When we hear of the word internet it reminds us of various social media platforms, connections, learning etc. Today it seems almost impossible to even think of a day without even thinking of a day without internet. The Internet is considered as one of the most transformative inventions of modern times and seems to have re-shaped almost every aspect of human life. From children to adults everybody’s life seems to be revolving around the internet. The Internet has proved to be helpful in various fields such as business, education, sports, entertainment etc. So lets talk about some Pros and Cons of Internet Usage.
Through the internet we can access any information from around the globe just at a click. But it would be very unfair to say that the internet has no side effects. Just as every coin has two sides, the Internet is also a double edged sword having both opportunities and challenges, pros and cons. If you are also a constant internet user this article is sure to show you the mirror of reality presenting before you both the positive and negative aspects of internet.
Pros and Cons of Internet Usage
Pros :
Let’s begin with talking about the positive side of the internet.
Communication :
The first and the very major positive aspect of the internet is that it has made communication to any corner of the world very easy. The Internet broke down all the barriers of time and distance making spontaneous connections across the globe possible. The Internet has developed various ways of communication such as email, SMS, social media platform, video conferencing etc.
These tools of communication have transformed interaction and enables us to stay in touch with our loved ones, collaborate in case of emergencies and develop new relation. The Internet has revolutionized communication to such an extent that even by sitting in different corners of the globe we still get to see each other and communicate through video conferencing which once seemed to be like a dream.
Access to information :
Late for an exam but need an answer immediately, the internet is here at your rescue. Looking for an emergency medicine just click and find it on the internet. These are just a few examples of how the internet has made our life easier through information access. It is one of the most celebrated aspects of the internet and its capacity to democratize knowledge. Individuals can access a huge variety of information just at a click through the internet.
Through this information access the internet has made various things easier such as cooking, artistry learning, learning new skills etc. This gives the individuals of all ages and backgrounds a chance to explore various aspects, self educate them and to pursue their passions.
Economic opportunities :
Today people are running their small businesses, earning through content creation, blogs etc all because of the internet. The Internet has democratised entrepreneurship and provided individuals a platform to compete on a global scale through small businesses. Individuals have also got a chance to polish their skills and earn through it, while sitting at home by freelancing. This has increased the gig economy and the workers get an opportunity for flexible employment around the world.
Entertainment :
Entertainment is another major achievement of the internet that has revolutionized the entertainment industry by providing various platforms for showcasing and consuming media activities. There are various streaming platforms for TV shows, movies, web-series, videos etc. Which give users and access to a variety of content. Besides YouTube, tik-tok and gaming platforms have not only increased entertainment options but also serve as the platform for employment as people earn through content creation from these platforms.
Cons :
Now let’s have a sneak peek to the negative side of the internet that is generally overshadowed by the positive side.
Information overload :
When you are looking for specific information on the internet but get confused by the tsunami of information then this is the case of information overload. The huge amount of information available on the internet makes it difficult for the audience to find the accurate information as per their requirements. Besides the information available is necessarily not true increasing the case of fake information, misinformation and disinformation.
Privacy Concern :
We generally forget about our privacy concerns while surfing the internet. The internet has raised serious concerns about privacy and data security. While the internet collects various information and personal data of the users it makes them highly vulnerable to surveillance identity theft etc. with the continuous cases of data breaching, targeted advertising, etc the audience is losing trust in the internet and demanding for a stronger privacy regulation.
Cyber crimes :
Cyber crimes and cyber security threats are terms quite common these days. With each passing day trust in the internet is growing along with it is growing the risk of cyber attacks and digital threats. Phishing scams, malware, account hacking, ransomware, bank account thefts are some common examples of cyber crimes. These increasing cyber crimes lead to financial loss, reputation damage, emotional damage, mental damage, threat to National security etc. Thus, cyber crime is one of the most major negative aspects of the internet.
Addiction and distraction :
Today we see the kids and even the adults engrossed in their mobile phones throughout the day. The Internet can be addictive causing excessive use and distractions that negatively effect the productivity and the well being of the people. The various social media platforms, gaming platforms and entertainment sources are all a major source of distraction for the people.
They grab the user’s attention and lead to negative behaviour changes, impact on mental health, lack of productivity etc. so screen time addiction, cyber crime, lack of productivity harassment and eye damage are all issues caused due to excessive internet usage. These issues if not taken care of might lead to major damage in future. Thus, they need to be highlighted and there is a need to spread digital literacy along with responsible online behaviour.
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Final Words :
Through this article ‘Pros and Cons of Internet Usage‘ we can conclude that the internet is a powerful revolutionary tool that comes with benefits as well as drawbacks. As we increase are dependency on the internet and dive into the world of the digital age we need to learn to strike a balance between utilizing the positive aspects of the internet and resist the negative impacts. All of it demands efforts to promote digital literacy, protect our privacy and preserve a safe online environment. Do share this article with all your friends and family to spread awareness about the pros and cons of internet.