Nowadays, the usage of the internet is practically tied to people’s day-to-day life, from purchasing basic necessities to exploring the outer world. However the prevalence of the internet has gradually aroused controversies among people, one of which regards to whether the internet is an asset to the inquisitive minds or a curse to the untrained ones. Although the credibility of the information is challenged, from my point of view, the internet is still a valuable resource for all walks of people.
People who take advantage of the internet to absorb information can get their horizon broadened and know up-to-date news around the globe--everything from the latest events in their community to the anecdotes happens in remote areas. The electronic version of the publications saves trouble for people who used to head to the nearby newsstands or bookshops to buy daily newspapers, while the official websites of the governments and institutions allow people to monitor what they have done. Apart from that, the internet also enables people to have exposure to the exotic culture without a long-distance travelling, which is unaffordable for the disadvantaged groups, providing chances for them to admire the photographs of the breathtaking views or to read passages written by travelers worldwide at forums online.
With a wealth of information provided online, people may get drowned in data easily, thereby wasting time on irrelevant ones. For instance, students used to immerse themselves in piles of books when they were required to find background materials for their assignments, but now they can sift out the needed information by typing several key words through searching engines. Actually all walks of people can benefit from search engines: job hunters can find desirable positions by typing their conditions, potential renters can choose the most suitable lodging to live by listing their needs and preferences, and consumers can search out the best product by comparing the qualities of various products online.
Besides the regulated information, there is also unreliable information like advertisements of fake products, and unhealthy information which sets a bad example for the adolescents who are not self-disciplined or not equipped with the critical thinking skills yet. Should we deny all merits of the internet just because of the existence of uncensored information? The answer is no. What people should do is equipping themselves with the capacity to distinguish right from wrong, while the government’s responsibility is to screen the information online, ensuring the internet is served as a healthy platform where people can acquire knowledge and share opinions.
