Within three decades, the Internet has changed the way we live our lives, communicate, shop, and disseminate knowledge. Size and location do not matter as much as they used to. Access to information has become direct, fast, and economical.
The Internet has spread to nearly all the corners of the world. The rate of its growth is incredible. In 1995, there were 16 million Internet users in the world, and as of June 2007, that number had increased to 1.133 billion. Around 17.2% of the world's population uses the Internet.
Internet Troubles
The Internet is capable of transforming the world for the better through education, networking, and communities. However, we should not forget that although the Internet can be a positive and powerful force, it can also be utilized to do several nefarious things.
The anonymity of the Internet offers freedom to discuss sensitive issues without fear, but it also offers refuge to criminals who can perpetrate crimes without being traced. Hackers can use encryption to unearth national secrets and infringe on personal privacy.
Some of the problems encountered because of and exacerbated by the Internet are viruses, fraud, invasion of privacy, security breaches, unauthorized access, child pornography, defamation, and copyright infringement.
One more troubling issue is Internet addiction. Some become so fascinated by the medium that they are unable to balance their lives.
Learn to handle your cyber-time problems. You must set goals and objectives when using the Internet. If you have a tendency to wander on the web, plan your exploration ahead of time.
You should also set time limits for Internet surfing. If need be, you can use a timer to keep track of time spent.
Tips for Internet Use
- Acquire good Internet etiquette. It will go a long way toward improving your Internet relationships.
- The Internet has its own language and culture. Don't look like a foreigner on the Internet.
- Know how to implement the right security measures to protect your personal information.
- Always install the latest anti-virus software.
- Limit how much personal information you share.
- Limit your computer's ability to accept cookies.
- Be judicious when downloading email attachments.
- Most importantly, use common sense when you conduct business and research via the Internet.
