Be a wise internet user

Most of you will agree with me if I say that we are extremely blessed as a generation. Blessed in a sense that the information we need nowadays is simply a matter of few clicks away. There is no need to go out of the house to find the data we need. What we simply need to do is get an access to the internet and then instantly find answer to any of our questions.

But there are times also that this privilege becomes a tragedy. As the internet is open to  everybody, people can also utilize it in whatever purpose it will serve them. We have seen numerous hackings and other kinds of privacy invasion happen through the internet.  Furthermore, the internet  is an easy avenue to propagate  lies that can seem absolutely real for those   people who do not counter check. As users of this powerful technology, we should at all times take precautions in consuming the information we derive from it. How can we truly benefit from the internet?

Understand it's power

The internet is one of the greatest inventions of our time and there is no doubt about it. It has made our lives better and our works more efficient and etc. But before we can make great use of it, it is important that we understand the power and at the same time the danger it can bring. Some of the great benefits of the internet are of course universal access to information which was impossible decades ago, the worldwide connectivity we enjoy using social media and the more efficient and effective conduct of business. On the other hand, we should also be fully aware that the internet can be used to spread lies, invade someone’s privacy, rob people’s identity, illegal trades and all other kinds of crimes that can be committed online. These are the things we should put in mind and by doing so, we will realize how important it is to be careful in posting important information about us, visiting sites that are not reliable and spreading information that are not true and could cause someone’s reputation or dignity. Lots of things can happen through the internet.

Always double check and find  other  sources

In my own experience, when a trending issue comes out, all content providers will rush to publish a version of the story. While this is good because people become easily updated about what is happening, this is at the same time dangerous because writers, website, and publishers don’t really mind of confirming the information they have. They will just publish so for the sake of having that story into their page. This makes it very important for us readers to always find other sources such as books, newspapers and other websites as well.

Be aware of reliable websites

In the internet, we will find thousands of websites containing the information we need. But if in case you become confused of which one to choose, just remember the popular websites you usually hear about. Known companies or brands  take care of their name  by being careful of every content they publish that is why we can easily rely on the information they feed other than the websites or companies that are new to us.

 Don’t  put too much time in the internet specifically the social media

I don’t suggest avoiding the use social media. As a matter of fact, I am a regular user of social media.  All of us benefit from it. But as we all know, too much is not good. There is a great life waiting for us outside the virtual world of the internet. As the demand for social media increases, we are slowly becoming a generation with very little human engagement, physical activity and concern to the real world surrounding us. Our minds are being trapped into the virtual reality created by the internet and social media. Most of the times, we think that the attention and the love we long for can be found by posting every single thing we do and get as many likes and comments as we can. The reality is that there is nothing much more greater than real life encounters, face to face engagements and real life experiences.