Introduction
Assessment of the adverse effects and potential negative outcomes that can lead to humanity’s extinction from its own intelligence has become a topic actively covered both in scientific articles and in the media. The Internet, created due to technological development during the last several decades, has significantly impacted people’s lives in every corner of the planet.
This essay will consider particular characteristics of the Internet’s phenomenon and its issues, such as the new generation’s aspects, policies and regulations, and others that correlate with its impact on the communities. In addition, the author will state their opinion regarding the positive influence of online services on society and its development. Despite the potential threats and adverse effects of the Internet, its appropriate usage with knowledge and skills has an exceptionally positive influence on society.
Positive Influence of the Internet
While exploring the statement regarding the negative impact of the Internet, it is crucial to research its positive influence and potential benefits for society. It is connected with the fact that in every discussion in order to obtain a qualitative outcome, it is essential to consider both points of view that are controversial to each other.
First, one should pay attention to the point of connectivity among people worldwide due to the Internet’s capabilities. In difficult periods, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, people can maintain constant communication with their relatives and friends (Yadav et al., 2022). It positively impacted their mental wellbeing while allowing them to have more chances to survive and be treated.
Moreover, one of the most essential and innovative methods was implemented in the sphere of medicine, which is Telehealth (Yadav et al., 2022). Using this technology, healthcare providers can facilitate and manage patients’ states while using cameras and specific apps via the internet connection. It has saved the lives of millions of people around the globe (Patel et al., 2023). Notably, these factors are a supplement to the benefits of the Internet’s daily usage in its entertainment quality.
Negative Influence of the Internet
However, such important negative aspects as reduction of workplaces should also be stated. Due to the emergence and development of the Internet, many professions have lost their relevance. For example, such a profession as a translator has become less in demand due to the availability of free ones on the Internet (Yadav et al., 2022). In addition, writers have become less in demand with the development of an artificial Internet capable of generating text. Thus, the Internet has led to job cuts and the extinction of some professions.
Regulations and Policies
Another aspect that needs to be explored regarding the impact of the Internet is its usage in accordance with specific rules and policies. It is safe to state that this phenomenon has a substantial negative impact and destroys people’s ability to think clearly and productively. However, as with every aspect of human lives, the Internet also needs specific knowledge, skills, and regulations from the government to obtain the maximum profit and reduce negative outcomes (Patel et al., 2023). To put it another way, everything can be damaging and dangerous if one is unprepared and lacks the necessary understanding.
As a vital comparison in these terms, it is essential to consider the situation of automobiles. They have expanded quickly over the world in the 20th century, much like the Internet does today. However, every country has developed a set of strict policies and traffic rules that aim to regulate every aspect of the usage of cars. Today, their implementation into people’s lives is clear and is entirely regulated. In comparison, such strict measures concerning the use of the Internet were not provided by the governments. Exceptions are only a few countries, such as China or Turkey, with autocratic regimes (Patel et al., 2023). This country has implemented strict measures such as constant monitoring of the content that the users search for. Banned and blocked were a number of websites, including pornographic ones, for Chinese citizens.
In addition, to prevent the negative influence of particular social media such as Instagram, Facebook, and others, the Chinese government blocked them throughout the country. According to Wang (2020), Chinese officials have indicated that in order to prevent people’s productivity and way of thinking from being completely destroyed, the negative consequences of the Internet, especially social media and messengers, should be strictly regulated. The democratic world has merely produced ineffective guidelines that don’t greatly restrict an individual’s behavior. Due to this factor, serious adverse outcomes are possible that can lead to the negative perception of the entire Internet as a phenomenon.
The Extent of Agreement with the Statement
The reader was given enough information in the paper about certain advantages that come with surfing the Internet. Surprisingly, the primary focus should be on using this instrument practically and effectively when one has the necessary information, abilities, and government rules in place. The Internet can be harmful in a variety of ways, including addiction and the consumption of pornography. For instance, “it is not uncommon for people to check their social media accounts many, many times throughout an hour” (p. 18), according to Vercillo (2020). Despite the numerous benefits and advantages that the Internet can offer people, the proposed statement cannot be accepted because it highlights the considerable harm that it does to society. As a result, I wish to clarify that while I agree with the stated viewpoint on the detrimental effects of the Internet on society, I do not agree with this particular remark.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to state both the negative and positive impacts of the Internet on society. Positive influence assumes new vast opportunities in such aspects as communication, education, and the creation of new workplaces. Its entertaining qualities should also not be underestimated because they make people happy and improve their wellbeing.
On the opposite, the Internet also has specific negative effects such as dependence on specific content, pornography, social media abuse, and others. According to the author, people were particularly at risk because there were insufficient rules and laws governing the use of online services. On the other hand, a person with qualitative knowledge and abilities will make the most of the Internet while avoiding hazards and unfavorable outcomes. In light of this, it is important to emphasize in the conclusion that, when used properly, the Internet has greatly improved society’s quality of life and does not pose a threat.
Reference List
Patel, A., Tiwari, B., Shukla, P. K., Shukla, P. K. and Parashar, P. (2023) IoT in healthcare systems: applications, benefits, challenges, and case studies. London: CRC Press.
Vercillo, K. (2020) Internet addiction. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO.
Wang, Q. (2020). The Chinese internet: The online public sphere, power relations and political communication. London: Taylor & Francis.
Yadav, S., Bhushan, A., Kumar, P. R. and Quadri, M. N. (2022) Internet of things and its applications. Bhopal: AG Publishing House.