The Internet: Friend or Foe?

This week, we discussed whether the Internet truly brought people together or not. The discussion escalated into a mini debate for a few minutes, and my group was placed on the side that disagreed: The Internet, for all its wonders, were actually separating people.

I think both sides made salient points.

The Internet pretty much revolutionised our lives. It closed geographical distances, changed content sharing and consumption and made communication a lot faster and easier. This is all old stuff, of course – we all know the benefits of the Internet. I myself have Bible study via Skype because it’s far more convenient. Communication is still instantaneous, it’s very close to face to face interaction, and it saves time. What’s not to like?

In a way, it’s also enriched my social life despite what psychologists may say about how it makes us teenagers dead dogs when it comes to face to face interaction. It’s so much easier to keep in touch with long-lost primary school friends, maintain relationships with secondary school friends and see how cousins who live overseas are doing (Facebook, anyone?). We definitely would have lost touch completely if we just relied on the plain old telephone.

It’s also changed the way we learn things. I’m interested in photography – and it’s immensely wonderful, being able to learn stuff on the Internet, joining communities of photographers, looking at other photographers’ work. And of course, it lets others view your work quickly rather than you having to lug a photo album halfway around the world.

Doing work for school is a lot easier too. When in doubt, Google.

At the same time, books still hold rich amounts of information that shouldn’t be ignored just because Google’s a student’s best friend.

Of course, with every good invention comes a few side effects. It’s true that people spend less time with their families because they’re so glued to the screen. Many others are addicted to computer or online gaming and their lives are so tragically one-sided as a result.

It’s perfectly fine to spend a few hours a day on the Internet (or almost the whole day as is the case for most of us), but it’s also easy enough to make the effort to spend time with your loved ones. I myself would be unable to remain contented with a purely online relationship or friendship. Sooner or later, when one wants to take things to a deeper level, face-to-face interaction is often desired.

Go out. Have breakfast during the weekends together. Go shopping. Talk about your day at school.

To me, it’s simply a juggling act involving balance and self-control, one that is quite easily managed if you’re committed to it.

I read in Digital Life recently about how people are now reading storybooks off their tablets (or whatever you call them). It’s just another example of how traditional media is changing. I hope, though, that traditional media will not disappear completely. While reading online news can be faster, there is something gratifying about fingering the papery edges of a book or newspaper, smelling their musty smell of carbon, and hearing the pages rustle as you turn them.