Introduction of Internet

The use of the Internet offers a variety of benefits to everyone who is willing to use
it. The enormous amount of information available and the many uses one can have
through the internet have made it the most valuable tool in various settings of a
persons life. The Internet has an enormous amount of publications added on it
every day and its evolving as the most powerful source of information. Also, use of
the Internet has made jobs easier and oversimplified tasks that would take an
enormous amount of time before. Moreover, the Internet has become a great tool
for avoiding the hassles of the bank, offering the chance to make the transactions
quickly and safely. It also offers a powerful source for shopping and the easiness of
having your products delivered straight to your house, should you decide you do not
want to go out. Furthermore, the widespread use of the Internet has opened new
areas of jobs in all countries and expanded the availabilities of working from home.
Last, the Internet is one of the most valuable tools in educations since it provides an
enormous amount of information and is the greatest source of reference for
educators and students. The electronic libraries are of utmost importance for
University students looking for scientific information for their courses. Another
major benefit of the internet is its ability to minimize distances and provide
communication services efficiently and without any cost. In general, the Internet is
a multi-tool with applications on every aspect of someones life.
THE INTERNET (R) EVOLUTION
The available material, programs, websites and other services of the internet are
multiplied every day, revolutionizing the technology being used. Its applications
grow exponentially and it would be impossible to outline everything in this booklet.
The most important aspect of the Internet evolution however, is that its exponential
growth allows it to ease and transform peoples life and increase their knowledge.
THE PRECIOUSNESS OF TIME
Some people say time is money. Some others say that time is precious and should
not be wasted. Whatever applies to you however, one thing is true: Todays needs
and demands of society have taken over our time that feels its not enough for
doing everything we need to be doing every day. The appearance of the Internet
saving matter came as a life saver for many tasks that would take days to complete
before. The ability of the internet to store materials, its ability to calculate instantly
almost anything, and its worldwide application databases had made tasks much
easier and less time consuming in almost every industry on the planet.
THE INTERNET BANK
The advanced technologies of the internet managed to free people from the hassles
of losing an enormous amount of time waiting in the line to be served at the bank
branches. Internet banking is the easy way of dealing with bank transactions safely
and quickly. Internet banking offers a wide range of transactions that can be done
including bill payments and transfers. Internet banking is convenient also in that it
is available twenty-four hours a day.
THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET
Did you ever find yourself in a position that urgently needed to go out and buy
something but was not in the mood or did not have the time to go out and do it? If

your answer is yes, then the internet can solve your problem. The Internet enables
you to buy anything you need from the comfort of your own house. Many
supermarkets take online orders and deliver the stock within the day at your
doorstep. Many consumer stores offer online purchases about almost anything you
can imagine (shoes, clothes, apparel, accessories). Online shopping can save you
time and money since it offers a wide range of specials in much cheaper prices than
what you will find in the actual stores.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AGENT
Another benefit that the internet has brought into our lives is that ever since the
internet has been introduced, new areas of jobs and careers have opened up to the
public. Web designing, computer technician and programmer, are among the many
that are found at their peak demand for employers. Almost every company
nowadays, needs to have a website that promotes its products and patents that
web designers are among the most highly requested professionals needed.
Furthermore, consultants, sellers, dealers and all sorts of professionals are needed
to promote and help people over the internet. The training needed is of high
education and career opportunities through the web are exquisite. Housewives,
mothers and disabled people, can now have a chance to work from their house and
earn money that would otherwise be difficult to obtain.
THE TREASURE BANK
The biggest benefit of the internet can be found in the educational sector. Educators
can obtain learning material from it, prepare courses online and deliver audio/visual
information to students. For instructors it is a valuable source for referencing
material and enhancing the knowledge of their students. The Internet provides a
great place for conferencing and collaborating with students from all over the world.
Students can search for information regarding their school courses via electronic
libraries who offer a great variety of journals and scientific articles. The resources
available over the net cover almost every aspect of the school curriculum and
students have a valuable machine for enhancing their knowledge and expanding
their assigned work.
SO CLOSEYET SO FAR AWAY!
One of the most important benefits offered from the wide applications of the
internet is communication. The internet managed to eliminate distances and
provide people with a unique opportunity to talk, watch and have fun with their
loved ones, friends or acquaintances. Chat rooms, messenger services, emails and
conferencing programs are the most common uses for communicating over the
internet. People can enjoy the benefits of the cheap communication and maintain
close contact with loved ones from all over the world.

There is so much that students can do with the Internet. Not only can they
communicate with international students, they can gain from others' knowledge and
experiences, participate in chatrooms, share ideas and solutions and learn about the
many diverse cultures out there.
While the Internet does a lot for students, there are also benefits for parents and
teachers. The interactive learning that the Internet provides can help students and
parents with little or no English skills to learn English. Parents can become more
involved in their children's education by connecting the school with homes, libraries
or other access ports.
Teachers can adjust to the different learning styles and in the classroom. They can also
set their own pace of teaching. Individual teaching techniques can become more
available, which has been proven to be a factor in
student achievement.
Teachers have the chance to be able to teach at more
than one place simultaneously. They may be in a small
town but through the Internet, they can be linked to
students in more populated areas.
Also, the Internet enables administrators and teachers to spend less time on
administration and recordkeeping. This would also give them more time to spend with
their students.

The Internet has revolutionized the way the world does business on both a local and
global level. From recruiting employees to gathering data on the competition, the
ways businesses utilize the Internet are numerous, as are the benefits of the
Internet to the business community.
Globalization
While computers have been blamed for decreased activity and interaction in the
local community, the Internet has been credited with providing a window into the
global world. It allows anyone with a computer to think globally and has allowed the
business world to forge international relationships with new vendors (to lower costs)
and new customers (to increase sales).
Communication
100 years ago it might have taken over a month to get a letter to a friend in another
country. Today, communication is as easy as a mouse click, and much cheaper too.
Anyone in the world can communicate with another person through text messages,
emails, and even live video. For business, this means higher efficiency and quicker
processing of sales.
Related Reading: Advantages of Using the Internet for Business
Cost Effectiveness
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of the Internet is cost savings. Information at
faster speeds saves time, which either saves or makes money. Many functions in the
business process, i.e. bookkeeper, have been automated, which has helped to
streamline processes and reduce the cost of labor.

The Advantages of the Internet: The Human and Social Side of the Web
Updated on April 22, 2013
When it comes to technology, the internet and world wide web is surely the biggest
development of the last century. It has changed our lives almost beyond
imagination, and in a relatively short space of time. For a great many of us, it has
become such a significant part of daily life that we can no longer comprehend being
without it. As a society, we have become addicted - most of the people I have
recently spoken to find it harder being without a Broadband connection than a
television set. It is not without its criticisms, having been blamed for loss of social
skills; encouraging a solitary and 'unrealistic' existence; and for changing the face of
traditional childhood. Although it has greatly enriched our lives in many ways, the
very fact that the web is a free platform means that it also harbours undesirable
content.
But the object of this article is not to discuss the internet in general, nor is it to
highlight any negative issues. Rather, it is to focus upon the social side, and the way
in which our interactions can highlight our humanity. After all, technology aside, we
are a still a social species - our natural inclination is to communicate with other
human beings. And whilst the internet can encourage a decline in social contact
with the people in our vicinity - family, friends, neighbours etc. - it also allows us to
communicate on a much wider scale with the rest of the world than we would
otherwise be able to do.
Not so long ago, it would have seemed inconceivable for the ordinary person to be
able to communicate with human beings around the globe without travelling or
forming business connections. Our world has definitely shrunk. Social media sites
like Facebook mean that we can share our news, our photos and our thoughts
instantaneously. We don't have to keep our opinions to ourselves - rather, we can
share them with many people, and all at once. If we are looking for help with
something, we can find it on the web. No matter what our problem, there will be
someone, somewhere, willing to talk about it. Support forums on almost every topic
under the sun are abundant with ordinary people ready to share their experiences
and give their opinions. The internet is far more than a reference point - it is full of
online communities, like small villages, who gather together despite vast physical
distances to share in common issues and interests.

When Facebook Makes Things Better

Facebook sometimes comes under fire for its negative connotations, especially
when it comes to issues relating to cyber-bullying. It isn't without blame - negative
behaviour can be a big problem on social media, with ugly results. And yet it is also
a massively supportive platform. I see, time after time, other people sending
messages of comfort and support to those in need, or even those who are just
having a bad day. They are little 'pick-me-ups', little online 'hugs' that, if nothing
else, help us to feel that we are not alone.
On my Facebook friends list I have several acquaintances from my old school days,
including some that I wouldn't really class as ever having been proper friends. I
think most of us have at least a few of them - and it's interesting knowing what's
going on in the lives of people one used to know. One girl, however, was badly
bullied at school back in the 1980s and really struggled socially. People were not
kind to her, and back then nothing much was done to stamp out bullying. She was
obviously affected by her negative school experience and yet, as an adult, she has
still managed to reach out to many old acquaintances from her schooldays and
build a bridge despite the past. After all, everyone is much older now and childish
ignorance and stupidity has laid way for maturity and greater compassion. Those
people who were not accommodating as young people now go out of their way to
support her, as she goes through divorce and experiences life as a single parent.
Life might not have been easy, and it is clear that confidence issues have resulted
from the past, and yet this woman now receives many supportive and encouraging
messages from old classmates - which probably would not be happening if it was
not for Facebook. After all, we are talking about a small town and so many people
have moved away. Life is much less entwined, and random meetings are rare. Social
media does have the capacity to link people, despite time, distance and
inconvenience. Mostly, it has the capacity to link people who would otherwise have
lost touch for good. And sometimes, a little message of hope and comfort can mean
more than many of us realise, no matter who it comes from.

Reaching Out on Twitter

Twitter only allows one to write a limited number of characters in a single post.
Sometimes, however, it is not how much you say but how you say it. Recently, I
have become aware that Twitter is often used as a platform for posting thought
provoking quotes, many times by celebrities with millions of followers. In fact, a lot
of today's celebrities seem to be particularly fond of quotes aimed at the good of

humanity. The days of smashing up guitars in hotels are long gone - the message
from today's stars is to make our world a better place.
I love quotes - a good message can really set one on the right path for the day. I'm
not sure how many of us would think to get up and flick through a book of quotes
each morning, but log on to Twitter and you may well come across one anyway - if
you follow enough people and assuming they are half decent. Here are some
examples:
"You are part of the community you want to change, the change begins with YOU." a very self-motivating comment tweeted by Lady Gaga, in January 2013.
Lady Gaga currently boasts the second highest number of Twitter followers in the
world. As of today, she has over 36 million of them. A quote that reaches even a
fraction of that many people in a day is doing a better job than any book could. And
not only do celebrity quotes reach a lot of fans, but they are then usually retweeted
by hundreds or even thousands of followers. The capacity to reach out and spread a
message on Twitter can be enormous. And starting the day with a thoughtprovoking quote is almost like a spontaneous lesson in motivation. It helps us to feel
more positive, in the same way that a good song can. It spreads a little bit of hope
and inspiration - and that is something that we all need, from time to time.
Here are some more inspirational quotes and thoughts taken from high profile
Twitter accounts:
"The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up." - quote by
Mark Twain
It is never too late to be what you might have been. - George Elliot
"Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. - Charles R Swindoll
"Do something good for someone" - singer Adele promoting World Humanitarian
Day
"Always believe something wonderful is about to happen..."
"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be."
Ralph Waldo Emerson - tweeted by Pharrell Williams and retweeted by Miley Cyrus
Even this tweet, composed by Will-i-am, lends itself to a vibe of motivation:
"Welcome to this thing called life.....don't you let it pass you by..." It's the perfect
reminder to those procrastinators among us, to try to fulfill our true potential before
we regret it.

Quoting doesn't just belong to high profile celebrities. of course. I have simply used
this as an example of how a few choice words can reach the minds of thousands. A
lot of 'regular' tweeters also like to do the quote thing - spreading a positive,
inspirational or hopeful message at the touch of a few buttons and within 140
characters. Positivity has an effect on our psyches and strengthens our minds. It can

change the course of our day, dispelling negativity and propelling us to make life
better. And when we all want to make life better, then the world is a better place to
be.

Disasters and Prayers

Disasters and tragic events always result in an online outpouring of prayer and
support. If nothing else, it shows that, no matter how independent and solitary our
lives might seem to become, when it matters most of us are empathic and really do
care. The most recent event, as I write this, is the Boston Marathon bomb explosion.
On my Facebook newsfeed, posted by someone else, is a picture of a candle and the
words Thoughts and Prayers to the Victims of the Boston Marathon. There are also
numerous pictures of dogs, cats and funny anecdotes about friendship and wine but it is the glowing candle that stands out the most.
Social media allows us to voice our support, unite in our prayers and to express our
compassion like never before. It might not help the situation, but at the very least it
shows that we care for humanity. On Twitter, #prayforboston is the common link for
a huge outpouring of support and prayer. It isn't the only occasion - whenever
something goes horribly wrong in our world, there are millions of us who want to
share our thoughts and our support. When aid is needed, whether on a huge scale
or a smaller one, appeals are made through Twitter and Facebook. These appeals
are then shared or retweeted and have the ability to reach thousands or millions on
a global scale. The internet takes away our boundaries. It provides us with the
ability to join forces like nothing we have known before.
Still Human
No matter how advanced we become as a society, or how developed our technology
becomes, we are still human. Technology might seem to isolate us - and in some
ways it does - but it can also bring us together in ways that just weren't possible
before. As a species, our natural inclination is to connect with others, and we use
our technology to do just this. The internet is more than a source of reference for
finding out facts - it has become a place to share our news, our thoughts and our
support. It can connect us to people we have never met. Although it can be used to
promote negativity, it is often a source of inspiration. Positive thoughts, when
shared, can become a very powerful source for good.

Human services and the Internet

Allied health plays an integral role in service delivery to the community. It consists
of a body of professionals (e.g. physiotherapist, occupational therapist, social
worker, dietician and psychologist) who take on the sharing of 'continuing' care of a
consumer mostly after medical intervention has taken place.
The linking of allied health skills and computing services to address the health
needs of a community involves the sharing of multidisciplinary skills and available
resources united in redefining the business of health care.
Each participant, through use of the Internet, can acquaint her/himself with services
offered and, through the co-operation of team-work, can provide an optimal service
to the consumer.
The benefits obtained from using the Internet denote the recognition that individual
health care within the community requires efficient access to all resources within
that community. Health care is not designated to single health care agencies such
as hospitals and their residents but extends to those mainly in the community
setting [5]. Internet access can provide the pathway for consumers to maintain
contact with doctors, nurses and allied health professionals and to gain knowledge
about their own health.

One specific benefit from the use of Internet can be attributed to aged care
services. A good example of this benefits can be found in research undertaken in
the CHIN project [5]. This project is a pilot project involving client centred
community health information network. As a part of this project it was found that
care givers of persons with Alzheimer's disease(2) utilised the communication
features more than any other feature; this communication was largely of a social
nature i.e. messages of hope, support and inspiration. These types of interactions
are the core of social work intervention activity and the resulting benefits e.g.
alleviating feelings of isolation and hopelessness felt by many consumers are the
very goals we aim to achieve when working with consumers.
In addition, the improvements in the quality of consumer services can only be
realised when systems extend beyond the boundaries of one organisation. For
example in the case of aged care services, we would envisage a direct
communication link between aged care assessment services and hostels and
nursing homes. This would expedite the process of placement, thus alleviating long
stays in hospital beds which often result in unnecessary distress for both the
consumer and their relatives.
Health care reaching towards the 21 century needs to take note of the differences in
the aging population of today and tomorrow. These future populations will hopefully
be more computer literate having had some exposure in formative years. For those
who have a disability, the Internet can benefit their quality of life through mental
stimulation and communication and therefore assist in the maintenance of their
mental health and feelings of self worth. For example, the Internet can be a
preferred medium of communication for those who cannot leave the home
environment.
Based on these general considerations about the benefits of the Internet for
improving co-operation between all players in the health care setting and enhancing
communication within the community, we will endeavour to highlight areas where
this is pertinent. This will be done by using a health care model of organisations,
structures and professionals under the umbrella of Queensland Health Department
as depicted in Fig. 1 [6]. The South Coast Regional Health Authority consists of a
number of agencies, which can interwork with one another in the region. In
particular social work professionals have a unique role (as depicted in the figure and
mentioned in the previous section), in that they are aligned with each of these
agencies.
The agencies who offer health and human services within a region typically include
public hospitals and community services. While each of the participants has its own
purpose and goals (embodied in their mission statements(3)), the role of social work
professionals is specific. Namely, that of stepping between medical intervention and
the psychological responses to death and illness resulting from different causes.
These professionals work closely with all the participants identified above. However,
the flow of information within and between agencies is presently based on obsolete
technologies, which inhibit the provision of efficient and optimal health and human
service delivery.

We have identified some improvement targets for the operations associated with
health care delivery in this setting include:

a better insight into and a more efficient utilisation of resources within the
Region and across its boundaries (e.g. state or nation wide) through better
coordination of regional activities

reduction of the rate of inappropriate admissions and ensuring a minimum

length of stay in hospital

more effective interactions and sharing of work among social work

professionals and social work and other professionals

equal access for consumers

more timely service delivery

enhancing quality of life for consumers

optimal sharing of information and knowledge on a regional, national and

international basis

more accessibility of services to the consumer and assistance in health

promotion

faster and more accurate identification of the most suitable or competent

service provider

development of systems and processes for collection of data for improvement

planning.

We conjecture that the Internet can contribute in reaching these performance

targets and changing existing health care services. In particular, it can support an
improved cooperation between social work services and other health participants, in
order to provide a more timely, better quality and more cost-effective health care
service delivery.
The Internet can provide access to numerous newsgroups, information services,
technical and medical journals etc., thus improving cooperation between the
medical professionals. However, its importance in linking people within community
should not be overlooked and indeed, this is the application domain on which we
wish to concentrate.
We note that the Internet services available can be utilised to achieve the above,
only if the problem domain of the health setting is correctly understood. In other
words, rather than simply superimposing the latest technology on the health care
processes, one should first understand the characteristics of the health care
environment. For example, one should identify main agencies and their
relationships in this medical setting, along with important health processes and the
corresponding improvement targets, and then position new technology so that
these targets can be achieved.
4 Application benefits of the Internet

The Australian health system, besides being fragmented like that of many
developed countries, suffers from not being able to address consumers needs
adequately, as is also pointed out in [2]. We hope that the relevant Internet
applications can benefit those for whom the system was established so that they
could become active participants within the system.
We have identified several categories of Internet applications in the health care
environment. These can serve as a good initial framework which can be extended
upon for a future support structure. Our application domain indicates a scenario of a
regional health setting. A common thread which holds these categories together is a
co-operative team work structure where quality of service to consumers should be
the over riding concern.
This example depicted in Fig.1 has the objective of illustrating potential flows of
information for co-operation and communication within and between agencies that
can transcend national and geographic boundaries.
The Internet benefits have been broadly encompassed within the following
applications.
1. Access to a comprehensive repository of community services. This repository
(e.g. a data base) can be set up within each region and updated accordingly. We see
its use for transfer of information between local and remote centres when patient
transfer is being organised. In this way the transferring centre has access via
Internet to a database of the region to which the patient is being sent. A
comprehensive discharge plan can be put in place before the patient even leaves
the centre, thus alleviating time consuming and costly intervention at the receiving
end.
2. Case conferencing and research applications. If the workers have access to
Internet facilities such as electronic mail in its various forms, including person-toperson, discussion lists, distribution lists, newsgroups and Internet Relay Chat, this
can prepare them for a consumer intervention within a much shorter time span. It
will also eradicate long waiting lists and have positive results in the long term for
financial planning strategies. Through this more direct and controlled approach, the
worker can identify 'gaps' in service delivery and also identify those whom the
system is supposed to serve and is not serving.
3. Applications that serve professionals in training/continuing education. Training
programs and other useful information listed under specific headings and stored in
World Wide Web (WWW) servers can ensure that the vast amount of information
accessible via Internet is available to the worker through quick and easy terminal
access. This facility serves to equip the worker with updated information and
training relevant to professional development needs. These needs, usually acquired
through seminars, workshops etc. are often neglected because of heavy case loads
and staff shortages.
4. Applications that support the delivery of services. These applications can be used
to inform the professional about possible alternate strategies, experience of other
professional etc. For example, by using Internet the worker can access information

from their own and/or allied fields and make decisions on an optimal intervention
strategy and derive a logical case planning application in conjunction with others.
This application plays an important role in service delivery as informed decision
making is inherent in the competent delivery of services.
5. Information sharing. With the advent of Diagnostic Related Groups and the
probable formation of Program Management Teams in a health care setting, the
decentralisation of allied health departments is inevitable. Internet can play a
particular role in this through specialised news groups and video conferences the
worker can keep abreast of developments in their specific fields of interest. Also,
workers in remote centres can be linked to support networks for supervision and
information updates either intra-state of interstate, according to economic
boundaries.
6. Assisting in decision making for clients. This could be done through WWW
browsers (e.g. NCSA Mosaic), which allow access to a full range of text, video and
audio resources using a graphical interface. For example, the elderly and/or their
relatives are often involved in the selection of a suitable long term care facility when
home care becomes too difficult and complex. Nursing homes and hostels could
illustrate their particular facility, costs, level of care, waiting time etc. for potential
consumers to peruse. They could then make their selections and arrange for
assessment through the appropriate body if required.
7. Selection of the appropriate human service provider. It is expected that emerging
Internet services would facilitate the efficient discovery of resources so that the
most appropriate service provider can be identified e.g. family therapist specialist,
8. Family Reunion. Suitable Internet services for video conferencing such as CuSeeMe, can be a valuable component in linking families of origin to their loved ones
who have migrated to other countries or are on holidays. This is especially useful in
times of crisis or when an accident happens.
5 Conclusion
In writing this paper we were guided by today's challenge, which is for us as human
service providers for the future, to understand what we do, fix our problems and
capitalise on technological opportunities to do better tomorrow what we are doing
reasonably well today.
It is our belief that the Internet offers a promise for further enhancement of human
service delivery. In general, benefits of the Internet can be used to provide better
communication and coordination of the delivery of health care services. Exchange
of information and facilitation of communication can be seen as emanating from an
'ideal world' aspect, in that it can serve to break down the barriers existing between
clinicians and service providers.
However, when looking at the potential benefits that the Internet can have in health
care, it is essential that we adopt those which cause people to interact more and
not less. Recent media coverage of the ability of the hacker to break codes concerns
us in our pursuit for a friendly technology which can be accessed by people on all

levels without the fear of their privacy being encroached upon. Therefore hurdles
such as security, privacy and confidentiality and pricing are issues not to be
ignored.
As the nature of work and the way we work are in constant flux in that they must
align themselves with todays modern work practices and lifestyles; the possibilities
presented to society by various technologies, especially the Internet, should be
exploited to their full potential for the benefit of all.
I had a terrible nightmare the other night. Instead of meeting for a quick cup of
coffee, my friend and I spent 30 minutes texting back and forth about our day. After
that, instead of going in to talk to my professor during his office hours, I emailed
him from home with my question. Because of this, he never got to know who I was,
even though he would have been a great source for a letter of recommendation if
he had. I ignored a cute guy at the bus stop asking me the time because I was busy
responding to a text. And I spent far too much time on Facebook trying to catch up
with my 1000+ friends, most of whom I rarely see, and whose meaning sadly
seems to dispel even more as the sheer number of connections Ive made grows.
Oh wait, that wasnt a dream. This technological detachment is becoming todays
reality.
Little by little, Internet and mobile technology seems to be subtly destroying the
meaningfulness of interactions we have with others, disconnecting us from the
world around us, and leading to an imminent sense of isolation in todays society.
Instead of spending time in person with friends, we just call, text or instant message
them. It may seem simpler, but we ultimately end up seeing our friends face to face
a lot less. Ten texts cant even begin to equal an hour spent chatting with a friend
over lunch. And a smiley-face emoticon is cute, but it could never replace the earsplitting grin and smiling eyes of one of your best friends. Face time is important,
people. We need to see each other.
This doesnt just apply to our friends; it applies to the world around us. It should
come as no surprise that face-to-face interaction is proven by studies to comfort us
and provide us with some important sense of well-being, whether its with friends or
friendly cashiers in the checkout line of Albertsons. Thats actually the motivation
behind Albertsons decision last year to take all of the self-checkout lanes out of its
stores: an eerie lack of human contact.
Theres something intangibly real and valuable about talking with someone face to
face. This is significant for friends, partners, potential employers, and other
recurring people that make up your everyday world. That person becomes an
important existing human connection, not just someone whose disembodied text
voice pops up on your cell phone, iPad or computer screen.
It seems we have more extended connections than ever in this digital world, which
can be great for networking, if its used right. The sad fact of the matter is that most
of us dont. Its too hard to keep up with 1000 friends, let alone 200. At that point,
do we even remember their names? We need to start prizing the meaning of quality
in our connections, not sheer quantity.

One of my best friends from my hometown has 2,241 Facebook friends. Sure, her
posts get a ton of feedback, but when I asked her about the quality of those
relationships, she said to me that she really has few friends that she can trust and
spend time with happily. Using a strange conundrum like this as a constructive
example, we should consider pruning our rampant online connections at the very
least.
Past evolutionary psychology research by British anthropologist and psychologist
Robin Dunbar has revealed that people are actually limited to a certain number of
stable, supportive connections with others in their social network: roughly 150.
Furthermore, recent follow-up research by Cornell Universitys Bruno Goncalves
used Twitter data to show that despite the current ability to connect with vast
amounts of people via the Internet, a person can still only truly maintain a
friendship with a maximum of 100 to 200 real friends in their social network.
While technology has allowed us some means of social connection that would have
never been possible before, and has allowed us to maintain long-distance
friendships that would have otherwise probably fallen by the wayside, the fact
remains that it is causing ourselves to spread ourselves too thin, as well as slowly
ruining the quality of social interaction that we all need as human beings.
So what are we doing with 3000 friends on the Internet? Why are we texting all the
time? Seems like a big waste of time to me. Lets spend more time together with
our friends. Lets make the relationships that count last, and not rely on technology
to do the job for us.

The executive chairman of Google, Eric Schmidt, recently visited North Korea with
the former governor of New Mexico, Bill Richardson, to promote a free and open
internet.
In a country of 24 million people, only a handful of elites in North Korea have the
kind of access to the internet that we have in Western countries. In order for anyone
else to be granted uncensored internet access, an application must be submitted.
All the content on the censored North Korean network is government approved and
monitored. In a country closed to the rest of the world and relying heavily on the
use of propaganda, the content is completely one-sided. Access to globally-sourced,
outside information is cut off.
The value of a free and open internet is rarely disputed in Western countries,
because its benefits are so apparent. The internet has lowered or eliminated
barriers restricting access to knowledge, business, education, and many other
aspects of society.
Consider the internets advantages that people living in free countries experience
on a regular basis:

More products are made more easily available to people living in rural or
hard-to-reach areas.

Loved ones can communicate with others who live far away.

University-level education materials are available at little to no cost.

Various forms of entertainment are accessible on-demand.

The list goes on. Its interesting to note that none of this is coordinated by a central
authority or council. Human beings, using their God-given creativity and
entrepreneurial spirit, create these benefits. The internet is a free and open network
of interconnected human beings, and this freedom is inherent to its success.

History also shows that freedom is important not just to the internet, but for human
flourishing as well. The internet is just one useful example of the benefits of
freedom.
Freedom allows us to live out our callings as Christians. We are better able to carry
out oursecondary callings the calls to family, community, church, and service to
God in ones work if we are free.
Hugh Whelchel, in his book How Then Should We Work?, mentions the Cultural
Mandate given by God in Genesis 1:28, and the Great Commission given by Jesus
in Matthew 28:18-20. He writes,
Theologians debate how the Cultural Mandate and the Great Commission fit
together, but it is clear that both call for a renewal of culture. These two great
mandates should both hold sway over the Christians life.
Freedom makes it easier to obey and fulfill these mandates that hold sway over
our lives.
Freedom carries with it many benefits, but in this fallen world it can be a doubleedged sword. And that will be the case as long as we are on this earth. Some might
choose to exercise their freedom to act in immoral ways, or to limit the freedom of
others. But, with the right moral structure, the benefits of freedom outweigh the
costs when human beings can exercise their God-given gifts without hindrance.
Returning to the example of North Korea, that countrys problems are not just due to
a censored internet. Those problems originated with a worldview that said that the
Communist State is best able to facilitate human flourishing. While events of the
20th century have proven this wrong, as Jay Richards pointed out in a recent post,
the North Korean government continues to hold power, aided by its restriction of
information.
The Founders of the United States recognized that controlling information is a key
tool of tyrannical governments. Thats why they guaranteed freedom of speech and
the press in the First Amendment to the Constitution. These freedoms, and the
many others we enjoy in the West possess, are a blessing to us as we seek to live
and work in response to the callings God places upon our lives. They contribute to
our flourishing, and aid us as we seek peace and prosperity for our culture.
While the injustice and wickedness of the North Korean government provides an
example of life when freedom is restricted, the freedom and openness the internet
provides is an example of the opposite. In freedom, the characteristics God granted
to humankind are not hindered, but allowed to flourish.

The Internet is so far one of the greatest inventions of all time. The Internet has
made it possible for us to do lots of things. People can shop in online stores like
eBay, communicate with family and friends via Skype or Facebook, watch the latest
videos on YouTube, blog and make money from it, and so much more.
The Internet has proven to be very useful and has come with lots of advantages.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of the Internet.
Advantages of Internet
1
Unlimited Communication
The Internet has made it easy for people to communicate with others because it is
cheap and convenient. The only costs incurred are those paid to the Internet service
provider. If you want to talk to someone who is in another part of the globe, you can
just fire up Skype or any other communication app and hold a video chat.
Services such as Skype have helped people from geographically segmented
countries to interact and share ideas. As such, people are able to share their
thoughts and views on matters affecting the globe. The Internet acts as common
global platform where people explore ideologies and cultures without limitation.

2
Abundant Information and Resources

The Internet is swamped with information about anything and everything. There are
multiple search engines that have made it easier for Internet users to find
information. For example, it is now common for people to look for free advice from
the Internet on all sorts of issues. The premise here is that whatever problem you
are experiencing, someone somewhere has experienced it and probably solved it.
You can also get the latest news, breakthroughs in all fields including medicine and
even research publications at the click of a button. The Internet is basically a
globally accessible repository of knowledge, and the best part is everyone gets to
chip in.

3
Easy Sharing
Thanks to the Internet, sharing information is fast and seamless. If you want to tell
your 30 friends about your latest promotion, you can do so in an instant. You can
use social media sites such as Facebook or an IM app. They will all get the news at
the same time. You can also share music, videos and any other file.

4
Online Services and E-commerce
Today it is possible to carry out financial transactions online. You can transfer funds,
pay taxes and utility bills or book movie tickets over the Internet in the comfort of
your office or home.
The growth of e-commerce has made it possible for people to shop for most things
online. This has seen the emergence of retail giants such as Amazon, Ebay and
Alibaba. They sell consumer goods globally. Such a feat was virtually impossible
before the Internet.

5
Entertainment
This is one of the major reasons why many people enjoy surfing the Internet
entertainment. You can watch movies, listen to music, read your favorite celebrity
gossip columns and play games over the Internet. The Internet has become a
mammoth amusement park that never closes.

Disadvantages of the Internet

1
Spam Mail
Spamming is the sending of unwanted and useless emails to random people. These
emails obstruct the recipient needlessly. They are illegal and can cause frustration
because they make it hard for people to access their email accounts. Bots are used

to bombard your inbox with endless advertisements. This is quite perplexing as it

always gets mixed up with important emails. Luckily, most email service providers
have a security system in place to prevent spam emails from going to your inbox.
All emails that are deemed suspicious get their email ID or IP address blocked or
sent to the Spam folder.

2
Virus, Trojan & Other Malware
These are malicious programs that plague the Internet time and again. They attack
a computer with the sole intent of causing harm. They can make the computer

malfunction or even this can be very costly especially if you lose important data.
Worse yet is the fact that you can easily fall victim to malicious software by clicking
on a link on the Internet that appears genuine. Internet viruses can be categorized
to three types - those that harm your executable boot files and system, those that
affect a specific file by destroying it and those that keep changing things in your
computer like Word files. You can protect yourself by installing a reliable anti-virus
program on your computer before accessing the Internet.

3
Leakage of Private Information
The fact that the Internet has become a market place has also seen a rise in fraud
cases. Credit/debit card details are particularly vulnerable. This calls for extreme
caution when transacting online. Make sure to use a reliable payment processor
instead of sending your details directly to an individual or business.

4
Addiction to Internet

Just like everything else, people also get addicted to the Internet. This may sound
bizarre, but some people spend more than their fair amount of time on the Internet.
This affects their social interactions a great deal. Internet addiction has been known
to be a major cause of obesity and has, in some cases, led to some diseases like
carpal tunnel syndrome. With some help, people addicted to the Internet can
overcome this challenge.

5
Kids Exposed to Adults-Only Content
The fact that Internet has all information you could ever need is both a good thing
and a bad things. This is because it contains age-inappropriate content like
pornography. Unfortunately, such content can be accessed by children as young as
ten. All guardians and parents can do about it is lock out harmful sites to keep their
children safe. Nevertheless, this is not a full proof strategy as children can still
access the Internet from other devices.

Technology can be defined as applications, instruments, or processes that enhance

or simplify the aspects of everyday life. The vehicle you use to drive to work is an
example of technology that simplifies life. Or, the Internet, as a whole, can be seen
as technology that has greatly enhanced our lives. While the introduction of the
Internet led to many benefits, unfortunately, it also came with its own set of
problems. Most significantly, these problems can negatively impact your security
and privacy.
Lets address some of the advantages and disadvantages (drawbacks) of the
Internet, and what you can do to keep your security and privacy intact.
Electronic Communications:
The Advantage:
Before the Internet came into existence, to communicate with someone who isnt in
the same room as you, you would have to call them on a phone. Or if you wanted to
send them a note you had to send a letter through snail mail. With the introduction
of the Internet, we now have the ability to send and receive messages through
electronic mail- virtually instantaneously and without the need of a postage stamp.
The Problem:
Unfortunately, the ability to send and receive emails also created a means for
cybercriminals to distribute spam and malware. Malware hiding in email
attachments could wreak havoc to your PC or possibly even create a backdoor for
an attacker to infiltrate your system. Through emails, cybercriminals saw this as
another opportunity to play on human emotions and lure victims into revealing
sensitive information through phishing scams.
What You Can Do
In addition to making sure your PC has an antivirus and two-way firewall, the key
here is to think before you click. Did you get an email indicating there was unusual
activity with your account and that you should click on this link to verify? Or, did you
receive an email confirmation of a flight you did not make? In either instance, do not
panic. If youre unsure whether the email is legitimate or not, the best way to find
out is to log into your online account directly to check on the claim. As always,
never open email attachments from a sender you do not know.
Online Shopping:
The Advantage:
With the Internet came the convenience of online shopping. Rather than having to
drive to a mall and wait in long lines to make a purchase, you can now do all of your
shopping with a few clicks of the mouse. In addition, the Internet made it easier for
individuals to price compare between different online retailers to see which one
offers the best selections and prices.
The Problem:
While the Internet brought upon convenience for individuals to make online
purchases, this also created yet another way for cybercriminals to steal personal
information and to distribute malware.

First, cybercriminals create fake websites that offer goods at unbelievable prices to
attract individuals. For example, during the Holiday Season you might search for the
best electronic deals through a search engine. Cybercriminals can trick you into
clicking on their fake website by boosting their ranking in the search engine results
page (SERP) through a technique called SEO poisoning. You might think youre
making a legitimate purchase, but in actuality the cybercriminal has just taken hold
of your personal information and could now use it to commit identity theft or sell it
to the black market.
Second, cybercriminals can spread malware on legitimate websites by means of
drive-by-downloads. Since popular and legitimate online shopping websites already
receive a ton of visitors, this makes it much easier for cybercriminals to infect a
wider reach of computers in a shorter amount of time. Legitimate websites could
unknowingly distribute malware to visitors through malicious advertisements
(or malvertisements) that are run by third-party vendors, or simply by hackers who
have compromised the website itself.
What You Can Do
Rather than using a search engine to search for amazing deals during the Holiday
season, its better to go to the official website of the online retailer directly. And if
youre thinking about making a purchase from unknown online retailers, simply
dont. When it comes to online retailer that might not be as popular or well-known
as Amazon, tools such as MyWOT can give you a better idea of the reputation of the
website. Additionally, PC security that comes with anti-phishing is a must in helping
you avoid fraudulent websites. And just in case the legitimate website youre
visiting has been compromised, your security software is there to stop the threats
before it has a chance to infect your PC!
Online Banking:
The Advantage:
Nowadays, online banking is practically the norm. You log into your online accounts
to pay bills, transfer funds, or just to check your balance. Prior to online banking,
you would have to drive to your local bank and wait in line for the next teller to
have your transactions completed. With the Internet, you can avoid the line all
together simply by remotely logging into your account on your computer and
completing your transaction from there any time of day or night.
The Problem:
While the Internet brought upon efficiency and convenience of banking for
consumers, this also gave cybercriminals a means to potentially steal your hardearned cash. Cybercriminals could trick you into downloading a backdoor Trojan that
would give them a back entry to your PC, where they could then record your
banking credentials. Or, as mentioned in the section on Electronic
Communications, cybercriminals could deceive you into revealing your credentials
through a phishing scam. All of this could be done via the Internet without leaving
any trace.
What You Can Do
One of the last things you want to happen to you is for a cybercriminal to have

access to your finances. Cybercriminals can take advantage of vulnerabilities in

outdated software and use it to infect your PC with malware that can steal your
banking credentials, so be sure to have adequatePC security software and to keep
your operating system, Web browsers, and other applications up-to-date. When it
comes to accessing your online banking account at a public hotspot, only do so if
youre connected to a VPN (virtual private network).
The Internet of Things (IoT)
The Advantage:
The main advantage of the Internet is its ability to connect billions of computers and
devices to each other. Not only does the Internet create convenience in sharing and
receiving information between users, another advantage of the modern Internet is
its ability for automation. Enter The Internet of Things, where devices and sensors
communicate with each other to automatically perform a designated task or
function. For example, a smart thermostat could reduce your energy cost by
automatically adjusting the temperature when it senses you have left the house.
Additionally, it learns your heating and cooling preferences and adjusts them to
your liking.
The Problem:
While a smart thermostat can aid in reducing your energy cost, the downside is that
a hacker could exploit the hardware of the thermostat and use it to spy on home
owners. Since smart thermostats have access to information such as when youre
home or away, your zip code, and your WiFi credentials, a hacker who compromises
the thermostat will now have access to all of this information.
Smart thermostats arent the only devices vulnerable to attacks. According to a
recent study, 70 percent of IoT devices are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. This list
includes thermostats, TVs, webcams, sprinkler control systems, home alarms, and
door locks- just to name a few. The truth of the matter is that all of these devices
have loopholes and vulnerabilities that could be exploited by just about anyone.
What You Can Do
If you chose to use IoT devices, make sure to examine the privacy policies and
security features before making a purchase decision. Also, when new security
patches or software updates are available, you should immediately update to the
latest version. And finally, dont be afraid to contact the company that
manufacturers the device, should you have questions or concerns about the
product.
Never Let Your Guard Down
Are we saying we should go back to how things were before the Internet? Absolutely
not! The Internet offers great opportunity and advancement. However, keep in
mind, the more convenient something is, the less secure it will be making it a lot
more vulnerable for a hacker to exploit its weaknesses. Enjoy what the Internet has
to offer, but always be conscious of the potential risks, as doing so goes a long way
to helping you stay more secure in this connected world.

DISADVANTAGES OF THE INTERNET

Communication via the Web
Although there are many advantages, researchers argue some
disadvantages of an internet based society. Most of these drawbacks
are a result of decreased face-to-face communication and the ability
to escape identity.
Negative effects on family communication
Although there are conflicting research findings on this topic, an
article published by Science Daily reported that time spent on the
Internet was associated with later declines in within house family
communication and a decrease in the number of friends and
acquaintances with which they kept ties.

Lack of conflict resolution

The same article suggests that communication on the web is taking
away necessary human conflict. For example, if an Internet
conversation starts getting heated or if someone gets angry, it is too
easy to just sign off and not deal with the issue. Resolving conflict is
a part of life that shouldnt be avoided and is usually psychologically
helpful.
Lonliness
Another proposed disadvantage is that a couple of studies have
found strong correlations between frequency of Internet use and
loneliness. People that use the Internet often are more likely to
become lonely and depressed than those that dont. One proposal
as to why this is the case is because of a potential reduced social
support system as a result of the Internet.
Internet addiction
There is some controversy over whether it is possible to actually be
addicted to the Internet or not. Some researchers, like John M.
Grohol, claim that it is simply people trying to escape their problems
in an online world and cannot be classified as an addiction. He
demonstrates his theory with this model and states that what some
people call an addiction is just someone that is
caught in stage one.

Other psychologists, including Jennifer R. Ferris, believe that

Internet addiction is a true psychological disorder with definable
symptoms. The symptoms are comparable to any addiction,
withdrawal, loss of relationships or job and significant time
consumption.
If an actual addiction exists or doesnt exist, the underlying themes
that support the addiction theory are still an issue. Whether people
are trying to escape problems and reality or they will go through
withdrawal if they arent surfing the net or chatting, it is still
psychologically unhealthy.

1) Information on almost every subject imaginable.

2) Powerful search engines
3) Ability to do research from your home versus research
libraries.
4) Information at various levels of study. Everything from
scholarly articles to ones directed at children.
5) Message boards where people can discuss ideas on

any topic. Ability to get wide range of opinions. People

can find others that have a similar interest in whatever
they are interested in.
6) The internet provides the ability of emails. Free mail
service to anyone in the country.
7) Platform for products like SKYPE, which allow for
holding a video conference with anyone in the world who
also has access.
8) Friendships and love connections have been made
over the internet by people involved in love/passion over
similar interests.
9) Things such as Yahoo Answers and other sites where
kids can have readily available help for homework.
10) News, of all kinds is available almost instantaneously.
Commentary, on that news, from every conceivable
viewpoint is also available.

Disadvantages:
1) There is a lot of wrong information on the internet.
Anyone can post anything, and much of it is garbage.
2) There are predators that hang out on the internet
waiting to get unsuspecting people in dangerous
situations.
3) Some people are getting addicted to the internet and
thus causing problems with their interactions of friends
and loved ones.
4) Pornography that can get in the hands of young
children too easily.
5) Easy to waste a lot of time on the internet. You can
start surfing, and then realize far more time has passed
than you realized. Internet and television together of
added to the more sedentary lifestyles of people which
further exacerbates the obesity problem.
6) Internet has a lot of "cheater" sites. People can buy
essays and pass them off as their own far more easily

than they used to be able to do.

7) There are a lot of unscrupulous businesses that have
sprung up on the internet to take advantage of people.
8) Hackers can create viruses that can get into your
personal computer and ruin valuable data.
9) Hackers can use the internet for identity theft.
10) It can be quite depressing to be on the internet and
realize just how uneducated so many people have
become in today's society.

Thanks to the growth of information technology, we now live in the

Computer Age. The Internet has many uniquely modern functions.
Yet, there are risks and bad effects when using it. Four pros are
going to fight against four cons below.
Widely used in offices, research institutes, information centers and
education, the Internet has greatly raised the accuracy and
efficiency of work, and saved much money and manpower for
human beings. This multi-medium assists us in our work in so many
ways. It can centralize updated data and backup documents without
copying by hand. We can check available balance, make transfer

payment, pay bills and buy insurance or stock through the internet.
It makes our life so much easier.
On the other hand, the Internet represents an opportunity for
students to explore the incredible wealth of information which
enhances our learning. The low cost and nearly instantaneous
sharing of ideas, knowledge, and skills have made collaborative
work dramatically easier. It allows us to conveniently and
professionally do researches, prepare projects, and do other work.
This really can enable us to acquire more knowledge and equip
ourselves.
The Internet provides us with new chances to widen communication
and deepen relationships. We can stay in touch with family and
friends across the globe via using chat-rooms and messaging tools
such as MSN and facebook, a very popular site which allows people
to share photos with others. Moreover, you can meet friends
worldwide and exchange different cultures.
Fun and entertainment can also be offered by the Internet.
Shopping on line no longer sounds strange. It is handy and
comfortable to get what you want on web sites and wait at home for
the goods delivered. Children can play various kinds of on-line
games. Indeed, the Internet has become a companion of man.
Despite the numerous advantages of using the Internet, there are
some disadvantages we should admit.
The use of the Internet may have bad effects upon the economic
fields and society. A sudden and undesirable change in a program of
a computer system can cause a bank to lose thousands of million
dollars within one day. Work of months or even years may be
destroyed within one minute by computer viruses. People have to
bear the pain of facing by sudden power cut or failures of function.
Crimes committed with the help of computers are not rare. As the
regulations of uploading information or photos via the internet are
not strictly revised, one's privacy may not be highly protected.
Along with the rise in broadband internet connections, people can

easily share and download illegal pirated files such as movies and
music. The classified documents of the Hong Kong Police
Department and ICAC have been exposed to the public because of
the guarantee-free file-sharing program on the Internet. Such an
incident reflects that Internet crime can be so serious that it can
threaten governments and businesses.
In addition, computers provide no direct communication among
people. Conversations are mostly expressed in written words rather
than spoken language. The lack of personal interaction may result in
a loss of social skills. Ones way of getting along with people cannot
be practiced simply through the Internet.
The internet somehow behaves like drugs and alcohol. Being
addicted to it, people sometimes dont know when to stop accessing
it. Such behavior is regarded as a kind of illness nowadays. Overuse
may result in neglect of other aspects of life, such as work and
study. Unless one has the real need to use computers for a period of
time, it is particularly time-consuming to surf most of the time.
Moreover, some people may get their eyes hurt by sitting for too
long in front of computers. These actions should not be encouraged.
Despite these facts, the Internet has been a major source of
information and leisure, and we should use it wisely and discreetly. I
personally think the benefits outweigh the harm. With a few clicks
on the keyboard, we can virtually visit everywhere in the world. I
believe the Internet will bring us more surprises and offer us a
promising tomorrow.
The Advantages & Disadvantages of The Internet:
The Internet or the World Wide Web is indeed a wonderful and
amazing addition in our lives. The Internet can be known as a kind
of global meeting place where people from all parts of the world can
come together. It is a service available on the computer, through
which everything under the sun is now at the fingertips of anyone
who has access to the Internet.

To get online, meaning to connect to the Internet, you need to

have:
A Computer: Computer equipment is a sizeable investment
and thus you should select a computer carefully. Before buying
a computer, understand your needs and then choose one
accordingly. See that it comes with a warranty and that after
sales service is available in case you need it.
Internet Service Provider: This is the software that you will
require to get online. You can now choose from a dial-up
service or 24-hour broadband services. This is the service that
will help you to connect to the Internet and start your surfing
experiences.
Advantages of the Internet
The Internet provides opportunities galore, and can be used for a
variety of things. Some of the things that you can do via the
Internet are:
E-mail: E-mail is an online correspondence system. With email you can send and receive instant electronic messages,
which works like writing letters. Your messages are delivered
instantly to people anywhere in the world, unlike traditional
mail that takes a lot of time.
Access Information: The Internet is a virtual treasure trove
of information. Any kind of information on any topic under the
sun is available on the Internet. The search engines on the
Internet can help you to find data on any subject that you
need.
Shopping: Along with getting information on the Internet, you
can also shop online. There are many online stores and sites
that can be used to look for products as well as buy them
using your credit card. You do not need to leave your house

and can do all your shopping from the convenience of your

home.
Online Chat: There are many chat rooms on the web that
can be accessed to meet new people, make new friends, as
well as to stay in touch with old friends.
Downloading Software: This is one of the most happening
and fun things to do via the Internet. You can download
innumerable, games, music, videos, movies, and a host of
other entertainment software from the Internet, most of which
are free.
Disadvantages of the Internet
There are certain cons and dangers relating to the use of Internet
that can be summarized as:
Personal Information: If you use the Internet, your personal
information such as your name, address, etc. can be accessed
by other people. If you use a credit card to shop online, then
your credit card information can also be stolen which could be
akin to giving someone a blank check.
Pornography: This is a very serious issue concerning the
Internet, especially when it comes to young children. There are
thousands of pornographic sites on the Internet that can be
easily found and can be a detriment to letting children use the
Internet.
Spamming: This refers to sending unsolicited e-mails in bulk,
which serve no purpose and unnecessarily clog up the entire
system.
If you come across any illegal activity on the Internet, such as child
pornography or even spammers, then you should report these
people and their activities so that they can be controlled and other

people deterred from carrying them out. Child pornography can be

reported to:
Your Internet service provider
Local police station
Cyber Angels (program to report cyber crime)
Such illegal activities are frustrating for all Internet users, and so
instead of just ignoring it, we should make an effort to try and stop
these activities so that using the Internet can become that much
safer. That said, the advantages of the Internet far outweigh the
disadvantages, and millions of people each day benefit from using
the Internet for work and for pleasure.

Disadvantages
Three of the main concerns that accompany the Internet of
Things are the breach of privacy, over-reliance on technology, and
the loss of jobs. When anything is put on the internet it will always
be there. Of course there are security measures that are taken to
protect information, but there is always the possibility of hackers
breaking into the system and stealing the data. For example,
Anonymous is a group of individuals that hacked into federal sites
and released confidential information to the public. Meanwhile the
government is supposed to have the highest level of security, yet
their system was easily breached. Therefore, if all of our
information is stored on the internet, people could hack into it,
finding out everything about individuals lives. Also, companies
could misuse the information that they are given access to. This is
a common mishap that occurs within companies all the time. Just
recently Google got caught using information that was supposed to
be private. Information, such as the data collected and stored by
IoT, can be immensely beneficial to companies.
The privacy issues also leads to the question of who will
control the Internet of Things? If there is only one company, that
could potentially lead to a monopoly hurting consumers and other
companies. If there are multiple companies that are given access to
the information acquired, doesnt that breach consumers
privacy? Also, where is the information going to be stored? Phone
service suppliers such as Verizon and AT&T are no longer offering
unlimited data usage for mobile phones because it is too costly, yet
by 2020 it is expected that 50 billion devices will be connected,
collecting and storing data (Evans, 2011).

Another argument against IoT is the over-reliance on

technology. As time has progressed, our current generation has
grown up with the readily availability of the internet and technology
in general. However, relying on technology on a day to day basis,
making decisions by the information that it gives up could lead to
devastation. No system is robust and fault-free. We see glitches
that occur constantly in technology, specifically involving the
internet. Depending on the amount that an individual relies on the
information supplied could be detrimental if the system
collapses. The more we entrust and the more dependent we are on
the Internet could lead to a potentially catastrophic event if it
crashes.
Finally the connecting of more and more devices to the
Internet will result in the loss of jobs. The automation of IoT will
have a devastating impact on the employment prospects of lesseducated workers (Schumpeter, 2010). For example, people who
evaluate inventory will lose their jobs because devices can not only
communicate between each other, but transmit that information to
the owner. We already are witnessing jobs being lost to automated
machines, such as the checkout line in supermarkets and even
ATMs. These disadvantages can be largely devastating to society
as a whole, as well as individuals and consumers.