“The Internet is mostly a good thing.”
Do you agree? Support your opinion.

- by Caryn Ooi Su Li

SMJK Chung Hwa Confucian

Penang

The Internet is the electricity of the 21st century. Yes, we are so attached to it every day. Indeed, it is one of the greatest inventions of all time. Since it upgrades our lifestyle, I must say that the Internet is mostly a good thing.

Firstly, the biggest advantage of the Internet is its role as a search platform. For example, Google, a popular online search engine, makes our life much easier. Everyone needs it. For example, with internet access, a stockbroker will always have up-to-date information about the stock market. A student finds relevant educational materials from the Internet to facilitate his or her studies. A housewife follows online recipes to cook finger-licking food to feed the family. Yes, you may say that sources from books and papers are more reliable. However, the traditional book-flipping method is not as efficient as the Internet as it is time consuming. Moreover, the information contained is limited.

The Internet shortens distance. But how? It keeps people in touch, no matter where they are. Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter have been blooming for a decade. They provide various features such as real-time chatting and video calling, enabling us to communicate with our relatives and friends easily. We can also know more about their life through their regular photo and status updates. Now, parents can easily see their children, who are studying abroad, and have conversations with them. Trading can be done online, without the need to be present at business or commercial premises. Old friends can reunite. People all around the world no longer need to write letters and post them to communicate with one another.

Buying and selling are also easier when carried out through the Internet. Online shopping is popular in our modern world now. Sellers earn their living in sales through their online stores. They have flexible working hours. Buyers get to buy products at lower prices because the online stores bear lower overhead costs compared to bricks and mortar stores. Besides, customers’ reviews are posted on the Internet and people get to compare and make better decisions before purchasing anything. No more long queues, no more awkwardly-standing shop assistants and no more parking fees. What you buy will be delivered right on your doorstep after a few clicks. Have you ever noticed how convenient our life is with the help of the famous Mr Internet?

The Internet brightens up our life. We can find entertainments on the Internet. There are films and dramas that we can watch online. There are plenty of video games on the Internet to satisfy your interest too. All of them can relieve one’s stress and refresh one’s mind. Who would not enjoy a moment of personal time watching films or playing games in their cozy rooms, away from tensions in life? In addition, these entertainments can liven up a boring school or work day. After all, life is not really all about school and work, is it?

Lastly, the Internet plays an important role in the education field too. People are getting busier and busier every day. Not everyone has the chance to further their studies abroad. The good news is they can enrol on online courses offered by the world’s top universities. Nine-to-fivers are equally eligible to do so as they can study on a part-time basis! Do you not think that the Internet has helped lots of people all around the world?

In a nutshell, the Internet is mostly a good thing. Although some may say that it causes many social problems like cheating and propaganda spreading, its advantages outweigh its disadvantages. Instead of misusing it, we should use it wisely to gain maximum benefits.