The internet is so useful, but we must learn how to use it properly
I’d like to talk about the pros and cons of using the internet. First of all, it can bridge culture gaps. People can connect with others from all over the world with just a few clicks of the mouse. This leads to a better understanding and acceptance of different cultures.
On top of that, the internet offers endless sources of entertainment. There are thousands of movies, games, books and music you can access for free online. Everything we can possibly think of is available right now on the world wide web. This has completely changed the way we enjoy our free time.
However, the internet also has disadvantages. Firstly, the world has become more dependant on it. Most of our important information is stored in computers, such as our medical, educational and financial records. Yet computer viruses are becoming more common and aggressive. Our data is at risk of being stolen. A more extreme virus attack could even shut down our economy.
What’s more, there is a lot of content on the internet that is bad for children, but the laws are not tough enough, and many sites do not require users to give their real age or identity. Thus, children are at greater risk of being exposed to things which could damage their mental health.
To conclude, using the internet is just like using a knife. If we use it correctly and wisely, it is a helpful tool. But if we use it wrongly, it can cause harm. Therefore, we should not just avoid using the internet. Instead ,we should learn how to use it properly.
Stacy Seto, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College
From the editor
Thank you for your letter, Stacy. I wonder if any students today debate whether or not we should have cars. I wonder if they lay out arguments against aeroplanes.
Hundreds of years ago, when Johannes Gutenberg invented the first printing press in the West, people were terrified. Now everyone could learn to read, and you know what that would lead to. Suddenly governments might not sound so good. Information might be shared, saved, referenced. The church began to lose its shine because it was doing some pretty bad things that went against the teachings in the Bible.
Your generation has grown up with the internet already in place. You have not known anything different. And you’re right. Just like anything in our lives, the internet has its pros and cons. If we use it correctly, it can be of immense help. But just like if we drive a car badly and crash it and kill other people, if we use the internet badly, it will harm us.
Susan, Editor