Advantages And Disadvantages Of Internet - Is It A Necessary Evil?

The Internet is a global network system that has dramatically transformed trade and communication. The network of networks, the Internet connects computer systems across the globe, enabling them (and thus, their users) to interact efficiently. Although its popularity rose gradually, about half of the world's population is now an Internet user, utilizing the Internet in everyday life. 

The Internet pervades our daily lives, from reserving plane tickets to purchasing a pair of socks. And without it, the rise of some of the world's largest corporations, such as Facebook, Microsoft, and Amazon, would have been inconceivable.

However, as the saying goes, "With every blessing comes a curse". And the Internet is no different. It has simplified our lives, yet whether intentionally or not, we have all become its slaves.

Let's take a look at some of the Internet's perks and pitfalls here.

Also Read: Get your facts right: Advantages and disadvantages of IoT

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Internet

Let's dig deeper into the advantages and disadvantages of the Internet: 

Advantages of Internet

Here are some of the biggest advantages of the Internet: 

1. Virtual Interview Calls

Consider the following scenario: you're sitting in your home in a rural section of Kerala and you're scheduled for a face-to-face interview in Ontario, Canada. Meanwhile, you contact the support staff to request an alternate form of communication for the interview calls, as you do not have a passport to travel abroad. The support staff sends you an email informing you that they provide the facility of video conferencing. That's all, you're now free to proceed with the interview.

Though Skype, Google Meet, Cisco WebEx, and others deserve recognition, it all began with the first spark for the development of ingenious time-saving tools since the emergence of internet technology. But that doesn't mean you do not apply for a passport!

2. A Global Connector

The growth of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and other communication forums has paved the way for creating a global social network where anyone may reach out to resolve their concerns and remain connected to family groups and friends.  Spending time with people they love is no longer dependent on their physical proximity. 

3. Online Services and E-Commerce

With the help of the internet, we can browse the whole inventory of any online store from the comfort of our homes and reap the benefits of online shopping. Additionally, small businesses and individuals use the Internet to expand their reach into the worldwide market. Artists, craftspeople, and others living in remote places can now sell their pieces of art in the global market via the Internet. Not only has the internet proved to be a boon for online shoppers, but you can also access online services. Online booking is available for most essential services, because of which activities like booking a cab, ordering meals, or contacting a mechanic have gotten significantly easier.

4. Online Education

Have you ever considered studying at prestigious universities such as MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Cambridge, IIT, NIT, MIT (Madras Institute of Technology), IISc, or IIM but were unable to pursue the opportunity? Our best buddy "The Internet" has enabled these prestigious universities to provide lecture lessons to other college students via YouTube (e.g. MIT courseware, CS50, etc. ), NPTEL.

In today's competitive world, relying solely on traditional education may leave you lacking the critical abilities to compete with your peers. The Internet has enabled us to acquire new skills through online courses from industry professionals, as well as gather a wealth of knowledge about various technologies, current events, sports, art, and culture. The greatest way to illustrate the internet's benefit is to imagine that you're reading about the internet via the internet.

5. A Blessing In Disguise: Internet in COVID-19

COVID-19 shattered the lives and well-being of most people and reinforced geographical barriers. The Internet was a blessing in disguise, enabling individuals seeking help to find the right resources. Additionally,  by posting videos on YouTube (on topics ranging from cooking to handicrafts to online business to art creation), Instagram, and LinkedIn, people were able to discover their true potential and use it to make a difference in their communities. 

6. Abundant Information

The Internet is full of essential information, be it on financial matters, government legislation and service, market information and economic affairs, technological information, educational and academic issues, and new ideas. It includes a wide range of topics, from scientific publications to topics geared toward children.

Disadvantages of Internet

While we do understand the benefits of having an internet connection, there are certain downsides to using the internet frequently. Let's take a look at some of the negative consequences of excessive internet consumption: 

1. Loss of Personal Information

When using social networking websites or online banking services, consumers enter their personal information including email addresses, bank account numbers, credit card details, and phone numbers. This information can be easily accessed by a software expert or a hacker, resulting in privacy exposure or even identity theft. Viruses are designed by hackers to infiltrate computer systems and wreak havoc, further leading to privacy concerns. Online frauds have become increasingly common in recent years, and it's imperative to keep a check on what we share on the world wide web. 

2. Internet Addiction

No doubt the internet has made people its slave, reducing offline social abilities. This has led to an adverse impact on people's mental health. Elders and children alike have been impacted. Mobile phone apps like YouTube allow children as young as two to see online videos. They are spending more time in front of a computer screen, which has stifled their cerebral development.

3. Time Wastage

On the Internet, it's easy to lose track of time. Surfing might take a lot longer than you think, and you may not even know it. This also leads to an increase in screen time, which has a negative effect on our memory, especially in children. We aren't using our brains as much as we used to because of the rise of the Internet. When we were younger, we used to remember phone numbers, addresses, and PINs in our heads, as well as perform simple math without the aid of our phones. However, we increasingly rely on the Internet for everything.

4. Obesity and Other Health Issues

Excessive consumption of the internet promotes a sedentary lifestyle, which in turn can lead to weight gain. Being constantly on the Internet, playing games, using streaming services, or social networking can lead to an unhealthy physique - like poor eyesight, excessive weight gain, etc. In certain cases, the constant use of the internet and/or its misuse also increased mental health issues in teenagers and young adults. 

5. Fake News

The spread of fake news is one of the biggest disadvantages of the internet. Since there are limited to no controls in place on a communication forum, website, or social media platform, fake news often goes viral - risking the well-being of entire communities. 

Summing Up...

Every existing material has its own pros and cons, and so does the internet. Especially with the advent of Artificial Intelligence, the internet has made things beyond imagination come to reality. While it's important to understand its significance in our lives, using it wisely is also essential. Our lives may be transformed if we utilize it correctly, but if we misuse it, it can be disastrous. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the main advantages of using the Internet?

The internet offers easy access to information, facilitates global communication, enables online shopping and banking, supports remote work, and provides entertainment.

Q2. How does the internet enhance education?

The internet provides access to a vast amount of educational resources, including online courses, tutorials, research papers, and interactive learning tools, making education more accessible.

Q3. What are the disadvantages of internet usage?

Disadvantages include privacy concerns, exposure to misinformation, cyberbullying, online scams, and the potential for addiction to social media and gaming.

Q4. How does the internet impact social interaction?

While the internet connects people globally, it can also reduce face-to-face interactions and lead to feelings of isolation or loneliness for some users.

Q5. What are the risks of online transactions?

Online transactions can be risky due to potential cyber threats like hacking, identity theft, and phishing attacks, which may lead to financial loss or personal data breaches.

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