Modern life has drastically changed as the internet has made all our lives more comfortable and convenient. We all use the internet in our daily life. And we are now currently living in an era where we cannot live without the internet. The Internet is turning out to be one of the basic requirements. Now the entire world is just a finger press away, just because of the internet.
What is the Internet?
The Internet can be defined as “The system of global networks, a big collection of computers and local networks, interconnected with each other so that they can exchange information is called the internet”. The computer networks can range between two computers to a thousand number of computers connected to one another either by telephonic lines or via satellite.
Who Invented the Internet?
We all use the internet, and it has become a part of our daily life. But have we ever given a thought who invented all these? INTERNET is the short form of Interconnected Network of all the Web Servers Worldwide. It is also called the World Wide Web or simply the Web. This online world has been made possible because of the computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee who invented the World Wide Web. Vinton Cerf and Bob Kahn are the computer scientists who are credited for inventing internet communication protocols.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Internet
There is no doubt that the internet is one of the greatest creations of man. But while enjoying the benefits of the internet we should not forget that as the coin has two sides, so does the internet have. If we want to maximize the utilization of the internet to the best of our needs then it is very essential to know the advantages and disadvantages of the internet.
Advantages of Internet :
- Electronic communication
- Online learning
- Online shopping
- Online banking
- Entertainment
- The internet of things
- Easy access for everyone
- A source of time-saving
- Cost-effective
- Virtual storage
- Improvements in Research
- Globalization
- News updation
- Job seeking platform
- Diminishing cultural gap
- Source of confidence
Let’s get into a bit detail
1. Electronic communication:
In the olden days, communication has been only through letters, or by using pigeons. But today the internet has totally changed the world of communication. Today we use mobile as the major source for communication. It also includes emails, WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype, and many other communication platforms. Anyone can contact any other person living in any part of the world in just a matter of seconds. This has improved globalization, business, and job opportunities.
2. Online learning:
Online learning has been made us so comfortable that all the knowledge has just being a fingertip away. Especially, during this Covid-19 pandemic, education is still been made possible only because of online learning. Everyone sitting in their own houses is still able to avail the facility of education only because of the internet. The internet is easily accessible hence all can enjoy online learning and empower themselves with the power of knowledge.
3. Online shopping:
Real-time shopping makes it so tiring and difficult for shoppers to buy and select the correct product they need. Online shopping has made it so easy for people to go through and buy the required product of their taste at their own pace. In the Covid-19 situation, online shopping has helped in a lot to bring the essential products to the customers.
4. Online Banking:
Standing for hours in the queue of banks is so tiring. Online banking has helped a lot to keep a track of our account details and also helps in the easy transactions of money in just a matter of seconds.
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5. Entertainment:
A world without entertainment is unimaginable. And the internet has made it possible so that all can view and enjoy according to their interest using phones and other electronic devices. May it be Youtube or any other social platform, it has truly helped a lot for the people to have entertainment and learn.
Disadvantages
- Internet addiction
- Web crime
- Social attention
- Online gaming
- Disclose privacy
- Lack of security
- Health issues and obesity
- Pornographic platform
- Redunancies
- Culture overruling
- Bullying, trolls, stalkers, and crime
- Time waster and causes distractions
- Spam and advertising
- Depression, loneliness and social isolation
- Buying things you don’t need (discretionary purchase)
Let’s go in a bit of detail.
1. Internet addiction:
Addiction is one of the greatest disadvantages of the internet, especially among youngsters. People don’t know where to put a full stop and they just keep on spending hours and hours, which includes online gaming, watching porn, etc. People waste a lot of time and even distract themselves and hence it is very important to realize these harmful effects and use the internet for one’s benefit and not for one’s loss.
2. Web crime:
Cyberbullying, trolls, and crimes are increasing day by day. There is a lack of security and it affects millions of people by leaking the information and other details. Hacking other’s accounts, creating fake accounts, and using other’s private information have increased the crimes, especially among youngsters.
3. Health issues and obesity:
The internet has made people very lazy. People just sit in front of these electronic devices for hours and hours and it leads to so many health issues. No exercise, No face to face conversation, this all has lead to increased cases of depression, loneliness, social isolation, and suicides.
4. Spam and advertising:
There are so many spam attacks that people face daily. We are unable to realize the Genuity of the people and fall for these spam calls and spam accounts. All use advertisements as their source of income. And we become the target of these people and they easily bully us. We should know all such loopholes and never fall into such attacks.
5. Social attention:
To gain social attention people have started literally enacting the same way as other people and sometimes do dangerous stuff and end up losing their precious lives. For getting social attention, especially youngsters are ready to go up to any level and end up wasting their precious time.
It’s high time now that we realize all the advantages as well as the disadvantages of the internet. We should know where to put a full stop and use the internet to enhance our lives rather than destroying our own lives. So we should always remember that the internet will always have these loopholes it only depends on how smartly we use the internet.