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with the introduction of the Internet. Needless to say, these reasons are pretty obvious. Just how much can the law protect an individual or commercial entity? This burning question will continue to be debated as lawmakers sought to update their laws to the speed of the Internet.

As the laws continue to be ambiguous, the Internet has already begun to alter the social values of younger generation. One of the results is the necessity of face-to-face communication. Online personas become another way of identification in the virtual world. From another perspective, the Internet is a virtual world with a new form of society with its own community, currency or even identity. In some cases, it replaces the humanity way of interaction, communication and realism. Is the Internet real or virtual? Unless there is a clear distinction, society will see an emergence of a middle world whereby the reality of the social values will cross into the Internet and vice versa.

For the same reasons, this social impact has led to the unguarded ethical aspect brought about by the Internet. As one could become anonymous in the Internet, it creates an environment for the conduct of unethical activities. For example, certain radicals are able to make use of this platform to reach anyone in the world. Terrorism is one of the areas that have been fueled by the Internet. In addition, extremist ideas or restricted materials like pornography are suddenly accessible to all ages. In another words, the Internet has unwittingly played a key role in spreading all these restrictions within this new frontier.

Hence, as the Internet grows, the dangers that lurk behind this cyberspace are also amplified. Regardless of legal, social and ethical reasons, everyone must play a part in maintaining the orderless and bounderyless virtual world. Even though the Internet has many advantages, being unaware of the disadvantages is as good as playing with fire. You will never know when you would be burnt. The time has now come for everyone to ensure that the Internet does not sway to the dark side.

Learn more about this author, Danny Kwok.
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