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The internet has transformed our lives and brought us instant access to huge volumes of information. We can view news, weather, encyclopedia information or our favorite recipes on our computer in an instant. Despite all the things the internet provides there is a dark and negative side to this technology.

Less Social Interaction

Before the internet if you wanted to go and meet somebody you had to physically go out and find them. Interaction with people was face to face and you got a sense of who they were through real conversation. With the birth of the internet, online chat was born. This allowed a person to talk to anyone, in any part of the world. While on the surface this could seem like a good thing, you really don't know who you are talking with. You don't know if they are a criminal, what sex they are, or anything about them. Because you are not face to face with them you may be more easily influenced by what they say. A person who is drawn into online chat may develop friendships online but not out in the real world. This lack of real social interaction could damage someone's emotional well being. While the internet does offer a great opportunity to meet new people, you really need to be careful.

Criminal Elements

The internet is the perfect place for a criminal to hide. They can send you Emails and try to steal your personal information. Predators can lurk in chat rooms and try to find innocent victims. Hate groups can spread their messages to wide audiences. Virus writers and hackers can try and bring down systems and destroy valuable computer information.

Access to Obscene/Violent Material To Minors

The internet has made it possible for young people to gain instant access and read about pornography and violent or abusive materials. While they may come in contact with this material when not on the internet, they can view it at any time while online. Exposure to this material at a young age may influence they way they behave and they may develop problems. They can download videos and photos of this type of material without anyone knowing what they are doing. They may fall victim to a predator online.

Impact On Traditional Media

The internet has impacted traditional media sources. People download songs and movies which may drive down sales from those industries. Newspapers and magazine publications have seen less readership because the same information can be accessed online. This information is constantly updated and often on a daily basis. Subscriptions may be offered that provide features or services not found in printed materials. People may be online more often then they watch television impacting broadcasting corporations.

Anyone Can Write About Anything

The internet makes it possible for anyone to spread information. This information my not be complete, may be misleading, or plain false. Someone may access this information and think it is legitimate and they may harm themselves. When using the internet it can be difficult to say whether what you are reading is true or not. It is easy to spread misinformation which may be read by large groups of people.

The internet has changed our lives. It has brought us instant access to information, set trends and revolutionized the way we communicate. We must also take into consideration the negative aspects of this communication medium and the impact it can have on our lives.

Learn more about this author, Brian Lamacraft.
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