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21 Pros and Cons of the Internet

21 Pros and Cons of the Internet

Dalia Yashinsky (MA, Phil)

Dalia Yashinsky is a freelance academic writer. She graduated with her Bachelor's (with Honors) from Queen's University in Kingston Ontario in 2015. She then got her Master's Degree in philosophy, also from Queen's University, in 2017.

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21 Pros and Cons of the Internet

Chris Drew (PhD)

This article was peer-reviewed and edited by Chris Drew (PhD). The review process on Helpful Professor involves having a PhD level expert fact check, edit, and contribute to articles. Reviewers ensure all content reflects expert academic consensus and is backed up with reference to academic studies. Dr. Drew has published over 20 academic articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education and holds a PhD in Education from ACU.

internet essay pros and cons

The internet is a technological innovation that brings a lot of advantages and disadvantages to society because of how much it facilitates fast, easy communication.

Benefits include access to information, broader social circles, and convenience with meeting needs for work and home.

But digital media can be harmful when they damage the health of users or isolates people. As a result, parents often put limitations on internet use for children to help them get the benefits while minimizing the harms of internet usage.

Pros and Cons of the Internet

Pro 1: ease of communication.

Almost every internet user uses it for communication in one form or another. For some, it is their primary way of communicating with people.

But even those who still prefer traditional methods like phone calls or letters in the post will have to deal with a business by email or live chat at some point.

The internet revolutionized methods of communication, including those that were once just science fiction, like video calling and conferencing.

Even types of communication that seem crude to us now, like web forums, were a huge game changer when they were first introduced.

Pro 2: Unrestricted Social Circles

Before the internet, a person’s social group was almost exclusively limited to people who lived in their geographic proximity.

Pen friends and long-distance relationships existed, but letters take days to get through the post and international telephone calls were very expensive.

One of the pros of social media on the internet is that people are now able to connect with others who share the personal identities , same interests, hobbies, passions , and quirks wherever they are in the world.

You can even use instant online translators to have conversations with people with whom you do not share a language.

Pro 3: Global Collaboration

The ability to reach like minds anywhere in the world through the internet is not just limited to social use.

This global infrastructure also allows people to collaborate with anyone anywhere on the planet.

These collaborations can be professional or amateur and can range from the academic to the creative.

Many scientific journals will post studies done jointly by universities thousands of miles apart, and YouTube is full of virtual bands with each member recording their part in their own home or local studio and putting it all together online.

Pro 4: New Careers

The internet is both so expansive and so unlike anything that has come before it, that it has created multiple whole new industries of jobs.

These include jobs that are directly connected to how it works, like web developers and designers, but also jobs with an indirect link, such as e-commerce and digital marketing.

But even old jobs are online now – you can even teach online !

In creating these jobs, the internet stimulates the economy and reduces unemployment. The fact that these jobs can be done from anywhere in the world also means that it improves the situation in less powerful economies without any barriers.

Pro 5: Improvements to Existing Careers

The internet does not only help the job market by creating new jobs. It also makes existing jobs easier and more convenient to do, as well as more effective.

During 2020, for example, the internet made it possible for many people to continue doing their jobs from home rather than simply losing them.

As working from home becomes more standard, the internet will become an even more integral part of employment.

Pro 6: Convenience

A lot of the daily chores of life are made so much more convenient through the use of the internet.

Paying bills by going to the provider’s website and clicking a few buttons is much easier than going to the bank every month.

The same can be said for doing your shopping online and getting it delivered instead of traveling from store to store.

These little conveniences make a difference because they are unavoidable tasks, but by doing them through the internet, you save so much time that would otherwise have been lost.

Pro 7: Access to Essential Services

It’s not just the daily chores that the internet makes easier, but also some essentials.

Using public services is more convenient when you can do so on the appropriate website rather than go to or ring up a government office.

Another example is education, which the internet played a critical role in allowing to continue when schools were shut down in some places in 2020/2021.

Pro 8: Huge Range of Entertainment

The internet has allowed people to access entertainment with a breadth and convenience that has not been seen before.

This covers everything from movies to music to video games.

Whereas before, you would have to go to a theater or a video store to watch a new movie on your own time, now you can stream it.

Instead of having to go out and buy a new video game on a DVD from a brick and mortar store, you can now download it.

Pro 9: Creative Outlet

In addition to allowing people to enjoy others’ creative efforts, the internet is also a great platform for people to express their own creativity .

Through the combination of a global infrastructure and a catalog of sites for creative endeavors, individuals can upload and share anything that they create and express themselves to an audience that they would not have access to in their local community.

Pro 10: One Global Repository for Information

The internet offers access to the largest quantity of information possible. It does this because it is not itself a true repository, but rather it allows access to any source of information that is online.

Books that have been digitized are available on the internet, and you can access these regardless of where you are in the world.

Whether your local library stocks a specific book or not is no longer an issue.

The internet also allows people to share information with others, either through large encyclopedia sites like Wikipedia or through non-mainstream investigative journalism.

Pro 11: Free Information

From the blog post you’re currently reading to Wikipedia and YouTube, the internet is full of free information.

No other generation in the history of the world has had so much access to free information at their fingertips.

This has made it possible to learn skills that help them get jobs, make money, learn a language, or anything else of interest without having to pay for an expensive course.

Con 1: People Trying to Con You

While the internet is a disruptive technology , these disruptions can cause social problems . One of the biggest threats coming from the internet is people who want your money and will take it through nefarious means.

People who are less familiar with how the internet works are especially vulnerable to this because they are often less able to spot bad actors as it is about to happen or even after it has happened.

This might be as simple as opening the wrong type of email that will end up getting you caught up in a huge mess. Using high quality security software is a must!

Con 2: Losses of Privacy

Privacy concerns are linked to the above example. People can take your identity online and use it in harmful or unauthorized ways.

Although governments have started making laws to regulate this, internet-based companies are still infamous for taking user information and giving it to marketers.

This has historically been done without the consent of unwitting users and continues to be done so still to a lesser extent.

Social media has also been a way that individuals’ privacy has deteriorated.

Con 3: Conflict

The internet is an open forum that allows anyone to engage with anyone on a global scale.

While this is incredible for fostering wanted communications, it creates a very easy opportunity for unwanted communications.

Before the internet, people had to look each other in the eyes to say what they thought. This meant there was both a public pressure against it and a way to control it. But through the internet, this is not so.

This is especially true when the social media user is anonymous, which means they have no direct disincentive.

Con 4: Social Isolation

When people spend too much time on the internet, it can increase feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

The internet makes it very easy for this condition to appear because a lot of people may feel like their needs for social interaction are being met through social media and similar services.

When this decreases the amount of time they spend with friends and family outside of the internet, it can be unhealthy.

Con 5: Overuse and Dependence

Meeting social needs is not the only reason why people become dependent on the internet.

The convenience it offers in so many aspects of life may make people rely on it for many tasks, even the simplest ones.

Someone who is very used to doing all of their shopping online, for example, may find it difficult to adapt if they can no longer use the internet for this.

How long could you live without internet?

Con 6: Internet Addiction

Overdependence on the internet can even progress into full-blown addiction.

In cases of internet addiction, even mild ones, people will spend time on the internet without doing anything productive and without even enjoying it.

Cyberloafing is a common manifestation of internet addiction.

In addition to the negative influence this can have on a person directly, it can also decrease productivity, which, over a large scale, can harm entire economies.

Con 7: Deterioration of Health

People who spend too much time on the internet, even if it is for legitimate and positive reasons, can begin to develop certain health problems.

When all of a person’s work and most of their leisure time is online, this can promote a very sedentary lifestyle.

The lack of physical activity can have serious consequences if it is not made up for in some other way, like with exercise, for example.

Con 8: Fake News and Other Misinformation

Because the internet is largely decentralized, there is little to no quality control on what information is put on it (in other words, there is no gatekeeper ).

This means that with anyone able to say anything, information that is untrue, incomplete, or misrepresented can spread very quickly and very widely.

Today, we see people who have become highly radicalized, indoctrinated, and manipulated into believing nonsense and conspiracies spread online.

To address this, we all need to ensure we have very good media literacy skills .

Con 9: Public Distrust

As people become more used to the amount of false information that is on new media on the internet, they may begin to lose trust in any information that is presented.

Although a degree of skepticism in life can be healthy, it can be damaging to a society when it develops to a point where too many people do not trust those around them.

This includes not just large institutions but also their friends and family.

Con 10: New Stratification of Society

All of the benefits that the internet brings can themselves create a negative effect when they are only possible for some people but not for others.

This creates a new sort of stratification in society, dividing those that are able to use the internet well and those that are not. We call this the ‘digital divide’.

Although this has historically affected poorer regions with less capable infrastructure, it can also be seen within communities.

Elderly people, for example, may be negatively affected by the internet when it becomes the only way that they can pay a bill or order something that they need.

Table Summary – Internet Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of the InternetDisadvantages of the Internet
1. It provides ease of communication1. People may rrying to con you online
2. You can access a wide range of social circles2. Your privacy is compromised online
3. You can collaborate globally3. There is a lot of conflict in online spaces
4. It has opened up a lot of new career options4. It can lead to less face-to-face communication
5. It has made existing careers easier5. Society is over-dependant on it
6. It is extremely convenient6. Some people can get addicted
7. It helps people to access essential services7. Your health may deteriorate due to less exercise
8. It provides entertainment access8. It enables the spread of fake news
9. The internet is a creative outlet9. There is rising public distrust of online information
10. It is a global repository for information10. It causes a ‘digital divide’
11. It is a source of free information 

We have looked at 20 pros cons of the internet and learned why as vast as it is, it will always have a positive side and a negative one. As the internet evolves and AI continues to take hold on the web, we’ll learn about more positives and negatives of the internet for our lives.

Dalia

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Short Essay on Advantages and Disadvantages of the Internet [100, 200, 400 Words] With PDF

In this lesson, you will learn how you can write short essays on the advantages and disadvantages of the Internet. I will write three sets of sample essays here in very simple words for a better understanding of all kinds of students. 

Table of Contents

Short essay on advantages and disadvantages of the internet in 100 words, short essay on advantages and disadvantages of the internet in 200 words, short essay on advantages and disadvantages of the internet in 400 words.

Feature image of Short Essay on Advantages and Disadvantages of the Internet

Today any mode of communication happens through the use of the internet. The internet is a gigantic network that connects the entire world and brings the world into our grip. We are aware of everything because of the internet. It has its own merits and demerits. If we think of the advantages of the internet then there are many.

It helps us to connect, learn, contact, and also send messages to the farthest places. Without it, we are simply blind. Again excessive use of the internet is dangerous. It creates an addiction in users and pulls them towards harmful circles. Their lives are destroyed. Too much internet can create mental disorders. So we must be careful in using this useful product and maintain our own safety.

Today modern systems are controlled by the Internet. Without it, we can’t even lead our basic needs. The Internet is a huge global network system that has the following advantages and disadvantages.

The Internet provides us with faster communication to connect with anyone using different calling modes. Businesses are getting benefited because of the communication facility provided by the internet. The internet is now helping in online education as well. Students can now access many books online without spending a penny. Trade and commerce are easier now. Also, we are receiving information every day through online news. Online banking, ordering foods, clothes, medicines, and groceries, all have become easier due to the internet facility.

However, every boon has its own disadvantages as well. Due to excess use of the internet people are becoming lazy and homebound. The greatest problem with the internet is the lack of privacy. At any moment private information can be leaked and exploited to harm others. Youngsters are getting into unnecessary addiction to online games and dangers. Frauds and online looting are daily incidents. Bank details are often getting destroyed and misused. 

Hence we must remember science is supposed to be a boon and not a curse. Humans are given the power to control the world of the Internet and save others from its exploitation. The internet must be used for overall well-being without any harm

The Internet is one of the most useful and important communication setups in our lives. By the internet, we mean a huge global connecting system or a network that joins everyone together in one string. The Internet has lots of facilities as well as disadvantages. Like any scientific invention, it helps in several ways and also destroys our lives. The following advantages and disadvantages are described. 

The greatest gift that the internet has given us is the facility to communicate easily with anyone around the world. Earlier it was impossible to even think about this. But now with the help of the internet, we can chat, make video calls, send voice messages, and also entertain ourselves with different sorts of communication applications. Huge business organisations and other setups are getting lots of facilities due to the internet.

The internet again is used for education. Today online education is a way of learning. Due to the internet, one can surf through Wikipedia and different documents available online and get knowledge of several things in the world. Lots of expensive books can be accessed online through the internet. So it enables many poor children to learn better.

Banking is one of the significant aspects of the internet. Earlier people has to stand in long queues and wait for banking work to be done. But now just sitting at home, one can do any bank work through the internet. Receiving groceries and medicine of any kind online is more accessible due to internet availability. 

However, the internet has several disadvantages and dangerous consequences. The world is extremely open through the internet and so anything can happen at any time. Youngsters get addicted to online games which harms them mentally and physically. They forget their studies and get involved completely in the world of the internet and suffer from severe depression and their future is destroyed. 

Online theft and fraud cases are quite common on the internet. Nowadays all official documents are available online and hence due to online fraud, many people lose their hard-earned money. Banking frauds can also create dangerous results. 

The Internet is also a place with no privacy. So people are criticized often and as a result many commit suicide for trolling. People become extremely harsh on the Internet and this lack of care for the other person pulls them away from nature. 

So it is always advisable to use the internet with caution. Anything that is good can create a disaster at any moment. So a humble use of the internet is the best choice.

Hopefully, after going through this lesson, you have a holistic idea of this topic. If you still have any doubts regarding this context, kindly keep me posted through some quick comments below.

Thank you. 

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12 Pros and Cons of Internet

Since electronic computers were invented in the 1950s, packet networking has been in place. The US awarded defense contracts in the 1960s involving packet networking, which could be considered the first version of the internet. Our modern internet, however, is thanks to Tim Berners-Lee and his research at CERN in the 1980s.

The internet has made the world a smaller place. It has also helped people to become more anonymous in their interactions with others, which has created a certain level of conflict that didn’t exist in the past. There are many pros and cons of the internet that worth considering. Here are some of the main key points.

What Are the Pros of the Internet?

1. Communication happens globally and in real time. Thanks to the internet, it is possible to chat with someone half a world away in real time. Businesses can hold global video conferences instead of paying for people to fly in for meetings. Entrepreneurs can start with a good idea and expand it to a global audience from a home computer. We can communicate cheaper and easier with one another more than ever before in history.

2. We get more stuff done in less time. Remember when you had to go down to your bank or credit union to deposit a check? Now you can take a picture of it with your tablet and send it to your bank through an app thanks to the internet. You can check bank balances in real time. Instead of printing out a manuscript and mailing it, a writer can electronically submit their work via email instantly. The internet lets us be more productive and still gives us more time to spend with our family and friends.

3. Information is available like never before. The internet allows us to access newspapers from all over the globe and many of them are free. You can follow a blog to get helpful ideas from someone who has conquered a challenge you’re currently facing. All it takes to find information is a simple keyword search on a preferred search engine. Even an 8-year-old kid learned how to drive because of YouTube.

4. You can become active about anything you are passionate about. If you want to get involved in politics, the internet can guide you toward what you need to do. If you want to promote a local photography club, the internet can help you market it. If you have a business that you’re trying to grow, the internet can help people pay attention to it. You can follow, get involved, or criticize virtually any cause that someone has because of our connectivity.

5. People can connect with one another more often. Social media has allowed people to connect with others unlike any other time in the past. In its early days, long-lost friends could find one another and re-establish connections. Today, social media allows us to promote business opportunities, local sports teams, or personal causes with incredible ease. In just seconds, you can talk with a friend and have a conversation, even if you haven’t seen them in person for 10+ years.

6. Digital payments increase the speed of transactions. Thanks to companies like PayPal, it is possible to hold a digital account with digital funds, but still have access to real currency when it is needed. With a PayPal debit card, you can withdraw money from an ATM. You can also use it wherever branded cards are accepted. Some stores, such as Home Depot, allow you to access your PayPal balance directly from a payment terminal. This is all possible because of the internet.

7. Freelancing is easier than ever before thanks to the internet. There are numerous tools and platforms that allow people to freelance their skills from home. This allows people to have more control over their lives and schedules. Amazon has even jumped on-board by committing to hire 5,000 home-based customer service representatives in 2017.

What Are the Cons of the Internet?

1. It has decreased personal privacy. The amount of personal information being shared on the internet is so enormous that personal privacy is at risk. It’s not just identity theft that is an issue. Kim Kardashian West had jewelry stolen from her in Paris because of the amount of information that was being shared. A group of 17 people got together, tracked her movements, and struck because of the information freely shared. If you share vacation photos in real time, then you’re announcing to the world that you’re away from home.

2. The internet can become an addiction. Internet addiction is an impulse control disorder. It can cause some people to develop an emotional attachment to online friends, activities, or idea exchanges. This addiction can be so great that people become preoccupied with the internet, risking their jobs in real life and significant personal relationships for the chance to connect with others online.

3. Internet dependence can lessen productivity. If your business operations are based on internet access, then what happens if the ISP goes down? In March 2017, one key piece of equipment owned by Comcast caused a complete internet and cellular outage on Whidbey Island, Washington. For more than 4 hours, there were no data connections of any type. Without that access, an online business suddenly can’t do business.

4. There are multiple expenses not often considered with the internet. If you want to connect to the internet, you need some sort of device to do so. That means a computer, a smartphone, or a tablet is required. If you want a website, then you’ll have domain registration and web hosting fees to pay. There are ISP fees, taxes, and data use charges that need to be paid. Time Magazine reported in 2015 that the average cost of a broadband connection in the United States was $50 per month. Even basic dial-up services can be $10 per month.

5. Exploitation is a very real problem. Our laws have not caught up with our levels of connection with the internet. Actions like revenge porn can be very damaging to its victims, but as of 2017, there are still 15 states in the US which have no laws regarding that kind of conduct. Ransomware is another growing threat, where hackers gain control of specific files and refuse to release them without paying a ransom and only California has sought to address the issue. This means exploitation can happen in a wide variety of ways and victims may have no way to counter such conduct.

The pros and cons of the internet show us that connectivity is either good or bad depending on how it is used. By taking protective actions, we can work together to limit negative outcomes. That means we must encourage our laws to evolve as our use of the internet continues to grow.

internet essay pros and cons

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Essay on Importance of Internet: Samples for Students

dulingo

  • Updated on  
  • Jun 20, 2024

essay on importance of internet

Internet is not just a need or luxury, it has become a household necessity. It was used as a source of entertainment but now it is impossible to work in offices or study without the Internet. When the global pandemic locked everyone in their house, it became an important medium to connect, study and work. Students were able to study without the risk of catching COVID-19 because of the Internet. The importance of the internet is also a common topic in various entrance exams such as SAT , TOEFL , and UPSC . In this blog, you will learn how to write an essay on the importance of the Internet.

This Blog Includes:

Tips to write the perfect essay on internet, sample 1 of essay on the importance of the internet (100 words), sample essay 2 – importance of the internet (150 words), sample essay 3 on use of internet for student (300 words).

internet essay pros and cons

Also Read: Essay on Yoga Day

Also Read: Speech on Yoga Day

Now the task of essay writing may not always be easy, hence candidates must always know a few tips to write the perfect essay. Mentioned below are a few tips for writing the correct essay:

  • Prepare a basic outline to make sure there is continuity and relevance and no break in the structure of the essay
  • Follow a given structure. Begin with an introduction then move on to the body which should be detailed and encapsulate the essence of the topic and finally the conclusion for readers to be able to comprehend the essay in a certain manner
  • Students can also try to include solutions in their conclusion to make the essay insightful and lucrative to read.

Also Read: UPSC Essay Topics

The last few years have witnessed heavy reliance on the Internet. This has been because of multiple advantages that it has to offer – for instance, reducing work stress and changing the face of communication most importantly. If we take the current scenario, we cannot ignore how important the Internet is in our everyday lives. It is now indeed a challenging task to visualize a world without the internet. One may define the internet as a large library composed of stuff like – records, pictures, websites, and pieces of information. Another sector in which the internet has an undeniably important role to play is the field of communication. Without access to the internet, the ability to share thoughts and ideas across the globe would have also been just a dream. 

Also Read: IELTS Essay Topics

With the significant progress in technology, the importance of the internet has only multiplied with time. The dependence on the internet has been because of multiple advantages that it has to offer – for instance, reducing work stress and changing the face of communication most importantly. By employing the correct usage of the internet, we can find various information about the world. The internet hosts Wikipedia, which is considered to be one of the largest best-composed reference books kept up by a vast community of volunteer scholars and editors from all over the world. Through the internet, one may get answers to all their curiosity.

In the education sector too, it plays a major role, especially taking into consideration the pandemic. The Internet during the pandemic provided an easy alternative to replace the traditional education system and offers additional resources for studying, students can take their classes in the comforts of their homes. Through the internet, they can also browse for classes – lectures at no extra cost. The presence of the Internet is slowly replacing the use of traditional newspapers. It offers various recreational advantages as well. It can be correctly said that the internet plays a great role in the enhancement of quality of life.

Also Read: TOEFL Sample Essays

One may correctly define the 21st century as the age of science and technology. However, this has been possible not only by the efforts of the current generation but also by the previous generation. The result of one such advancement in the field of science and technology is the Internet. What is the Internet? So the internet can be called a connected group of networks that enable electronic communication. It is considered to be the world’s largest communication connecting millions of users.

The dependence on the internet has been because of multiple advantages that it has to offer – for instance, reducing work stress and changing the face of communication most importantly. Given the current scenario, the Internet has become a massive part of our daily lives, and it is now a challenging task to imagine the world without the Internet. The importance of the Internet in the field of communication definitely cannot be ignored.

Without access to the internet, the ability to share thoughts and ideas across the globe would have been just a dream. Today we can talk to people all over the globe only because of services like email, messenger, etc that are heavily reliant on the internet. Without the internet, it would be hard to imagine how large the world would be. The advent of the internet has made the task of building global friendships very easy.

The youth is mainly attracted by entertainment services. Streaming platforms like Amazon , Netflix, and YouTube have also gained immense popularity among internet users over the past few years. The presence of the Internet is slowly replacing the use of traditional newspapers among people too. 

In addition to these, it has various recreational advantages to offer as well. For instance, people can search for fun videos to watch and play games online with friends and other people all over the globe. Hence, we can say the internet holds immense importance in today’s era. Internet technology has indeed changed the dynamics of how we communicate, respond or entertain ourselves. Its importance in everyday life is never-ending. It can be correctly said that the internet plays a great role in the enhancement of quality of life. In the future too, we will see further changes in technology .

Also Read: SAT to Drop Optional Essays and Subject Tests from the Exam

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The internet provides us with facts and data, as well as information and knowledge, to aid in our personal, social, and economic development. The internet has various applications; nevertheless, how we utilize it in our daily lives is determined by our particular needs and ambitions.

Here are five uses of the internet: email; sharing of files; watching movies and listening to songs; research purposes; and education.

The Internet has also altered our interactions with our families, friends, and life partners. Everyone is now connected to everyone else in a more simplified, accessible, and immediate manner; we can conduct part of our personal relationships using our laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

This was all about an essay on importance of Internet. The skill of writing an essay comes in handy when appearing for standardized language tests. Thinking of taking one soon? Leverage Live provides the best online test prep for the same. Register today to know more!

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Nikita Puri

Nikita is a creative writer and editor, who is always ready to learn new skills. She has great knowledge about study abroad universities, researching and writing blogs about them. Being a perfectionist, she has a habit of keeping her tasks complete on time before the OCD hits her. When Nikita is not busy working, you can find her eating while binge-watching The office. Also, she breathes music. She has done her bachelor's from Delhi University and her master's from Jamia Millia Islamia.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet in Education

Looking for advantages and disadvantages of Internet in Education?

We have collected some solid points that will help you understand the pros and cons of Internet in Education in detail.

But first, let’s understand the topic:

What is Internet in Education?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of internet in education.

The following are the advantages and disadvantages of Internet in Education:

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Access to a wealth of informationDistraction
Collaboration and CommunicationInaccurate information
Interactive LearningCyberbullying
Customized LearningDependence
Cost-Effective LearningHealth concerns

Advantages and disadvantages of Internet in Education

Advantages of Internet in Education

Also check:

Disadvantages of Internet in Education

You can view other “advantages and disadvantages of…” posts by clicking here .

If you have a related query, feel free to let us know in the comments below.

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Internet – Advantages And Disadvantages Essay Example

The internet is the most modernized invention in human history. It has given people with disabilities access to resources that were previously unavailable to them, and it’s allowed companies like Amazon and Google to provide goods and services at a low cost. However, there are also disadvantages of the internet; some include cyberbullying, data hacking, pornography addiction, online gambling addiction. We will explore both benefits and drawbacks of the internet in this sample!

Essay Sample on Internet

  • Thesis Statement on Internet Advantages & Disadvantages Essay
  • Introduction For Internet Pros & Cons Essay
  • Why the Internet is a boon for society?
  • Harmful elements of the Internet
  • The overall impact of the Internet on human life and its relevance
  • Comparison Table – Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet
  • Conclusion – Internet Pros And Cons Essay
Thesis Statement on Internet Advantages & Disadvantages Essay The Internet can be considered a boon and vane for society as it comes with advantages as well as disadvantages. It depends upon the user how he or she is using it to give a new dimension to life. Introduction For Internet Pros & Cons Essay The early nineteenth century is witness to the massive boom in the internet and technology which can also be referred to as the era of science. The coming of the internet in the 19 th Century is again a big leap of technology. It made life so easy that we were able to get information from all corners of the world in just a click. But like well said by a philosopher there are always two phases of a coin and similar is the case with the internet. It brings both positive and negative consequences to a human being in multiple ways. Here we will subject the coming of the internet to both positive and negative contrast to figure out their useful and harmful consequences. By the end of the discussion, you will be able to get a critical approach to the internet and its applications. You will also be able to know the overall impact of the internet on the life of human beings here. Get Non-Plagiarized Custom Essay on Internet Pros And Cons in USA Order Now Main Body – Internet Pros And Cons Essay Here are some important points and arguments that will help you to understand the positive and negative impact of the internet on human life. A parallel comparison of both the advantages and disadvantages of the internet can be seen in the essay. Why the Internet is a boon for society? If we revolve our head with utmost attention it is very easy to find out the applications of the internet. From, helping us to collect information from across the globe to online business ventures, food delivery and many other things are possible with the help of the internet. The Internet also serves as a cheap medium of communication to people from around the world through various social networking sites. Training employees, E-learning programs, defense training, and so many other things are possible today with the help of the internet. Even it is serving big Juggernaut in the healthcare sector as well by making it possible to communicate for online surgery from aboard. So we can witness a lot of meaningful benefits of the internet these days which make our life easy. Harmful elements of the Internet Some drawbacks are also associated with the internet over a period of time. For example, the internet brings harmful electromagnetic rays with it which are very harmful to the human body. At the same time, some kids and even adults spend the majority of their time on the internet which put a deep impact on their vision. We cannot forget the problems such as migraines, high blood pressure, and even mutation causing cancer which also result on the internet. The issue of internet security and data robbery is also rising every day. The cyber crimes and rise in terrorist communities are also blooming under the umbrella of the internet by contacting through social media. We cannot forget the depression caused by online video games which compel people for suicide as the biggest negative impact of the internet on human life The overall impact of the Internet on human life and its relevance Although we can admit both positive and negative consequences of the internet still it is very hard and impossible to divorce its use. Half of our life is running these days with the help of the internet and we cannot have any choice to accept this reality. Everything comes with its positive and negative points and so is the case with the internet. The numbers of advantages that we fetch from the internet surpass the count of its disadvantages and that is why we cannot afford to refrain from using it. Comparison Table – Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet Advantages of Internet Disadvantages of Internet 1. Useful in online business. Can cause a threat to online business data through poor cybersecurity. 2. Serve the best medium of communication through social networking sites. Social networking sites sometimes become a convenient way of communication for terrorists. 3. E-learning programs can be operated with the internet. People with special needs sometimes find trouble in using the e-learning method to study. 4. Provides information from the different corners of the world. This information feed major terrorist group to create terrorism. 5. The government decisions and actions become transparent as data can be accessed from anywhere, so less corruption. The easy availability of important data sometimes causes an issue of cybercrimes. 6. Internet is a good source for cross-cultural merge up. The uniqueness of different cultures is shrinking with globalization’s impact. So from the above comparison and arguments, we can extract a conclusion on the topic that the internet serves as the most significant part of our life today. From sending a message to our friends to running an online business everything is being done with the help of the internet today. So if we will start ignoring its importance by clinging to the negative points our life can be subjected to multiple challenges. We should use it for positive means by keeping an eye to lower the harm of the internet on our life. That is how we can maintain a balance between the advantages and disadvantages of the internet. Buy Customized Essay on Internet Pros And Cons At Cheapest Price Order Now Conclusion – Internet Pros And Cons Essay The Internet has given us so much, but it can’t be denied that there are some drawbacks. I’m not even talking about the “dark side of the Internet” or anything like that, just simple things you’ll have to do if you use this great tool. It’s important to know what these are so you can adjust your life accordingly and enjoy all the benefits without letting them take over your life. Hire USA Experts for Internet Pros And Cons Essay Order Now

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet Essay

Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet Essay

Over the last years, the Internet has become a vital part of most people’s lives. Therefore, it is important to analyze the pros and cons of using the Internet. Currently, this technology has transformed into a great tool with a number of functions that can be characterized as its advantages. Unfortunately, along with them, the Internet also has its disadvantages. Therefore, to have positive experience with the Internet, people need to be careful with how they use it and limit this usage to the most essential needs.

Pros and Cons of Using the Internet

  • Giving Information. The Internet can provide one with any information needed, be it general knowledge, specific study, or learning guidelines on some topic. Therefore, it can be equally helpful to those who want to know the capital of Uganda, treatment options for PTSD, and how to cook a turkey for Thanksgiving. An Internet user has at his or her disposal various websites, online libraries, newspapers, academic journals, learning videos, and other online resources.
  • Offering Entertainment. One can never be bored with the Internet since it allows watching movies, TV series and shows, cartoons, etc., listening to favorite songs, and reading great books. Besides, if you are a gamer, you will definitely appreciate the variety of games available online or ready for you to download. Social media can also be regarded as a type of entertainment since they often offer the above activities and help people to have fun.

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  • Improving Communication. With the Internet, people have limitless opportunities for communication. One can talk, chat, or video chat practically with anyone across the globe. Therefore, it is easy to be “so close, no matter how far.”
  • Making Life Easier. This technology improves many spheres of human activity. For instance, it has enhanced selling-buying activities to a great extent. For businessmen, it is helpful since they can reach many new customers and thus expand their business. For consumers, it is convenient since they can buy goods that may be unavailable in their local markets. Besides, online shopping makes the whole process easier since a customer can have their purchase delivered directly to their doors. The Internet also simplifies managing money and making financial operations. Also, it is now much easier to find a job with the help of the Internet. Often, even the job interview and the work itself can be done through the Internet. There are also other advantages and disadvantages of Internet essay, but the ones discussed here are the major.
  • The Excess of Information. Along with valuable information, the Internet also offers data that can appear damaging in one or another way. The examples are the explicit content that can be accessed by underage persons, instructions on how to create a bomb, the spread of child porn, the spread of some secret information, etc. In fact, simple academic dishonesty, when a student finds an essay online and submits it as his or her own, is one more example of the disadvantage of the Internet.
  • Minimizing Offline Time. Such an advantage of the Internet as entertainment and communication may turn out to be a real drawback. Very often, people become too obsessed with being online, disregarding the opportunities of the offline life. The issue is that overusing the Internet and social media, in particular, can cause both psychological and physical health problems.
  • Complicating Life. Unfortunately, the Internet is able not only to make one’s life easier but also to complicate it. Hacker attacks, viruses, and different malware mean that no one is really secure online and one’s personal data may be stolen and misused. Besides, the Internet gives people a chance to hide their real identity, and this is why online fraudulent activities are on the rise today.

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Thus, there are both pros and cons of using the Internet. People need to be aware of them to take any necessary protective measures and fully enjoy the use of this technology.

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  • Writing a Paragraph on Internet

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Writing an Effective Internet Paragraph - Uses, Advantages and Role

The Internet is a system of interconnection of computer networks that link several billion devices worldwide. It is a global network of networks that consists of millions of non-public, public, academic, business and government packet-switched networks, joined by a broad array of electronic, wireless and optical networking technologies. The Internet carries an intensive variety of information resources and services, like applications of the world wide web (www), the infrastructure to support email, peer-to-peer networks for file sharing and telephony. It has become an important part of our life and we cannot live without it. The Internet can be called the discovery of man that has revolutionized his style of working and living.

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The Internet was started as the creation of a small band of dedicated researchers and has grown to be a commercial success with billions of dollars of annual investments. It has completely reduced distance, minimized all limitations and made our world relatively a smaller place. The Internet has brought information to our doorstep at the click of a button. The Internet revolutionized the computer and world of communication like never before.

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and messaging apps, email remains one of the most widely used internet services, with billions of emails sent daily.

Short Paragraph on Internet

Here is a short paragraph about internet to help you to know how a paragraph looks:

The internet is a powerful tool that connects people from all corners of the world, making communication quick and easy. It provides instant access to information, allowing us to learn, stay informed, and explore new ideas. Whether for education, work , shopping, or entertainment, the internet simplifies many aspects of our lives. Students use it for research, professionals rely on it for remote work, and families stay connected through social media and video calls. The internet also supports online banking , e-commerce, and even virtual healthcare, making everyday tasks more convenient. However, it's important to use the internet wisely, as it can be addictive and has some risks, such as cyber threats. Overall, the internet has become an essential part of modern life, shaping the way we live, work, and interact with the world.

Internet Paragraph 100 Words

The internet is a modern invention that connects the entire world. It has brought people closer together, breaking down barriers that once separated us and making everything more accessible. The internet helps us in many ways, like sharing information with people anywhere in the world. It’s used in schools, offices, and public spaces. With the internet, we can stay in touch with loved ones and get the latest news instantly. From the comfort of our homes, we can learn about what’s happening around the world with just a click or a swipe. The internet provides answers to almost every question and impacts nearly every part of our lives.

Internet Paragraph 150 words

The internet is one of the most creative and interactive inventions worldwide. It's an essential tool for sharing information across the globe. With just a click, we can learn about anything in the world. Since the internet's invention, it feels like the world has become smaller, bringing us closer to our loved ones. During the pandemic , the internet made it possible for work and education to continue. Without it, running large multinational companies during that time would have been nearly impossible. Today, it’s hard to imagine doing anything without the internet. Some machines and even airplanes now rely on internet connections. In education, both students and teachers need the internet. It’s clear that we all depend heavily on it. The internet has made life easier, smoother, and more connected for everyone.

Internet Paragraph 200 words

The internet is one of the world’s most remarkable and useful inventions. It’s the best way to share knowledge from one part of the world to another. With the internet, it feels like the world has become smaller, bringing everyone closer together. We can learn about what’s happening anywhere in the world within seconds, even if we’re sitting far away. Today, 90% of work is done online, which was essential during the pandemic. Whether it’s for studying, playing games, or watching movies, we can depend on the internet. If you need information on any topic, just a click will provide all the details you need. Given its growing importance, the government has even made free internet available in public places like railway stations, workplaces, and parks. However, while the internet is incredibly useful, we should be careful not to overuse it and ensure that children don’t become addicted to it.

Internet Paragraph 250 Words

The internet is a powerful tool for sharing information and exchanging data quickly, even over long distances. It’s an excellent way to spread knowledge, allowing us to share images, files, music, and videos. We can access the internet through computers, laptops, and mobile phones, making everything more accessible and cost-effective. Emails and text messages have become the most efficient ways to communicate online. You can send emails worldwide at a very low cost, making it a convenient communication method.

In addition to sharing information, the internet is a vast resource for gathering information on various topics, like medicine , science, arts, and architecture, without any limits . It has made life easier for students, professionals, and even those at home. Almost every business operates online today, making us all reliant on the internet. However, it can also be addictive. Too much internet use can be harmful, especially for kids. That’s why it’s important to monitor children’s internet usage. While the internet is necessary for school and daily life, we need to be mindful of its overuse.

Advantages of Internet Paragraph Points

1. The Internet offers countless benefits, giving access to a vast range of websites, information, and entertainment.

2. It provides up-to-date information on global political, social, economic, and cultural events.

3. The Internet boom in India has significantly contributed to the country’s economic growth , reaching cities, towns, and villages.

4. It has created numerous job opportunities, especially in content writing, web design, and online advertising.

5. In education, students can collaborate on projects globally and access research materials with just a click.

6. The Internet is a valuable tool for job seekers, helping them find employment opportunities.

7. It allows users to search for people, places, and information on any subject, including accessing phone books and zip codes worldwide.

8. People stay connected with friends and family through emails, reducing the cost of communication.

9. In travel, the Internet provides detailed information about tourist spots, weather , and event schedules, making planning trips easier.

10. It is used for online shopping, paying bills, managing finances, and even online banking.

11. Businesses use the Internet for marketing, selling products, and building brands.

12. Patients and doctors stay updated with the latest medical findings and share treatment information online.

13. People find partners through matchmaking sites on the Internet.

14. Financial research, trading stocks, and investing money are also done online.

Challenges of the Internet Paragraph Points

1. The Internet has its downsides, including addiction, especially among young people, leading to health issues and laziness.

2. Internet hackers are increasing, causing problems in business and communication.

3. There are risks of theft, fraud, and unscrupulous businesses taking advantage of innocent people.

4. Anti-social elements and cybercriminals use the Internet to harm society.

Uses of Internet Paragraph Points

1. Communication: The internet enables instant communication through emails, messaging apps, and video calls, keeping people connected globally.

2. Education: Students and educators use the internet for online classes, accessing study materials, conducting research, and collaborating on projects.

3. Entertainment: Streaming services, online gaming, and social media platforms offer endless entertainment options, accessible from anywhere.

4. Shopping and E-commerce: The internet has revolutionized shopping, allowing people to purchase products, pay bills, and manage finances online through e-commerce platforms.

5. Information Access: The internet provides quick access to information on any topic, from news and weather updates to health tips and DIY guides.

6. Work and Business: Remote work, virtual meetings, and online collaboration tools have become standard, making the internet essential for businesses and professionals.

7. Banking and Financial Transactions: Online banking and financial services make managing accounts, transferring money, and investing easier and more secure.

8. Social Networking: Social media platforms connect people, enabling them to share experiences, stay in touch with friends, and build professional networks.

9. Travel and Navigation: The internet is used to book flights, find accommodation, explore destinations, and navigate using maps and GPS services.

10. Health and Fitness: The internet provides access to online consultations, health advice, fitness tutorials, and medical information.

Role of Internet Paragraph Points

1. Information Access: The internet provides a vast resource of information, enabling people to learn new skills, stay informed, and explore different cultures.

2. Education: It enhances education by offering online courses, research materials, and global collaboration opportunities, making learning more accessible.

3. Business and Economy: The internet drives economic growth by supporting online marketing, e-commerce, and remote work, fostering innovation and business expansion.

4. Communication: It connects people worldwide through social media, video calls, and messaging, helping maintain and build relationships.

5. Healthcare: The internet facilitates telemedicine, online consultations, and access to health information, improving healthcare accessibility.

6. Social Connection: It plays a key role in maintaining social connections, allowing people to communicate and share experiences easily across distances.

7. Convenience: The internet simplifies everyday tasks such as shopping, banking, and paying bills, making life more convenient.

8. Global Impact: It shapes how we interact with the world, making it more connected, efficient, and informed.

9. Challenges: Despite its benefits, the internet also presents challenges like cyber threats and the potential for addiction, which require careful management.

Test your Knowledge on Paragraph Internet

Task 1: write a short paragraph.

Instructions: Write a short paragraph (5-7 sentences) describing how the internet has impacted your daily life. Focus on specific areas such as communication, education, or entertainment.

Task 2: Compare and Contrast

Instructions: Write a comparison between life with the internet and life before the internet. Highlight the differences in communication, access to information, and daily tasks. Include a reflection on which aspects you think are better and why.

Task 3: Write a Pros and Cons List

Instructions: Create a list of pros and cons of internet usage. Consider factors like access to information, convenience, social interaction, and potential risks like cyberbullying and misinformation.

Here you Go-Check if your Answers Match the Ones Below!

The internet has greatly impacted my daily life, especially in communication, education, and entertainment. I can easily stay in touch with friends and family through messaging apps and social media, making it simple to share updates and stay connected. In education, the internet allows me to access online resources, watch educational videos, and collaborate with classmates on projects, making learning more interactive and efficient. For entertainment, I can stream movies, listen to music, and play games whenever I want, providing endless options at my fingertips. Overall, the internet has made my daily activities more convenient and accessible.

Life with the internet is vastly different from life before the internet. In terms of communication, the internet allows instant messaging, video calls, and social media interactions, making it easier to stay in touch with people across the globe. Before the internet, communication was slower, relying on letters, landline phones, or face-to-face interactions. Access to information has also transformed; the internet provides immediate access to news, research, and educational resources, whereas before, people had to rely on books, newspapers, and libraries. Daily tasks such as shopping, banking, and even working have become more convenient online, while previously, these activities required physical visits and more time. While the internet has brought many conveniences, it has also introduced challenges like information overload and reduced face-to-face social interactions. Personally, I think the internet’s benefits in making communication and information access easier outweigh the downsides, though a balance between online and offline life is essential.

Pros of Internet Usage:

1. Access to Information : Instant access to a vast array of information on any topic.

2. Convenience : Online shopping, banking, and booking services save time and effort.

3. Communication : Easy and instant communication with people worldwide through emails, messaging apps, and social media.

4. Education : Availability of online courses, tutorials, and educational resources that support learning.

5. Entertainment : Endless options for streaming movies, music, games, and more.

Cons of Internet Usage:

1. Cyberbullying : The anonymity of the internet can lead to harmful online behaviours, including bullying and harassment.

2. Misinformation : The spread of false or misleading information can easily occur, leading to confusion and harm.

3. Addiction : Excessive internet use can lead to addiction, impacting productivity and mental health.

4. Privacy Concerns : Personal data can be exposed to risks of hacking and identity theft.

5. Reduced Social Interaction : Over Reliance on online communication can reduce face-to-face interactions and affect social skills.

Takeaways from this Page

Students will learn how the internet has become an essential part of daily life, influencing how we communicate, learn, and entertain ourselves.

They will understand how the internet makes it easier to stay in touch with friends and family through emails, social media, and video calls.

They will see how the internet connects people from all over the world, enabling them to share ideas, cultures, and information instantly.

Students will discover how the internet provides access to a wide range of educational resources, helping them research topics, complete assignments, and learn new skills.

They will gain an understanding of the importance of balancing internet use with real-life activities to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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FAQs on Writing a Paragraph on Internet

1. What is the Internet?

The Internet is a computerized network of information. It is a system of interconnection of computer networks that link several billions of devices. The global system of interconnected computer networks, popularly known as, the internet brings the internet protocol suite, that is, TCP/IP into use to communicate between networks and devices. This network consists of private, academic, public, government and business networks that range from local scope to global scope linked by technologies including wireless, electronic and optical networking. There is a broad range of information resources and services on the internet. These resources include the world wide web (www), telephony, electronic mails, file sharing, and interlinked hypertext documents.

2. What are the Advantages of the Internet?

The Internet has brought information to our doorstep. It has made possible man’s access to countless websites, information programs, scientific discoveries, global political, social, economic and cultural developments and happenings, libraries, entertainment and much more. The spread of the internet across the globe has increased connectivity, communication, and sharing between people. With the accessibility of all kinds of languages, the internet has now become a hub of information, knowledge, and learning for people of all ages and all backgrounds. Internets also now act as an address book as they provide the contact information of people through social networking websites. The Internet has now also become a platform for selling all kinds of items and making money through it without much investment. Therefore, the internet facilitates business opportunities for many people. The Internet is now also used for entertainment purposes, banking, payment of bills, shopping, donations and funds, cloud computing, and cloud storage. In recent times, we have also seen how the internet has made work from home, collaboration, and access to the global workforce an easy possibility.

3. What are the Disadvantages of the Internet?

Some of the disadvantages of the Internet: people especially, the youngsters are getting highly addicted to the Internet. There are a lot of thefts, fraudulent activities and unscrupulous business happening, which have become a threat to humankind. The main disadvantages of the widespread use of the internet are:

The Internet is an addiction that causes distraction, affects focus and patience, and wastes the time of students when not used for the right purposes.

Bullying, trolling and stalking have now become a common task for people due to the Internet.

The Internet has also increased the crime rates in the country.

There are a lot of spam emails and advertisements that flourish throughout the internet.

Internet is also now made a tool for pornography and violent images.

With the internet, now everyone is connected to their work every time. There is no holiday or family time left now.

Internets have also made identity thefts, hacking, and cheating possible.

It is also a proven fact that since people spend the majority of their time sitting over the internet, it has greatly increased health issues and obesity in people.

People most often end up buying things that they don't need because of exchange policy and net banking.

The Internet is surely not a safe place for children to spend their time.

4. How has the Internet Become a Boon to India?

The Internet in India has made revolutionary changes in the metros, small towns and villages. It has created a plethora of job opportunities. The rise in the use of the Internet has led to the growth of cyber cities, cyber cafes and Internet parlors across the country. The main advantages of the widespread use of the internet are:

The Internet has made connectivity, communication, and sharing of documents and related data very easy.

The Internet is a library of information, knowledge, and learning for people of all ages and from all fields.

The Internet has facilitated online shopping, thereby giving business opportunities to many entrepreneurs.

Apart from business, there are various jobs available over the internet.

With the advent of net banking and mobile banking, the internet has made banking-related jobs easy.

The Internet has now become one of the biggest sources of entertainment with thousands of web series, movies, and shows.

The widespread use of the internet has made work from home job opportunities possible and easy.

It has also grown possibilities of collaboration and access to a global workforce for businesses.

Cloud computing and cloud storage facilities have increased access to data across multiple devices.

5. How has the Internet made our life easier and convenient?

The widespread usage of the internet in all corners of the world has made our lives more convenient as compared to the times when there was no internet. Earlier, people used to stand in long queues for any of their work whether it was to send letters to their loved ones, book movie tickets, train tickets, flight tickets, or for bank-related work like withdrawing money and depositing money. Now, all this work can be done over the internet without the need to stand in queues and wait. Emails and chat applications have completely stopped the trend of sending letters. Booking tickets for any purpose is now easily done from the comfort of home using a mobile phone or laptop. Also, net banking and phone banking services have minimized the need for a person to go to the bank for any purpose. Surely, the internet has made lives much easier than they otherwise were.

6. What is an internet paragraph? 

An internet paragraph is a short piece of writing that discusses the various aspects and impacts of the internet, such as its benefits, uses, and potential drawbacks.

7. Why is the internet important in daily life?

The internet is important because it enables quick and easy communication, access to vast amounts of information, online learning, shopping, and much more, making daily tasks more convenient.

8. How has the internet changed education?

The internet has revolutionized education by providing access to online courses, research materials, and global collaboration opportunities, making learning more interactive and accessible.

9. What are some common uses of the internet?

Common uses of the internet include communication through emails and social media, online shopping, entertainment like streaming movies and games, and accessing educational resources.

10. What are the benefits of using the internet?

The benefits of using the internet include instant access to information, convenience in daily tasks, global communication, a wide range of entertainment options, and educational support.

11. What are the risks associated with internet use?

Risks of internet use include exposure to cyberbullying, misinformation, internet addiction, privacy concerns, and reduced face-to-face social interactions.

12. How can I use the internet responsibly?

To use the internet responsibly, limit your screen time, verify information before sharing, protect your personal data, and balance online activities with real-life interactions.

13. How does the internet help in communication?

The internet facilitates communication by allowing instant messaging, video calls, and social media interactions, making it easy to stay connected with people anywhere in the world.

14. How has the internet impacted businesses?

The internet has transformed businesses by enabling online marketing, e-commerce, remote work, and global reach, which has significantly boosted economic growth and innovation.

15. Can the internet be addictive?

Yes, excessive internet use can lead to addiction, affecting productivity, mental health, and social interactions. It’s important to monitor and balance internet usage.

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Advantages And Disadvantagesof Internet Essay

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Internet Essay | Meaning, Uses, Drawbacks, Limitations, Pros and Cons

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Internet Essay: The Internet is a vast resource that connects people all over the world. It offers many advantages to those who use it, such as instant communications, access to information, and the ability to work from anywhere. Compared to this, the disadvantages can seem quite small when they are considered in detail. Access to the Internet is through telephone lines, fibre-optic cables, or radio frequencies. It is an extensive system of interconnected computers, providing worldwide communication and information. Some companies and people might use it to do business, as well as connect with friends and family. In this article, we shall explore the pros and cons of the internet.

Students can also find more  Advantages and Disadvantages  articles on events, persons, sports, technology, and many more.

Advantages of Internet Essay

Disadvantages of internet essay, comparison table for advantages and disadvantages of internet, conclusion on internet essay – advantages and disadvantages, faqs on advantages and disadvantages of internet essay.

The internet is an all-encompassing global network that allows people to connect with each other. From the convenience of daily life, to the power of business, to education and entertainment, the internet has provided many individuals with resources they never had before in their lifetime. Other advantages of internet include:

  • Vast supply of knowledge – The Internet is an amazing source of information. It has the potential to be the largest source of knowledge in human history. This is because it connects people from all over the world and allows them to share their knowledge with other strangers that may have similar interests or simply need help. For example, the Internet has websites that have detailed information about the weather, science, and geography. Some websites like Wikipedia also provide in-depth information on topics that range from the history of the earth to World War II.
  • Instantaneous communication – Historically, traditional mails and letters used to take weeks to get delivered. Today, instantaneous communication is one of the biggest advantages of the internet. People can send messages, photos, videos, and other information to each other in a matter of seconds. These types of communications have helped people connect with their loved ones and make new friends.
  • Useful for navigation – The internet is an amazing tool. It helps us to find almost anything, anywhere in the world. The Internet is also responsible for the mapping and travel companies such as Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps and TripAdvisor. All these companies help map out routes that could be confusing or intimidating if you didn’t have an internet.
  • Enables online banking and finance – The Internet provides many benefits for our society. It can provide online banking and finance that is convenient to use. The Internet also allows for financial transactions, which can be completed without having to leave the safety of your own home. Online banking allows people to transfer money securely from one country to another with the use of the Internet. Most people have a mobile phone or computer with the Internet, meaning that they can access these services anywhere.
  • Many employment opportunities – Everyone with a computer and an Internet connection is able to find work online. This means that there are many opportunities for people who are looking for jobs. Some of the most common areas where people can find work online include freelance writing, contract work, or part-time jobs.
  • Enables businesses to thrive and flourish – The Internet has enabled many different businesses to thrive and flourish. Online shopping has been booming for years, as has social media; in fact, the Internet is responsible for making many industries profitable. Businesses that rely on online transactions have a competitive edge, while others (like retail) have been able to adapt their business models.
  • Access to a global workforce – The internet has changed the world forever. The ability to access information from anywhere on a whim creates new opportunities for workers across the globe. Companies now have access to an international workforce that can be accessed at any hour of the day or night.
  • Entertainment and pleasure – There are many benefits to the Internet. One of the biggest is entertainment. There are websites and apps for just about everything you could want, from your favourite TV show to your passions or hobbies. You can even find people that share a similar interest all around the world. The web also provides useful information, such as how-to videos and research articles in topics ranging from language to science.
  • Internet of things – The Internet of Things is a term used to describe the interconnection of uniquely identifiable objects. It refers to any object that can be connected to the internet and could be remotely monitored. These devices include smart fridges, thermostats, streetlights, and vehicle speed sensors. A major benefit of these types of products is that they can make it easier to use technology without thinking too much about what you are doing.
  • Cloud storage – One of the many advantages that the internet offers is cloud storage. Cloud storage is a form of technology that allows businesses and individuals to store files remotely. This means that users can access their files from anywhere, as long as they are connected to the internet. There are many benefits to cloud storage, including convenience, security, and accessibility.

As already discussed, the internet is a very important invention. It has made communication much easier by allowing people to share information with others almost instantly. However, there are some disadvantages to the internet as well. People may be tempted to post personal information on social media sites, which can lead to identity theft. Other disadvantages are as follows:

  • Can cause addiction – The internet is a great tool for many people, but it can have some serious downsides. For example, the internet can cause addiction because it can provide instant gratification. This means that users don’t need to exert much effort to achieve success and satisfaction. Another downside of the internet is that it provides constant distractions, which prevents people from focusing on other important tasks.
  • Bullying – With the advances in technology, the Internet has become one of the most important inventions. It has allowed people to become more connected and uniting people together. However, with this modern invention comes many disadvantages such as online harassment and cyberbullying. These social media platforms put a person’s mental and physical health at risk by posting screenshots and giving away personal information that could be damaging or humiliating.
  • Spam and advertising – The Internet can be considered a huge advantage in modern society. However, there are also many disadvantages. The biggest problem is spam. There is a lot of spam that inundates our email inboxes and social media accounts and it can be difficult to filter out the fake from the real notifications. Another downside is advertising. It’s overwhelming because a large percentage of the Internet consists of ads that bombard us with promotions for products we don’t necessarily want or need.
  • Identity theft – Over the years, identity theft has become a problem people face on a daily basis. Many cases of identity theft are caused by criminals hacking into personal information on social media websites and other sites that list your personal data. In order to prevent this, people should refrain from posting their personal information online and be careful when using social media sites.
  • Prolonged use can cause health and mental issues – There is a growing concern that the Internet may have serious health issues. There was a study that showed that people who spent too much time on the Internet were twice as likely to develop social anxiety disorder. Another downside of the Internet is that people often get addicted to it, which can result in mental health problems.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Internet Essay

Following are the advantages and disadvantages of Internet:

Vast supply of knowledgeCan cause addiction
Instantaneous communicationBullying
Useful for navigationSpam and advertising
Enables online banking and financeIdentity theft
Many employment opportunitiesProlonged use can cause health and mental issues
Enables businesses to thrive and flourish
Access to a global workforce
Entertainment and pleasure
Internet of things
Cloud storage

The internet provides a way for people to connect with each other and share information. It allows people to find what they need without having to physically go to the store, or print something out. The internet also provides many advantages, such as the ability to watch videos online or Skype with friends on different continents. In this modern world, the internet has become a vital part of nearly everyone’s life.

Question 1. What is the Internet?

Answer: The Internet can be best described as a global system of interconnected computer networks. The Internet has changed people’s lives by providing an instant method for communication, access to information, and entertainment. In other words, the Internet is a group of networks made up of computers and other devices connected to the web. All these devices communicate with each other so that they can share information with one another. This allows users to share digital content such as pictures, videos, articles, music, software, and e-books.

Question 2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Internet?

Answer: The Internet is an amazing tool that can have both advantages and disadvantages. It allows people from all over the world to connect and socialise. But at the same time, it has grown into a distraction for many people. Many people spend hours of their day watching videos, socialising with friends, or playing games on their phones. There are also scams and cyberbullying that happen online which can cause mental health issues later on in life.

Question 3. Why is the Internet important?

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Is the Internet “Making Us Stupid”? — Top 3 Pros and Cons

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In a 2008 article for The Atlantic , Nicholas Carr asks, “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” Carr argues that the Internet as a whole, not just Google, has been “chipping away [at his] capacity for concentration and contemplation .” He expresses concern that the Internet is “reprogramming us.” [ 1 ]

However, Carr also notes that we should “be skeptical of [his] skepticism ,” because maybe he’s “just a worrywart .” He explains, “Just as there’s a tendency to glorify technological progress, there’s a countertendency to expect the worst of every new tool or machine.” [ 1 ]

The article, and Carr’s subsequent book, The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains (2010, revised in 2020), ignited a continuing debate on and off the Internet about how the medium is changing the ways we think, how we interact with text and each other, and the very fabric of society as a whole. [ 1 ]

ProCon asked readers their thoughts on how the Internet affects their brains and whether online information is reliable and trustworthy . While 54% agree or strongly agree that being on the Internet has caused a decline in their attention span and ability to concentrate, only 22% thought the Internet has caused them to lose the ability to perform simple tasks like reading a map . [ 41 ]

45% believe much of the information online is false . Nearly 60% admitted difficulty in determining if information online was truthful . And almost 78% desire a more effective way of managing and filtering information on the Internet to differentiate between fact , opinion , and overt disinformation . [ 41 ]

Between Apr. 28, 2021, and May 13, 2024, the survey garnered 29,663 responses. To see the complete results, click here . To add your thoughts, complete the survey . [ 41 ]

Is the Internet “Making Us Stupid”? ** Take the ProCon Poll **

Pro 1 The speed and ubiquity of the Internet is different from previous breakthrough technologies and is reprogramming our brains for the worse. The Internet has reduced our ability to focus; changed how our memory functions; promoted skimming text over deep, critical reading (which, in turn, promotes dangerously false information); and changed how we interact with people. Digital addiction is also a concern. In the 2020 update to The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains , Nicholas Carr summarizes, “It takes patience and concentration to evaluate new information—to gauge its accuracy, to weigh its relevance and worth, to put it into context—and the Internet, by design, subverts patience and concentration. When the brain is overloaded by stimuli, as it usually is when we’re peering into a network-connected computer screen, attention splinters, thinking becomes superficial, and memory suffers. We become less reflective and more impulsive. Far from enhancing human intelligence, I argue, the Internet degrades it.” [ 2 ] A 2019 study found that the Internet “can produce both acute and sustained alterations” in three areas: “a) attentional capacities, as the constantly evolving stream of online information encourages our divided attention across multiple media sources, at the expense of sustained concentration; b) memory processes, as this vast and ubiquitous source of online information begins to shift the way we retrieve, store, and even value knowledge; and c) social cognition, as the ability for online social settings to resemble and evoke real‐world social processes creates a new interplay between the Internet and our social lives, including our self‐concepts and self‐esteem.” [ 3 ] Moreover, several studies have found that not only do people reading digital text skim more and retain less information than those reading text printed on paper, but that the effects of digital reading span from less reading comprehension to less in-depth textual analysis to less empathy for others. [ 4 ] Reading less critically not only results in low English grades, but also in readers believing and proliferating false information, as well as misunderstanding potentially important documents such as contracts and voter referendums. [ 4 ] Bonnie Kristian, contributing editor at The Week , also noted the Internet’s destruction of interpersonal relationships, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic: Many people have “a lack of intimate friendships and hobbyist communities. In the absence of that emotional connection and healthy recreational time use, this media engagement can become a bad substitute. The memes become the hobby. The Facebook bickering supplants the relationships. And it’s all moving so fast — tweet, video, meme, Tucker, tweet, video, meme, Maddow — the change goes unnoticed. The brain breaks.” [ 5 ] Because the Internet touches nearly everything we do now, the fundamental ways our brains process information is changing to accommodate and facilitate the fast, surface-level, distracting nature of the Internet, to the detriment of ourselves and society. Read More
Pro 2 IQ scores have been falling for decades, coinciding with the rise of technologies, including the Internet. For the majority of the 20th century, IQ scores rose an average of three points per decade, which is called the Flynn effect after James R. Flynn, a New Zealand intelligence researcher. Flynn believes this constant increase of IQ was related to better nutrition and increased access to education. [ 6 ] However, a 2018 Norwegian study found a reversal of the Flynn effect, with a drop of 7 IQ points per generation due to environmental causes such as the Internet. As Evan Horowitz, director of research communication at FCLT Global, summarized, “People are getting dumber. That’s not a judgment; it’s a global fact.” [ 6 ] [ 7 ] [ 8 ] [ 9 ] [ 10 ] James R Flynn noted a drop in IQ points among British male teenagers, and hypothesized a cause: “It looks like there is something screwy among British teenagers. What we know is that the youth culture is more visually oriented around computer games than they are in terms of reading and holding conversations.” [ 11 ] Further, the Internet makes us believe we can multitask, a skill scientists have found humans do not have. Our functional IQ drops 10 points as we are distracted by multiple browser tabs, email, a chat app, a video of puppies, and a text document, not to mention everything open on our tablets and smartphones, while listening to smart speakers and waiting on a video call. [ 12 ] [ 13 ] [ 14 ] The loss of 10 IQ points is more than the effect of a lost night’s sleep and more than double the effect of smoking marijuana. Not only can we not process all of these functions at once, but trying to do so degrades our performance in each. Trying to complete two tasks at the same time takes three to four times as long, each switch between tasks adds 20 to 25 seconds, and the effect magnifies with each new task. The Internet has destroyed our ability to focus on and satisfactorily complete one task at a time. [ 12 ] [ 13 ] [ 14 ] Read More
Pro 3 The Internet is causing us to lose the ability to perform simple tasks. “Hey, Alexa, turn on the bathroom light… play my favorite music playlist, cook rice in the Instant Pot… read me the news… what’s the weather today…” “Hey, Siri, set a timer… call my sister… get directions to Los Angeles… what time is it in Tokyo… who stars in that TV show I like…” While much of the technology is too new to have been thoroughly researched, we rely on the Internet for everything from email to seeing who is at our front doors to looking up information, so much so that we forget how to or never learn to complete simple tasks. And the accessibility of information online makes us believe we are smarter than we are. [ 40 ] In the 2018 election, Virginia state officials learned that young adults in Generation Z wanted to vote by mail but did not know where to buy stamps because they are so used to communicating online rather than via U.S. mail. [ 15 ] We require GPS maps narrated by the voice of a digital assistant to drive across the towns in which we have lived for years. Nora Newcombe, professor of psychology at Temple University, explains, “GPS devices cause our navigational skills to atrophy, and there’s increasing evidence for it. The problem is that you don’t see an overview of the area, and where you are in relation to other things. You’re not actively navigating — you’re just listening to the voice.” [ 16 ] Millennials are more likely to use pre-prepared foods, use the Internet for recipes, and use a meal delivery service. They are least likely to know offhand how to prepare lasagna, carve a turkey, or fry chicken, and fewer reported being a “good cook” than Generation X or Baby Boomers, who are less likely to rely on the Internet for cooking tasks. [ 17 ] [ 18 ] Using the Internet to store information we previously would have committed to memory (how to roast a chicken, for example) is “offloading.” According to Benjamin Storm, associate professor of psychology at the University of California at Santa Cruz, “Offloading robs you of the opportunity to develop the long-term knowledge structures that help you make creative connections, have novel insights and deepen your knowledge.” [ 17 ] Read More
Con 1 Virtually all new technologies, the Internet included, have been feared, and those fears have been largely unfounded. Many technologies considered commonplace today were thought to be extremely dangerous upon their invention. For example, trains caused worry among some “that women’s bodies were not designed to go at 50 miles an hour,” and so their “uteruses would fly out of [their] bodies as they were accelerated to that speed.” Others feared that bodies, regardless of gender, would simply melt at such a high speed. Information technologies have not escaped the centuries-old technophobia. [ 19 ]   Greek philosopher Socrates was afraid that writing would transplant knowledge and memory. [ 1 ] The printing press created a “confusing and harmful abundance of books” that, according to philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm, “might lead to a fall back into barbarism.” [ 2 ] [ 21 ] [ 22 ] Similarly, the newspaper was going to socially isolate people as they read news alone instead of gathering at the church’s pulpit to get information. [ 20 ] The telegraph was “too fast for the truth,” and its “constant diffusion of statements in snippets” was bemoaned. [ 22 ] [ 23 ] The telephone was feared to create a “race of left-eared people—that is, of people who hear better with the left than with the right ear.” We would become “nothing but transparent heaps of jelly to each other,” allowing basic manners to degrade. [ 22 ] [ 23 ] Schools were going to “exhaust the children’s brains and nervous systems with complex and multiple studies, and ruin their bodies by protracted imprisonment,” according to an 1883 medical journal. Excessive academic study by anyone was a sure path to mental illness. [ 20 ] The radio was “loud and unnecessary noise,” and children had “developed the habit of dividing attention between the humdrum preparation of their school assignments and the compelling excitement of the loudspeaker.” [ 20 ] [ 22 ] Television was going to be the downfall of radio, conversation, reading, and family life. [ 20 ] Calculators were going to destroy kids’ grasp of math concepts. [ 2 ] The VCR was going to be the end of the film industry. Motion Picture Association of America’s (MPAA) Jack Valenti complained to Congress, “I say to you that the VCR is to the American film producer and the American public as the [serial killer] Boston Strangler is to the woman home alone.” [ 24 ] Clinical and neuropsychologist Vaughn Bell, noted, “Worries about information overload are as old as information itself, with each generation reimagining the dangerous impacts of technology on mind and brain. From a historical perspective, what strikes home is not the evolution of these social concerns, but their similarity from one century to the next, to the point where they arrive anew with little having changed except the label.” [ 20 ] Read More
Con 2 The Internet gives diverse populations of people more equal access to information and society. The basis of the argument that the Internet is “making us stupid” is problematic and ignores large populations of people. First, the idea of “stupidity” versus intelligence relies heavily upon IQ and other standardized tests, which are racist, classist, and sexist. [ 25 ] [ 26 ] [ 27 ] [ 28 ] [ 29 ] [ 30 ] Additionally, somewhere between 21 and 42 million Americans do not have reliable broadband access to the Internet at home, or between 6% and 13%. And 49% of the US population (162 million people) is not using the Internet at broadband speeds. Thus we have to question who the “us” includes when we ask if the Internet is “making us stupid.” [ 31 ] [ 32 ] For those who do have access, the Internet is an impressive tool. Kristin Jenkins, executive director of BioQUEST Curriculum Consortium, explained, “Access to information is enormously powerful, and the Internet has provided access to people in a way we have never before experienced… Information that was once accessed through print materials that were not available to everyone and often out of date is now much more readily available to many more people.” [ 33 ] Social media in particular offers an accessible mode of communication for many people with disabilities. Deaf and hearing-impaired people don’t have to worry if a hearing person knows sign language or will be patient enough to repeat themselves for clarification. The Internet also offers spaces where people with similar disabilities can congregate to socialize, offer support, or share information, all without leaving home, an additional benefit for those for whom leaving home is difficult or impossible. [ 34 ] Older adults use the Internet to carry out a number of everyday tasks, which is especially valuable if they don’t have local family, friends, or social services to help. Older adults who use the Internet were also more likely to be tied to other people socially via hobby, support, or other groups. [ 35 ] [ 36 ] Read More
Con 3 Changing how the brain works and how we access and process information is not necessarily bad. Neuroscientist Erman Misirlisoy argues that “Internet usage has ‘Googlified’ our brains, making us more dependent on knowing where to access facts and less able to remember the facts themselves. This might sound a little depressing, but it makes perfect sense if we are making the most of the tools and resources available to us. Who needs to waste their mental resources on remembering that an ‘ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain,’ when the Internet can tell us at a moment’s notice? Let’s save our brains for more important problems… [And] as with practically everything in the world, moderation and thoughtful consumption are likely to go a long way.” [ 37 ] While we do tend to use the Internet to look up more facts now, consider what we did before the Internet. Did we know this information? Or did we consult a cookbook or call a friend who knows how to roast chicken? Benjamin C. Storm, associate professor of psychology at the University of California at Santa Cruz, explains, “It remains to be seen whether this increased reliance on the Internet is in any way different from the type of increased reliance one might experience on other information sources.” [ 38 ] As with anything in life, moderation and smart usage play a role in the Internet’s effects on us. Nir Eyal, author of Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products (2013), summarizes, “Technology is like smoking cannabis. Ninety percent of people who smoke cannabis do not get addicted. But the point is that you’re going to get some people who misuse a product; if it’s sufficiently good and engaging, that’s bound to happen.” We, and the Internet, have to learn to moderate our intake. [ 39 ] Heather Kirkorian, associate professor in early childhood psychology at the University of Wisconsin Madison, offers another example: “the effects of social media depend on whether we use them to connect with loved ones throughout the day and get social support versus [use them to] compare our lives to the often highly filtered lives of others and expose ourselves to bullying or other negative content.” [ 39 ] Read More

Discussion Questions

1. Is the Internet making us, as a society, “stupid”? Cite your evidence and explain how the Internet is or is not “making us stupid.”

2. Does the Internet affect the way you think? Have you noticed good or bad effects after being online? What effects and what were you doing online that you believe caused those effects?

3. How can we use the Internet responsibly? Give examples and explain why they are important.

4. Did the rise of the Internet contribute to digital addiction ? Explain your answer.

Take Action

1. Read Nicholas Carr’s original pro argument at The Atlantic .

2. Analyze comments by 11 experts on whether “constant use of digital technologies [are] affecting our brain health ” at Vox .

3. Consider historical examples of technophobia at Slate .

4. Consider how you felt about the issue before reading this article. After reading the pros and cons on this topic, has your thinking changed? If so, how? List two to three ways. If your thoughts have not changed, list two to three ways your better understanding of the “other side of the issue” now helps you better argue your position.

5. Push for the position and policies you support by writing US national senators and representatives .

1.Nicholas Carr, “Is Google Making Us Stupid?,” theatlantic.com, July/Aug. 2008
2.Nicholas Carr, , 2020
3.Joseph Firth, et al., “The ‘Online Brain’: How the Internet May Be Changing Our Cognition,” , ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, June 2019
4.Maryanne Wolf, “Skim Reading Is the New Normal. The Effect on Society Is Profound,” theguardian.com, Aug. 25, 2018
5.Bonnie Kristian, “Our Parents Warned Us the Internet Would Break Our Brains. It Broke Theirs Instead.,” theweek.com, Nov. 25, 2020
6.Will Conaway, “Technology Is on the Rise, while IQ Is on the Decline,” forbes.com, Apr. 29, 2020
7.Bob Yirka, “Researchers Find IQ Scores Dropping since the 1970s,” medicalxpress.com, June 12, 2018
8.Mahita Gajanan, “IQ Scores Are Falling Due to Environmental Factors, Study Finds,” time.com, June 13, 2018
9.Rory Smith, “IQ scores Are Falling and Have Been for Decades, New Study Finds,” cnn.com, June 14, 2018
10.Bernt Bratsberg and Ole Rogeberg,” Flynn Effect and Its Reversal Are Both Environmentally Caused,” pnas.org, June 26, 2018
11.Scottie Andrew, “Are Humans Dumber? Study Finds IQ Scores Have Been Dropping for Decades, and the Media Might Be to Blame,” newsweek.com, June 12, 2018
12.Brittany Levine Beckman, “The Internet Tricked Me into Believing I Can Multitask,” mashable.com, Jan. 31, 2021
13.David Burkus, “Why You Can’t Multi-Task,” psychologytoday.com, Nov. 15, 2018 
14.Jodie Naze, “Does Using the Internet Reduce Your Intelligence?,” computerworld.com, May 10, 2005
15.Ashley Collman, “College Students Say They Can't Send in Their Absentee Ballots because They Don't Know Where to Buy Stamps,” businessinsider.com, Sep. 19, 2018
16.Joseph Stromberg, “Is GPS Ruining Our Ability to Navigate for Ourselves?,” vox.com, Sep 2, 2015
17.Maura Judkis, “Do Millennials Really Not Know How to Cook? With Technology, They Don’t Really Have To.,” washingtonpost.com, Apr. 12, 2018
18.Porch, “Cooking Nightmares: A Generational Look at Capabilities in the Kitchen,” porch.com (accessed Mar. 17, 2021)
19.Janet Burns, “Early Trains Were Thought to Make Women’s Uteruses Fly Out,” mentalfloss.com, Aug. 26, 2015
20.Vaughan Bell, “Don’t Touch That Dial!: A History of Media Technology Scares, from the Printing Press to Facebook,” slate.com, Feb. 15, 2010
21.Len Wilson, “11 Examples of Fear and Suspicion of New Technology,” lenwilson.us, Feb. 11, 2014
22.Adrienne LaFrance, “In 1858, People Said the Telegraph Was 'Too Fast for the Truth' Sound Familiar?,” theatlantic.com, July 28, 2014
23.Taylor Danielle, “9 Times in History When Everyone Freaked out about New Technology” ranker.com (accessed Mar. 15, 2021)
24.Josh Barro, “Thirty Years Before SOPA, MPAA Feared the VCR,” forbes.com, Jan. 18, 2012
25.John Rosales, "The Racist Beginnings of Standardized Testing," nea.org, Apr. 24, 2018
26.Frontline, "Interview: James Popham," pbs.org, Apr. 25, 2001
27.Young Whan Choi, "How to Address Racial Bias in Standardized Testing," nextgenlearning.org, Mar. 31, 2020
28.Christopher Bergland, "Why Do Rich Kids Have Higher Standardized Test Scores?," psychologytoday.com, Apr. 18, 2015
29.Eloy Ortiz Oakley, "Commentary: Standardized Tests Reward Kids from Wealthy Families," sandiegouniontribune.com, Nov. 27, 2019
30.Carly Berwick, "What Does the Research Say about Testing?," edutopia.org, Oct. 25, 2019
31.Tyler Sonnemaker, “The Number of Americans without Reliable Internet Access May Be Way Higher than the Government's Estimate — and That Could Cause Major Problems in 2020,” businessinsider.com, Mar. 12, 2020
32.Microsoft News Center, “Nextlink Internet and Microsoft Closing Broadband Gap in Central US,” news.microsoft.com, Sep. 18, 2019
33.Kathleen Stansberry, Janna Anderson, and Lee Rainie, “Experts Optimistic about the Next 50 Years of Digital Life,” pewresearch.org, Oct. 28, 2019
34.Rebecca Thorne, “Social Media as a Communication Tool for Disabled People,” everyonecan.org.uk (accessed on Mar. 16, 2021)
35.Namkee G Choi and Diana M DiNitto, “Internet Use among Older Adults: Association with Health Needs, Psychological Capital, and Social Capital,” , ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, May 2013
36.Andreas Ihle, et al., “Internet Use in Old Age Predicts Smaller Cognitive Decline Only in Men,” nature.com, June 2, 2020
37.Erman Misirlisoy, “This Is Your Brain on the Internet,” medium.com, Sep. 3, 2018
38.Saga Briggs, “6 Ways Digital Media Impacts the Brain,” opencolleges.edu.au, Sep. 12, 2016
39.Brian Resnick, Julia Belluz, and Eliza Barclay, “Is Our Constant Use of Digital Technologies Affecting Our Brain Health?,” vox.com, Feb 26, 2019
40.David Ingram, "The Internet Is Tricking Our Brains," nbcnews.com, Dec. 9, 2021
41.ProCon.org, "Questions on the Internet," , Sep. 1, 2022

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Online Education: Pros and Cons Essay

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Introduction

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Online education has recently taken its place in modern society and no one could deny that it is a rather important part of any educational system of today. Nevertheless, the use of online study still arises a lot of controversial points of view because some people support the method of online education and give their arguments, while other people oppose this method and give their own arguments that are not less trustworthy.

Our aim here is to consider both points of view in order to find out the answer to the following questions: “Can the online education provide the same level of knowledge that usual college education provides?” and “What are the main points that evidence for and against online education?” In order to answer these questions, we going to consider the arguments of both sides of the issue and make the essay more specific with the help of certain examples to support both points of view.

The supporters of online education, which is also widely known as distance learning, support their point of view by saying that online education allows a larger number of people to get a higher education degree. Besides, they say that a person does not always need a teacher to learn something, i. e. one can not be taught, he or she can only teach themselves. Concerning the first argument of the supporters of online education, it is quite trustful.

For example, this method of studying allows people who are employed or have families to study in higher educational establishments. They do not need to be physically present at all classes and study full-time. With the help of online education, they can plan their study themselves, taking into consideration their working schedule, family needs, and amount of spare time.

As for the second argument of this side, it is also good because people study themselves depending only upon their wish, and no teacher can make them study (Deane, 2005, pp. 34 – 54).

On the contrary, the opponents of distance learning, state that every student needs a teacher who would guide his or her studying process. They say that a person can learn the material her/himself but there is no guarantee that he or she learn it correctly. That is why a teacher is necessary to check the knowledge of a student and guide them in the right direction.

Another argument that the opponents of online education put forward is that it is accessible not to all people. They exemplify their point of view saying that poor people do not always have access to the Internet and that makes it difficult for them to take up distance education. What is more important is that people with physical or mental disabilities also not always can take up the online course because of the complexity of its application.

For example, a person with certain local losses of memory can not use very sophisticated systems of application the online study programs and due to this, the distance learning becomes inaccessible for him or her (Deane, 2005, pp. 56 — 75).

To express my personal opinion concerning the issue of online education, I should say that I support this method of education. I believe that it presents a wide range of options for people who do not have time for usual study due to work they have or families that they must feed. Besides, online education allows people from abroad to study in any educational establishment they wish without expenses on moving to that country and living costs there.

As for the drawbacks of online education for people with disabilities, I agree that such a problem exists and I am convinced that it can be solved. One of the ways to solve it is for the educational establishments to simplify the application of distance learning programs.

Deane, S. (2005). Online Education: Is It for You? Author House: New York.

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Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Social Media — Social Media Pros and Cons

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Social Media Pros and Cons

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Updated: 7 November, 2023

Words: 889 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Table of contents

Advantages of social media, disadvantages of social media, video version.

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Hook Examples for Argumentative Essay on Social Media

  • A Startling Statistic: Did you know that over 3.6 billion people worldwide use social media? Join me as we explore the impact of this global phenomenon on our lives and society as a whole.
  • An Intriguing Quote: As Oscar Wilde once remarked, “Everything in moderation, including moderation.” These words prompt us to examine the balance between the benefits and drawbacks of social media in our lives.
  • A Personal Revelation: My own journey with social media led me to question its role in my life. Join me as I share my experiences and insights into the pros and cons of this omnipresent digital landscape.
  • A Societal Mirror: Social media reflects the best and worst of our society, from fostering connections to perpetuating misinformation. Explore with me how it both mirrors and shapes our cultural landscape.
  • An Evolving Debate: As technology advances and society changes, so does our understanding of social media’s impact. Join me in examining the ever-evolving debate surrounding the pros and cons of this powerful communication tool.
  • Van der Bank, C. M., & van der Bank, M. (2014). The impact of social media: advantages or disadvantages. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 4(2), 1-9. (http://www.ajhtl.com/uploads/7/1/6/3/7163688/article_17_vol4(2)july-nov_2015.pdf)
  • Abudabbous, N. (2021). Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media and Its Effects on Young Learners. Available at SSRN 4002626. (https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4002626)
  • Holmes, W. S. (2011). Crisis communications and social media: Advantages, disadvantages and best practices. (https://trace.tennessee.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1003&context=ccisymposium)
  • Roebuck, D., Siha, S., & Bell, R. L. (2013). Faculty usage of social media and mobile devices: Analysis of advantages and concerns. Interdisciplinary Journal of E-Learning and Learning Objects, 9, 171. (https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/facpubs/3171/)
  • Farrugia, R. C. (2013). Facebook and relationships: A study of how social media use is affecting long-term relationships. Rochester Institute of Technology. (https://www.proquest.com/openview/04bf6121089bb04b74dcaba7486bd814/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750)

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Key things to know about U.S. election polling in 2024

Conceptual image of an oversized voting ballot box in a large crowd of people with shallow depth of field

Confidence in U.S. public opinion polling was shaken by errors in 2016 and 2020. In both years’ general elections, many polls underestimated the strength of Republican candidates, including Donald Trump. These errors laid bare some real limitations of polling.

In the midterms that followed those elections, polling performed better . But many Americans remain skeptical that it can paint an accurate portrait of the public’s political preferences.

Restoring people’s confidence in polling is an important goal, because robust and independent public polling has a critical role to play in a democratic society. It gathers and publishes information about the well-being of the public and about citizens’ views on major issues. And it provides an important counterweight to people in power, or those seeking power, when they make claims about “what the people want.”

The challenges facing polling are undeniable. In addition to the longstanding issues of rising nonresponse and cost, summer 2024 brought extraordinary events that transformed the presidential race . The good news is that people with deep knowledge of polling are working hard to fix the problems exposed in 2016 and 2020, experimenting with more data sources and interview approaches than ever before. Still, polls are more useful to the public if people have realistic expectations about what surveys can do well – and what they cannot.

With that in mind, here are some key points to know about polling heading into this year’s presidential election.

Probability sampling (or “random sampling”). This refers to a polling method in which survey participants are recruited using random sampling from a database or list that includes nearly everyone in the population. The pollster selects the sample. The survey is not open for anyone who wants to sign up.

Online opt-in polling (or “nonprobability sampling”). These polls are recruited using a variety of methods that are sometimes referred to as “convenience sampling.” Respondents come from a variety of online sources such as ads on social media or search engines, websites offering rewards in exchange for survey participation, or self-enrollment. Unlike surveys with probability samples, people can volunteer to participate in opt-in surveys.

Nonresponse and nonresponse bias. Nonresponse is when someone sampled for a survey does not participate. Nonresponse bias occurs when the pattern of nonresponse leads to error in a poll estimate. For example, college graduates are more likely than those without a degree to participate in surveys, leading to the potential that the share of college graduates in the resulting sample will be too high.

Mode of interview. This refers to the format in which respondents are presented with and respond to survey questions. The most common modes are online, live telephone, text message and paper. Some polls use more than one mode.

Weighting. This is a statistical procedure pollsters perform to make their survey align with the broader population on key characteristics like age, race, etc. For example, if a survey has too many college graduates compared with their share in the population, people without a college degree are “weighted up” to match the proper share.

How are election polls being conducted?

Pollsters are making changes in response to the problems in previous elections. As a result, polling is different today than in 2016. Most U.S. polling organizations that conducted and publicly released national surveys in both 2016 and 2022 (61%) used methods in 2022 that differed from what they used in 2016 . And change has continued since 2022.

A sand chart showing that, as the number of public pollsters in the U.S. has grown, survey methods have become more diverse.

One change is that the number of active polling organizations has grown significantly, indicating that there are fewer barriers to entry into the polling field. The number of organizations that conduct national election polls more than doubled between 2000 and 2022.

This growth has been driven largely by pollsters using inexpensive opt-in sampling methods. But previous Pew Research Center analyses have demonstrated how surveys that use nonprobability sampling may have errors twice as large , on average, as those that use probability sampling.

The second change is that many of the more prominent polling organizations that use probability sampling – including Pew Research Center – have shifted from conducting polls primarily by telephone to using online methods, or some combination of online, mail and telephone. The result is that polling methodologies are far more diverse now than in the past.

(For more about how public opinion polling works, including a chapter on election polls, read our short online course on public opinion polling basics .)

All good polling relies on statistical adjustment called “weighting,” which makes sure that the survey sample aligns with the broader population on key characteristics. Historically, public opinion researchers have adjusted their data using a core set of demographic variables to correct imbalances between the survey sample and the population.

But there is a growing realization among survey researchers that weighting a poll on just a few variables like age, race and gender is insufficient for getting accurate results. Some groups of people – such as older adults and college graduates – are more likely to take surveys, which can lead to errors that are too sizable for a simple three- or four-variable adjustment to work well. Adjusting on more variables produces more accurate results, according to Center studies in 2016 and 2018 .

A number of pollsters have taken this lesson to heart. For example, recent high-quality polls by Gallup and The New York Times/Siena College adjusted on eight and 12 variables, respectively. Our own polls typically adjust on 12 variables . In a perfect world, it wouldn’t be necessary to have that much intervention by the pollster. But the real world of survey research is not perfect.

internet essay pros and cons

Predicting who will vote is critical – and difficult. Preelection polls face one crucial challenge that routine opinion polls do not: determining who of the people surveyed will actually cast a ballot.

Roughly a third of eligible Americans do not vote in presidential elections , despite the enormous attention paid to these contests. Determining who will abstain is difficult because people can’t perfectly predict their future behavior – and because many people feel social pressure to say they’ll vote even if it’s unlikely.

No one knows the profile of voters ahead of Election Day. We can’t know for sure whether young people will turn out in greater numbers than usual, or whether key racial or ethnic groups will do so. This means pollsters are left to make educated guesses about turnout, often using a mix of historical data and current measures of voting enthusiasm. This is very different from routine opinion polls, which mostly do not ask about people’s future intentions.

When major news breaks, a poll’s timing can matter. Public opinion on most issues is remarkably stable, so you don’t necessarily need a recent poll about an issue to get a sense of what people think about it. But dramatic events can and do change public opinion , especially when people are first learning about a new topic. For example, polls this summer saw notable changes in voter attitudes following Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race. Polls taken immediately after a major event may pick up a shift in public opinion, but those shifts are sometimes short-lived. Polls fielded weeks or months later are what allow us to see whether an event has had a long-term impact on the public’s psyche.

How accurate are polls?

The answer to this question depends on what you want polls to do. Polls are used for all kinds of purposes in addition to showing who’s ahead and who’s behind in a campaign. Fair or not, however, the accuracy of election polling is usually judged by how closely the polls matched the outcome of the election.

A diverging bar chart showing polling errors in U.S. presidential elections.

By this standard, polling in 2016 and 2020 performed poorly. In both years, state polling was characterized by serious errors. National polling did reasonably well in 2016 but faltered in 2020.

In 2020, a post-election review of polling by the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) found that “the 2020 polls featured polling error of an unusual magnitude: It was the highest in 40 years for the national popular vote and the highest in at least 20 years for state-level estimates of the vote in presidential, senatorial, and gubernatorial contests.”

How big were the errors? Polls conducted in the last two weeks before the election suggested that Biden’s margin over Trump was nearly twice as large as it ended up being in the final national vote tally.

Errors of this size make it difficult to be confident about who is leading if the election is closely contested, as many U.S. elections are .

Pollsters are rightly working to improve the accuracy of their polls. But even an error of 4 or 5 percentage points isn’t too concerning if the purpose of the poll is to describe whether the public has favorable or unfavorable opinions about candidates , or to show which issues matter to which voters. And on questions that gauge where people stand on issues, we usually want to know broadly where the public stands. We don’t necessarily need to know the precise share of Americans who say, for example, that climate change is mostly caused by human activity. Even judged by its performance in recent elections, polling can still provide a faithful picture of public sentiment on the important issues of the day.

The 2022 midterms saw generally accurate polling, despite a wave of partisan polls predicting a broad Republican victory. In fact, FiveThirtyEight found that “polls were more accurate in 2022 than in any cycle since at least 1998, with almost no bias toward either party.” Moreover, a handful of contrarian polls that predicted a 2022 “red wave” largely washed out when the votes were tallied. In sum, if we focus on polling in the most recent national election, there’s plenty of reason to be encouraged.

Compared with other elections in the past 20 years, polls have been less accurate when Donald Trump is on the ballot. Preelection surveys suffered from large errors – especially at the state level – in 2016 and 2020, when Trump was standing for election. But they performed reasonably well in the 2018 and 2022 midterms, when he was not.

Pew Research Center illustration

During the 2016 campaign, observers speculated about the possibility that Trump supporters might be less willing to express their support to a pollster – a phenomenon sometimes described as the “shy Trump effect.” But a committee of polling experts evaluated five different tests of the “shy Trump” theory and turned up little to no evidence for each one . Later, Pew Research Center and, in a separate test, a researcher from Yale also found little to no evidence in support of the claim.

Instead, two other explanations are more likely. One is about the difficulty of estimating who will turn out to vote. Research has found that Trump is popular among people who tend to sit out midterms but turn out for him in presidential election years. Since pollsters often use past turnout to predict who will vote, it can be difficult to anticipate when irregular voters will actually show up.

The other explanation is that Republicans in the Trump era have become a little less likely than Democrats to participate in polls . Pollsters call this “partisan nonresponse bias.” Surprisingly, polls historically have not shown any particular pattern of favoring one side or the other. The errors that favored Democratic candidates in the past eight years may be a result of the growth of political polarization, along with declining trust among conservatives in news organizations and other institutions that conduct polls.

Whatever the cause, the fact that Trump is again the nominee of the Republican Party means that pollsters must be especially careful to make sure all segments of the population are properly represented in surveys.

The real margin of error is often about double the one reported. A typical election poll sample of about 1,000 people has a margin of sampling error that’s about plus or minus 3 percentage points. That number expresses the uncertainty that results from taking a sample of the population rather than interviewing everyone . Random samples are likely to differ a little from the population just by chance, in the same way that the quality of your hand in a card game varies from one deal to the next.

A table showing that sampling error is not the only kind of polling error.

The problem is that sampling error is not the only kind of error that affects a poll. Those other kinds of error, in fact, can be as large or larger than sampling error. Consequently, the reported margin of error can lead people to think that polls are more accurate than they really are.

There are three other, equally important sources of error in polling: noncoverage error , where not all the target population has a chance of being sampled; nonresponse error, where certain groups of people may be less likely to participate; and measurement error, where people may not properly understand the questions or misreport their opinions. Not only does the margin of error fail to account for those other sources of potential error, putting a number only on sampling error implies to the public that other kinds of error do not exist.

Several recent studies show that the average total error in a poll estimate may be closer to twice as large as that implied by a typical margin of sampling error. This hidden error underscores the fact that polls may not be precise enough to call the winner in a close election.

Other important things to remember

Transparency in how a poll was conducted is associated with better accuracy . The polling industry has several platforms and initiatives aimed at promoting transparency in survey methodology. These include AAPOR’s transparency initiative and the Roper Center archive . Polling organizations that participate in these organizations have less error, on average, than those that don’t participate, an analysis by FiveThirtyEight found .

Participation in these transparency efforts does not guarantee that a poll is rigorous, but it is undoubtedly a positive signal. Transparency in polling means disclosing essential information, including the poll’s sponsor, the data collection firm, where and how participants were selected, modes of interview, field dates, sample size, question wording, and weighting procedures.

There is evidence that when the public is told that a candidate is extremely likely to win, some people may be less likely to vote . Following the 2016 election, many people wondered whether the pervasive forecasts that seemed to all but guarantee a Hillary Clinton victory – two modelers put her chances at 99% – led some would-be voters to conclude that the race was effectively over and that their vote would not make a difference. There is scientific research to back up that claim: A team of researchers found experimental evidence that when people have high confidence that one candidate will win, they are less likely to vote. This helps explain why some polling analysts say elections should be covered using traditional polling estimates and margins of error rather than speculative win probabilities (also known as “probabilistic forecasts”).

National polls tell us what the entire public thinks about the presidential candidates, but the outcome of the election is determined state by state in the Electoral College . The 2000 and 2016 presidential elections demonstrated a difficult truth: The candidate with the largest share of support among all voters in the United States sometimes loses the election. In those two elections, the national popular vote winners (Al Gore and Hillary Clinton) lost the election in the Electoral College (to George W. Bush and Donald Trump). In recent years, analysts have shown that Republican candidates do somewhat better in the Electoral College than in the popular vote because every state gets three electoral votes regardless of population – and many less-populated states are rural and more Republican.

For some, this raises the question: What is the use of national polls if they don’t tell us who is likely to win the presidency? In fact, national polls try to gauge the opinions of all Americans, regardless of whether they live in a battleground state like Pennsylvania, a reliably red state like Idaho or a reliably blue state like Rhode Island. In short, national polls tell us what the entire citizenry is thinking. Polls that focus only on the competitive states run the risk of giving too little attention to the needs and views of the vast majority of Americans who live in uncompetitive states – about 80%.

Fortunately, this is not how most pollsters view the world . As the noted political scientist Sidney Verba explained, “Surveys produce just what democracy is supposed to produce – equal representation of all citizens.”

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Essay on Internet Uses For Students

500 + words internet essay.

The internet is described as a global network of computer systems interconnected and following the internet security protocol. However, have you ever considered why the internet is important? This 500+ Words Essay on internet advantages and disadvantages will help students ace essay writing during exams.

A combination of high-end science and advanced technology, the internet is a viral invention. Here, in an essay on the internet, students can learn about the uses and impact of the internet.

Why the Internet Is Important

The internet has undergone significant development from the time of its birth to the present. Over a period of time, the internet has become more interactive and user-friendly. It has also helped man in day-to-day transactions and interactions. The Internet is widely used for numerous functions such as learning, teaching, research, writing, sharing content or data, e-mails, job hunting, playing games, listening to music, watching videos, exploring and finally surfing the internet. Meanwhile, though it makes life easy for people, the internet also comes with a lot of pros and cons. Find the advantages and disadvantages of the internet from this essay.

Also read: History of Internet

Essay on Advantages of Internet

Read this essay on internet advantages to know the effects of using the internet. Look for the points mentioned below.

  • The internet has helped reduce the usage of paper and paperwork to a large extent by computerising offices, schools, NGOs, industries and much more.
  • Internet helps to provide updated information and news from all over the world
  • Education, business and travel have been thriving with the growth of the Internet
  • The internet is of high educational and entertainment value
  • The internet makes access to public resources, libraries and textbooks much easier
  • The internet makes it easy by reducing the time and energy taken to do work
  • Work has become more efficient, quick and accurate
  • Meetings and conferences are made easier with video calls and other brilliant tools

Apart from all these, as mentioned in the above paragraph on Internet uses, it helps carry out banking activities, exchange information, shop for various goods and more.

Essay on Internet Disadvantages

Despite the use of the internet and its positives, there are also some internet disadvantages. Continuous use of the internet can affect our lifestyle and health. Let us check out the disadvantages of the internet from this paragraph.

  • Over-dependence on the internet can lead to many health problems
  • People tend to spend more of their productive time doing nothing but browsing
  • Even if the internet is now used extensively at work, overuse of the internet could lead to depression
  • Quality time with friends and relatives is primarily reduced due to the use of the internet
  • Cybercrime has also increased as internet security and privacy are compromised

Thus, we have seen the uses of the internet and its impact on students and working professionals. While we know that overuse of the internet should be avoided, we also have to acknowledge that the internet has still not been exploited to its full potential, despite its massive growth. In conclusion, we can state that to make internet use more comfortable and pleasurable, school students should be taught about the pros and cons of using the internet, thus ensuring that they can stand up against cybercrime and ensure safety.

Also Read: Social Media Essay | Essay on Women Empowerment | Essay On Constitution of India

Frequently asked Questions on Internet Essay

What is the internet.

The internet is a global system of interconnected computers and this system uses a standardised Internet Protocol suite for communication and sharing information.

What are the top 5 uses of the Internet?

The Internet is mostly used by people to send emails and to search on any topic. It can be used to download large files. People depend on the internet for electronic news and magazines these days. A lot of people, especially the young generation use it to play interactive games and for entertainment.

What is WiFi?

WiFi is the latest wireless technology used to connect computers, tablets, smartphones and other electronic devices to the internet.

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    With the help of online education, they can plan their study themselves, taking into consideration their working schedule, family needs, and amount of spare time. As for the second argument of this side, it is also good because people study themselves depending only upon their wish, and no teacher can make them study (Deane, 2005, pp. 34 - 54).

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    Pros and Cons of the Internet Essay. The Internet is more popular today than it was years ago. As technology advances, the use of the Internet grows yonder and is an amazing addition in our lives. The Internet has been perhaps the most outstanding innovation in the field of communication in the history of humanity. It is a global meeting place ...

  23. The Internet

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  24. What is Li-Fi and Could It Be the Next Big Thing for the Internet?

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  27. Verizon 5G Home Internet vs. Spectrum

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  28. Pros & Cons of Using a Gateway vs. Router & Modem

    T-Mobile Home Internet customers, for example, utilize a wireless 5G Gateway device in tandem with the next generation of Wi-Fi technology (Wi-Fi 6 ) to stay connected at home.. But if you're not on a T-Mobile Home Internet plan or you're just looking to buy your own hardware, it can be hard to decide whether you need a modem and router or a single gateway.

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  30. Essay on Internet Uses For Students For Students In English

    Meanwhile, though it makes life easy for people, the internet also comes with a lot of pros and cons. Find the advantages and disadvantages of the internet from this essay. Also read: History of Internet. Essay on Advantages of Internet. Read this essay on internet advantages to know the effects of using the internet. Look for the points ...