In the early 1990’s Internet access became available for the common public and it’s use exploded. Since then it has become the center of our social lives, an integral part of our economy and has revolutionized the way we learn. Yet still the question is asked: is the web helping or hurting? With all the amazing tools, resources and opportunities that the web makes available to us how can we deny that the web is most definitely beneficial?
The benefits of the web are truly unbelievable. Whether it be through blogs, online courses, search engines or other great tools, the web has something great to offer everyone. Personally, the way the web has most affected me, as a student, is the way that it has changed me as a learner. The internet has given me access to a wealth of information and resources that were never available to previous generations. Whether it be by sharing documents on Google Docs, group note taking on Pirate Pad or researching topics on Dogpile, Metacrawler or any of the many metasearch engines available, the web offers me all the resources I need in order to be a productive, first-class learner. Though it is undeniable that the web is a useful tool, many feel that the web is harmful due to dangerous online predators, cyber bullying and inappropriate content. While these are all valid concerns that should not be taken lightly, I still stand in support of the web. In my opinion, the benefits of the Internet far outweigh it’s detriments. As like everything in life the Internet is not perfect and has it’s dangers. Should we not explore a beautiful city for fear of walking into a bad neighborhood? No. We should simply know where to make the right turns. The same principle applies with surfing the web. Dangers on the web are very easily avoidable through firewalls, anti-virus systems and just plain common sense. Above all, the web is a helpful tool that shouldn’t be brushed off because of it’s imperfections.
The web is the core of our generation. It’s our social network. It’s our library. It’s our bank. It’s our education. It’s our future.
