The Hidden Benefits and Drawbacks of the Internet

The Internet stands as an indispensable component in today's era of information technology. However, it also presents a double-edged sword, offering immense value while simultaneously revealing numerous negative aspects. So, what are the benefits and drawbacks of the Internet? Let's delve into the following article to find accurate insights.

1. Overview of the Internet

First and foremost, let's explore what the Internet entails. It serves as a global information system wherein electronic devices of various entities such as businesses, companies, schools, individual users, etc., can interact with each other through standardized network protocols. The Internet serves as a vast repository of multi-industry information globally, facilitating convenient research and information retrieval. Additionally, it plays a pivotal role in work, education, entertainment, socializing, and more. However, to harness the Internet's full potential, understanding its benefits and drawbacks is imperative.

2. TOP 5 Advantages of the Internet in Modern Life

Below are the significant benefits that this tool contributes to our lives.

2.1 Providing an Enormous Repository of Knowledge and Information

Today, the Internet is regarded as a vast 'encyclopedia,' containing diverse repositories of information and knowledge. With just a click, you can gather and utilize countless resources in the field you're exploring, catering to your learning and work activities. Moreover, it enables you to enhance your knowledge and discover many new and interesting things.

All you need is a phone or computer with wifi connection, and you'll have access to all the information you want to gather.

2.2 Convenient, Fast, and Entertaining Connectivity

The Internet makes communication and connection between people simpler than ever before. With the assistance of this tool, individuals can connect with the world from the comfort of their homes - something people in ancient times never dared to imagine.

2.3 Opening Doors to Work Opportunities and Earning Money Online

The development of the Internet has also led to the emergence of corresponding new professions. This helps increase employment opportunities, professions in society, and the ability to earn money online such as online sales, blogging, freelancing, TikToking, YouTubing, and more.

2.4 Diversifying and Simplifying Learning

Not only does the Internet provide another means for people to learn, search, and gather information beyond books, but it also makes learning more diverse and enjoyable with online learning formats. This shortens the time and distance in accessing knowledge and enhances human skills.

2.5 Making Online Shopping Easier

The explosion of online shopping is one of the inevitable outcomes as the Internet continues to develop vigorously. Thanks to the Internet, we can buy 'anything and everything' right from home without needing to step foot into a store.

One of the clearest benefits that the Internet brings is making shopping simple, enjoyable, and unexpectedly convenient.

3. Listing 7 Unavoidable Drawbacks of the Internet

The benefits and drawbacks of the Internet always go hand in hand with its development. The benefits that this medium brings to humanity are undeniable. However, there are also 'hidden corners' that we must pay attention to and address.

3.1 Escalation of Online Violence

With the robust development of the Internet, the issue of violence is gradually shifting from direct physical violence to mental violence online. The online environment inadvertently enables extremists to 'hide' and avoid direct confrontation. Thus, they easily utilize their words and writings to attack others.

3.2 Decline in Direct Connection and Interaction

The increase in indirect connections also implies a decrease in direct interaction. People are becoming more accustomed to chatting and connecting through social media. It's most noticeable in face-to-face meetings, where individuals focus solely on using their phones rather than conversing with each other. However, communication, dialogue, and presentation are among the most crucial skills that humans need to continually develop.

Being 'addicted' to the Internet leads you to live more in a virtual world and often glue your eyes to your phone when meeting friends.

3.3 Prone to Mental Illnesses

One of the concerning drawbacks of the Internet is its contribution to the increase in mental illnesses. This stems from the fact that most information on the Internet is uncontrolled, with much inaccurate content that can affect users' mental well-being. Regular exposure to negative information over the long term can lead to increased levels of depression, stress, delusions, anxiety disorders, and more.

3.4 Decrease in Creativity

Did you know that the benefits and drawbacks of the Internet go hand in hand when all you need is a mouse click away for the information you need? This inadvertently makes people lazy in thinking, brainstorming, and even 'slowly kills' creativity.

3.5 Prone to Personal Information Theft

Theft of information and disclosure of personal information are also highly visible drawbacks of the Internet. The online space is too 'open,' making it difficult for people's privacy to be kept confidential. Moreover, stolen personal information is the cause of many incidents such as scams on social media, identity theft, cyber threats, extortion, and cyberbullying.

The increasing cases of information theft, scams on social media are among the worrying drawbacks of the Internet.

3.6 Cultivating a Desire for Attention

'Fantasizing power', 'like for like' are terms used by the Gen Z generation to describe a modern-day 'disease' - the desire for attention. The Internet leads many people to seek attention, praise, and admiration. They use posts, images, and videos with sensational content to seek virtual 'likes' from others. This habit increases competitiveness, envy, and even arrogance, leading to distorted thoughts and perceptions.

3.7 Brain Exhaustion

In addition to using the Internet for studying and working, we also use it for entertainment and relaxation. It's worth noting that although we use the Internet for entertainment, the habit of scrolling through social media actually keeps our brains active without proper relaxation. When the brain becomes exhausted due to lack of rest, it can lead to problems such as insomnia, distraction, loss of focus, thereby significantly affecting the quality of work and study.

4. Tips for Healthy Internet Usage

To avoid getting caught in the 'shackles' of modern technology, you can apply the useful suggestions below:
● Limit social media time to only about 15 - 20 - 30 minutes, instead of frequent updates in idle moments.
● Turn off app notifications.
● Place your phone out of reach, the farther the better.
● Think twice before intending to share any information.
● Prioritize other forms of entertainment outside of real life such as sports, reading, cooking, watching movies, or hanging out with friends and family.
With this information, you probably already know the benefits and drawbacks of the Internet for us. It's best to become a wise and savvy user when using social media to avoid inconvenience!