In today's modern age, just about every facet of our lives involves a computer and the internet. It's how we work, play, communicate, research and explore. There's no question that people have much to benefit from internet usage, but, like anything else, without moderation, it can also be something that ends up being detrimental and potentially damaging. The internet, and especially the social networking sites used by teens and adults alike can be a harmful place if one is not careful.
The PBS presentation demonstrated the effects of the internet on peoples' lives. Some of those featured were teenagers, who found the internet to be a "safe haven" of sorts from their regular lives, providing a false sense of security. But others just used the internet as a means of general communication or expression, by talking or posting pictures and video clips.
Of course, there are many hidden dangers inside the internet, and one of the principle online threats is "cyber bullying." For kids who are bullied in school, the internet is anything but an escape from reality. In fact, the internet just makes things more convenient for the bully. because he can merely chat or post the same insults with relative ease. Even worse, everyone sees what he writes. There have been kids who've committed suicide as a direct result of this cyber-bullying.
Since the internet is a very open environment, that poses danger for anyone who doesn't understand just how open that environment is. Children are generally the ones who fall under such a category, and as a result, their parents are reluctant to let their kids go online. They feel that their children are simply unaware that anyone can see what they post. Parents insist on asking their kids for their passwords and keeping the main computer in an area of the house that's commonly used where their children can be easily monitored. The flip-side is that, such restrictions and perceived distrust leads to tension and fighting between kids and their parents.
Another online escape for people is what's known as "virtual communities". These are websites that allow people to create a whole different world for themselves to "live" in. "Second Life," the particular sight discussed in our article, allows a person to create a digital look-a-like of themselves and live in a digital world. Since none of this is occurring in the real world, people tend not to be under any pressure in these situations, it's all easy-going. It is sort of like their own virtual safe haven. Adults with cerebral palsy also enjoy Second Life because it provides them with a sense of security and sanity. No one's judging, no one's looking, you can be whoever you want to be. Many teachers also teach classes in Second Life where they have found that their students become more interested because the students found it to be rather engaging.
President Obama, more so than any other previous presidential candidate, made use of the internet and social networking sites in particular. The internet essentially became Obama's best friend during the campaign and, in addition to creating a presence on social networking sites, made his own website. He understood what few before him could, which was that to get to the people, you have to go to where they are. And where were the people?On the internet, of course.
Obama's use of the internet played a crucial role in him becoming President of the United States. He was able to do a better job with that aspect of his campaign than other candidates were able to. For example, John McCain had a website as well, but it was flawed and therefore inferior and far less effective. There have been problems reported that when trying to sign up, they were told that an error had occurred and that they would receive a phantom e-mail. On Obama's web page, prospective voters signed up, logged in, were able to spread the word about his campaign, his goals, etc. They were also able to make donations and host parties in his honor.
It doesn't matter how old you are or what your niche in life is. If you can breathe, you probably use the internet regularly. Social networking sites have really taken our everyday experiences, actions, conversations and interactions, and put them online. Our lives revolve around the internet, and that can be a good thing, no doubt about it. But, too much of it, coupled with a lack of awareness, and you can get tangled in the world-wide-web. There are plenty of risks involved, so people need to be cognizant of that fact.
