by Dawn Hawkins

Created on: February 26, 2009   Last Updated: December 26, 2011

The internet has been a great tool for learning. There isn't anything you can think of that you can't find on the World Wide Web. You can plan your vacations so that you get the cheapest rates or you can chat with your friend that lives on the other side of the world. There aren't too many things bad to say about it when it comes to things like that.

There are issues that are related to our close connection to the outside world. The negative affects of the internet have been creating problems around the worlds since it's inception. If you are a die hard computer junkie, these words may seem to be that of an over active imagination on the part of the writer.

The world we live in can be a scary place. The internet can make it appear to be less so. This is where the bad affects enter the picture:

1. Web Addiction- Many people that sign up for the internet find themselves spending endless hours chatting, surfing or "pimping out" their Myspace page. This is an unhealthy addiction and you should probably force yourself to get out of the chair and walk away for a few hours. Being too attached to the people in your computer is being to unattached to the people in your life.

This type of behavior can lead to a house that isn't well taken care of. Late dinners for your family become the norm because you can't stop chatting. Children are missing out on important time with their parents because parents can't drag themselves away. The laundry is piled up in the corner because you must finish uploading this last picture.

2. Predators/Stalkers- It is much easier for these personalities to find a new target. There are numerous cases of children who were lured into a bad situation with child predators. It is easy for a predator to pretend they are someone they aren't when the person on the other side of the conversation can't see them.

Stalkers have information more readily available to them. This information is like giving a gun to a cold blooded murderer. They will use it to their every advantage. Be aware of the ways in which you can protect your personal information when you are on the internet.

3. Identity Theft- This is another situation that is made much easier with the use of a computer. These thieves can access your information online and wreak havoc on your credit score. They don't even have to enter a store with your credit card. All they need is the write numbers and they can spend your money with no problem at all. That doesn't make the internet a completely unsafe

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>