Has the internet helped or harmed society?

Rob (Helped)

The Internet is the gift that keeps on giving. It has and still continues to revolutionize how we live and interact with each other. Firstly, it has greatly improved communication and also eased access to information. It’s much easier to communicate with people worldwide and access information on anything from the infinite database of books and other resources available on the Internet. Some people even argue that you don’t need a university education for many disciplines anymore because everything you need to know is one search away.

The Internet has also created more than 1.2 million jobs and other opportunities to make money online. According to a study, the economy grows seven times faster with the Internet than without. The Internet is also a great place for entertainment. Over 800 million videos on YouTube alone are more than enough to keep you engaged for a lifetime. Not only that, but there are many other websites where you may find books, music, videos, movies, and TV shows whenever you want. All these make life with the Internet much easier and more enjoyable.

However, one of the most significant triumphs of the Internet has been its contribution to improving healthcare worldwide. It provides critical information and health-tracking tools and software for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. As a result, healthcare has advanced over time and continues to do so, with experts breaking new ground every day. We can all agree the world wouldn’t be what it is today without the Internet. Yes, it has brought some problems along the way, but that’s nothing compared to the good it has done.

Dougie (Harmed)

The Internet is a vast breeding ground for illegal and morally dubious activity, especially on the dark web. It hosts alarming rates of child pornography trafficking and provides a platform for predators to lure kids/people into dangerous situations. Filters don’t always protect children from exposure to harmful, inappropriate content online.

The web is a hotbed for sophisticated criminal activity, and browsers are vulnerable to a wide range of threats, such as harmful spyware/malware downloads, stolen credit cards, identity theft, and fraudulent activity designed to prey on the unsuspecting. Hacking is a growing online threat, and once personal data has been stolen/shared, it’s almost impossible to remove it permanently. Over half of credit card fraud happens online. Data is routinely placed in danger when problematic links produce fraudulent spam via appealing misrepresentation.

Catfishing puts people/minors in danger of being robbed and assaulted, and stories of online deceit regularly make headlines. Users are subject to harassment via trolling, cyberstalking, and cyberbullying, all of which allow faceless terrorization through harmful messaging. Moreover, doxing involves maliciously exposing/spreading personal details for blackmail or revenge – the consequences of which can be immeasurable.

Americans feel powerless and creeped out by intrusive online tracking. Governments are surveying the population through the invasion of private emails, online transactions, and calls. People’s livelihoods are threatened through online job screening, and even deleted social media posts can still result in negative consequences. Moreover, AI-based technology demonstrates racist and discriminatory features and online superpowers are known to manipulate people and influence behavior.

Internet applications are often addictive, and overuse is linked to detrimental effects. For example, constant distraction interrupts the formation of short- and long-term memories, and excessive use can lead to sleep issues, anxiety, depression, and additional negative impacts on overall health.