Internet: Friend or Foe.

A topic discussed among many people in almost all societies today is the influence of the internet. The radio and television have become harmless in the minds of the people in comparison to the internet. Parents are trying in vain to'save' their children from this vile creature. Teachers are trying to shield their students from the atrocities of the internet. Thereby one begins to question, what exactly is the internet? Why has it earned this very negative reputation? Is it as bad as it seem?

Personally I believe that the internet greatly benefits young people. If a child has been moulded correctly from a young age, I don't see a reason as to why he or she should be led astray by the internet. In order to gain access to inappropriate material one has to have the want to look for it. Whereas if young adults has been brought up with correct values instilled in them there is no reason why the internet should be such a bad influence. In life we all have to make choices in what ever we do. Such is it when it comes to choosing what we want to find out from the internet. Even if a person or young adult in this case wants to buy a book he or she can either choose a morally good book or a bad one.

The internet has many a possitive aspect which people often tend to forget. Whether it be doing research for your studies or keeping up to date with current events the internet provides a wealth of knowledge. With globalization playing such a prominent role in the world today, it is important that young people are in touch with global events and is there a more efficient mode by which to obtain this information than the internet? The internet is an encyclopedia, and by not making use of it in order to gain knowledge is a wastage of resources.

Not only does the internet give us ample information and educate us but it also bridges the gap between people. It helps young people from different countries to meet each other. It gives you the opportunity to keep in touch with friends and family through applications such as MSN or Facebook. It has become a primary mode of communication. Most corporate giants as well as smaller establishments depend on the internet. They use the internet to advatise thereby giving the young people the oppurtunity to do research on the kind of place of work they would like to join as well as find employment eventually.

The term 'google the information' has become a very popular in the vocabulary of the younger generation. This is because it plays a major role in their day to day lives. It has made studying and keeping in touch so much easier. I'm not implying that the internet is a messenger of peace and hope and all things good. I'm just saying that it has many good aspects and since in life we have to all use our discretion and always make choices according to what we have learnt, it is the same with the internet. It is up to each individual to decide if it wants the internet to be its friend or foe.
