is internet harmful or useful?
927800
Both at the same time. It depends how you use it and who you encounter. Just like life really.
405122
Benefits are numerous. Computers enable us to make life easy by increasing the efficiency of offices, schools and persons. Science and Arts can make great progress with the help of computers. And we enjoy the fruits of them. Instant communication bridges the gap between people - relatives, friends and enemies, as well as researchers and thinkers.\n\nHowever, computers are not without their drawbacks. They can create an illusion of the world which may be different from reality. Many become so dependent on computers that they feel helpless without. Also, you can get ache, cramps, blood clots and impaired vision from excessive use of computer. Without going outdoors or using cars, together with physical inactivity can even kill a person. Because these can beget diabetes or other serious ailments.\n\nMan will certainly overcome these bad effects and derive much benefits from use of computers, in days to come.
749601
Absolutely. There is a huge problem with internet fraud and the proliferation of child pornography. MacLean's magazine had a great article recently titled something like, The Internet Sucks. People think they can spread hate propoganda and get away with it. I'm all for free speech too, but not this kind of free speech.
212433
yes and no.  Anything is dangerous, driving down the street, walking down the street, anything you could think of has some amount of danger to it but only a small percentage of people on the internet are bad.  You just have to take steps and precautions to make it safe.  Know the person your meeting the best you can.  Meet only in public places and don't go anywhere alone with them till you are 110% sure you know them, your friends know them, your family knows them..  hope this helps
374114
I'm not particularly concerned about it. The internet is not a major risk to children, in reality. All this is just an overreaction caused by media hype. I've had unrestricted internet access since the age of eleven, and if anything, it's only helped me to grow up, with more understanding and knowledge of the world around me.\n\nPornography and violent media are rather easily access outside of the internet, and have been since before the internet became popular. I really wouldn't worry too much. As long as the child is mature enough and is taught the right values, nothing as mundane as internet access will corrupt them.
239919
Like most things, the internet gives us miraculas benefits and dangerous possibilities. With the growing energy crisis, we will see more people having the ability to work from home, but this could create a rise in depression and a decline in social skills.\n\nIt will be interesting to watch the development of computers and where the next generation of technology will take us. We will obviously see more voice activated computers, they will be used in more areas of the home, they will be faster, perhaps smaller. They will run most of the aspects of our home (security,entertainment, maintenance, communication). I'm sure there will be aspects we can't even imagine now. We are alreay using them in ways that were inconceivable as little as 12 or 15 years ago. \n\nWe live in interesting times.
441177
Yes.\n\nNot only does it have more features, but it's much more secure. Browsing with IE is about as safe as sleeping with a crusty old hooker.
188664
The best service you could offer would be to refrain from contributing to the clutter on the World Wide Web.\n\nUnless you have a legitimate purpose, do not attempt to come up with something for the sake of coming up with something.
162439
it is useful when you know how to use it wisely.\nit is a disease called 'Webaholism' when you use it more than necessary. . .
725183
The content of the internet reflects the collective contents of the minds of mankind. It makes it extremely easy to access all kinds of information and resources - both good and bad. At the end of the day its how you choose to use it that will determine its effect on you.
93123
There are many negative effects of the internet.\n\nOne major effect is that if the internet was hacked (and it is possible), most businesses and corporations would not be able to do business because of dependancies on PC's.\n\nTwo are viruses and malicious code that are being spawned on the internet to grab personal information or just even cause chaos to someone or a lot of peoples computers.  \n\nThree and probably a big one is the easy access to pornography.  Underage children and pedophiles are online with access to each other which creates a very serious problem for the future.\n\nHope this gives you some ideas.
221597
it can be very educational as well as addictive to teh point of wasting your time\n\na lot like the internet\n\nit really depends on what use you put it to
1078490
As a mother of a soon to be 11 year old, my answer is NO! Sadly enough, the internet is not only used by 11 year olds but by those sad individuals that prey on kids this young. A parent can not keep their child safe from all ill in the world but they can keep them safe from cyber fools.
611990
YES the internet can be that bad!\n\nThat's why I never allow my child to go online unsupervised.\n\nI also know a 13 year old that in six months of being online unsupervised thinks she is a goth vampire, had her lip pierced and wants to kill her mom. She had smaller issues before this, but most recently hopsitalized explained that she just copied other people she thought were cool. \n\nI've met a guy online, became friends online, and he started stalking me! Sending me gifts and flowers and all that at work, trying to get me to move in with him. It was partially my fault because my relationship was having problems and he was easy to talk to, but it went way overboard. He even called the hospital when my daughter was admitted to ask how she was doing - while we were in the emergency room - after calling work to ask where I was.\n\nOur local news is always busting someone adult guy for trying to meet up with a teenager through online.\n\nScary stuff.\n\nTrust me, it CAN be that dangerous. \n\nBut also remember, it can be a great learning tool and great for information, science projects etc.
757851
The internet can be both good and bad.. It just depends on how you, and others use it... What would you want to be safe about it.. Doesn't get much safer.. how many other ways can you look at a live webcam of china while you sit in your underwear..
591265
Unfortunately, too much. And I don't know what exactly I do every day. Sometimes I use the internet for research purposes, and that could be several hours. Most days I check e-mail numerous times, check the weather in different parts of the world, read news articles, check the exchange rate, apartments for an area I might move to, watch movie trailers, check airfare prices, play a game. So basically I might spend 2 hours a day on the internet. A couple weeks ago my computer was out of commission. I didn't realize how addicted I was to typing documents on my computer and checking e-mail. It drove me nuts.
722481
Downloading from anywhere is dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. Even using a web browser is included because it downloads every page you view.