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So, what are the primary benefits and drawbacks of the internet? And do they outweigh each other?
According to January 2024 statistics from Statista, a leading global data platform, there are currently over 5.35 billion internet users worldwide, representing approximately 66.2% of the global population. These users leverage social media platforms and various internet applications to make audio-visual connections with anyone across the globe and explore diverse cultures instantaneously.
The internet’s significance is highlighted when compared to the traditional communication methods of the pre-digital era. In the past, delivering a message to someone distant could take days or even months, whereas today, it typically takes a minute or less.
Statistics from Statista project that the number of online learning programs and platforms users is expected to reach one billion by early 2028. This underscores the internet’s effective role in facilitating the learning process, enabling individuals to learn anything they want, at any time, and from anywhere. Additionally, it provides access to the expertise of seasoned educators and specialists across various fields through e-learning programs, such as programming, languages, and a wide range of other disciplines.
Online shopping enables individuals to purchase anything with a single click from the comfort of their own homes, without experiencing the fatigue or stress of traditional shopping. The increasing demand for online shopping each year highlights the internet’s efficiency in facilitating and enhancing the shopping experience. Statista estimates that global retail e-commerce sales on websites such as Amazon, Alibaba, and others are expected to reach about 8 trillion dollars by 2027.
The internet opened the door for full-time remote work, allowing individuals to earn money from home. Nowadays, many companies worldwide offer remote work options for their employees regardless of their geographical location. Additionally, entrepreneurs can establish their own businesses, promote them, and conduct sales and purchase transactions, among other things, entirely online.
Therefore, the future of remote work appears to be truly promising. With the internet proving its efficiency in this area, most leading countries in the business sector now endorse remote working. According to VisaGuide, a website specialising in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of remote work visa systems, the United Arab Emirates ranked first regionally and fourth globally in 2023 among the top destinations for remote work, offering a supportive and attractive environment for talents and individuals working in the digital field.
The internet has revolutionised financial management, allowing users to manage bank accounts, transfer money, and pay bills with a simple click. Mobile banking apps and electronic wallets, like Google Pay and Apple Pay, provide convenient and secure payments in stores, restaurants, and markets. Moreover, electronic payment gateways, like PayPal, facilitate financial transactions and integrate various payment cards effectively, enhancing the efficiency of online payments.
The internet offers one of the most accessible forms of entertainment available today. It allows users to watch movies, enjoy fun videos, play games solo or with players from around the world, and share amusing content, such as videos and photos, with friends on social media.
Internet addiction refers to the excessive use of social media, video games, and the internet in general, accompanied by a persistent desire to spend more time online at the expense of daily tasks and responsibilities. This issue is particularly common and more prevalent among young people, although it can affect any age group.
Unfortunately, internet addiction often leads to numerous issues, including obesity, muscle and bone pain from prolonged screen time, sleep disturbances, insomnia, eye strain, heightened stress and anxiety, a tendency towards isolation, and diminished academic or professional performance due to concentration difficulties.
As technology becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, the risk of cyber attacks and security threats escalates among individuals who rely on electronic devices like computers, mobile phones, and smartwatches. These threats include malware, viruses, phishing attempts aimed at stealing money and personal data, and ransomware programs that block access to data until a ransom is paid.
Unfortunately, these security threats and breaches are widespread. A 2020 report by Google revealed that Gmail blocks nearly 100 million phishing emails daily! Furthermore, IBM, a leading technology services company, estimates that the global cost of losses due to cyber crimes is projected to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025.
Social media platforms often spread lots of misleading and inaccurate information, while also exposing many users to cyberbullying and online verbal abuse. Moreover, users may encounter offensive posts or content that conflicts with their community or culture.
Despite the abundance of useful content available online, the internet also harbours misleading, violent, extremist, and false news and information. Essentially, this content is a blend of unfiltered data lacking the oversight of fact-checkers, reviewers, and critics. Hence, users must scrutinise the information they encounter online before trusting it.
After understanding the advantages and disadvantages of the internet, the question that often arises is: “Do the internet's benefits outweigh its drawbacks, or vice versa?” The answer largely depends on the users themselves and how they leverage technology to achieve their goals, enhance self-improvement, and complete tasks easily and efficiently.
To mitigate the risks, users need to be mindful of the time they spend on the internet and the content they engage with. This includes verifying the accuracy of information, using security programs, and adopting effective precautions against potential security threats.
[1] javatpoint.com, What are the advantages of the Internet?
[2] computerhope.com, What are the advantages of the Internet?
[3] geeksforgeeks.org, Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet
[4] educba.com, Advantages and Disadvantages of the Internet
[5] tutorialspoint.com, Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet
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