5 Disadvantages of the Internet
A knife in a surgeon’s hand spares lives, whereas a knife in the hand of a killer claims lives. Despite the benefits of the internet, some individuals misuse it.
#1 Cyber-Bullying
Increasing your online presence is undoubtedly not a weekly task. Many people make cruel remarks and bully you for being who you are. Even though there are filters that reduce cyberbullying, they cannot eradicate it. Cyberbullying is a serious crime that harms a victim’s mental health.
#2 Identify Theft
When a stranger starts using the information (identity) you provide on the internet, that is identity theft. Identity theft has occurred frequently, and since scammers are also interested in stealing people’s identities, it is a serious issue when dealing with the internet.
#3 Screen time
Everyone can access information and entertainment online, which has increased screen time. Many people’s time spent on social media has also decreased productivity. Unbelievably, the average person uses their phone for about 8 hours daily! The increase in screen time has led to strains in the eye and a short attention span. People spend a lot on using their devices scrolling through videos; it has now become a significant distraction.
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#4 Depression in teenagers
Today, almost everyone receives a phone by the time they are 13 to 14 years old. These teenagers are exposed to many things online, such as offensive comments, cyberbullying, comparing themselves to others, unrealistic body goals, and much more, all of which lead to low self-esteem and eventually cause a significant number of these teenagers to experience depression without knowing how to cope.
#5 Digital Footprint
Your online activities can always link back to you because nothing you do online is ever deleted. It means that while using the internet, you have no privacy. No matter how much you try to delete your history or your actions on the internet, it can always trace back.
Conclusion
The aforementioned advantages and disadvantages of the internet highlight that usage depends on the individual; if they use it for good purposes like education, it’s a blessing; if they use it for destructive purposes, it’s a curse. You must exercise caution and be aware of the internet’s risks. You can now weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the internet to determine how you want to use it.
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