Initially, the Web was invented and built for good purposes. But as the population of Web users keeps increasing overtime, the function of the Web becomes more complex, and thus, more vulnerabilities surface. Some people use these vulnerabilities to jeopardise the safety of other Web users, and therefore attracting the parties concerned to debate whether or not new policies should be introduced to suppress the freedom of users.
I am going to share with you some key points involved in the arguments for the Web (I am not going to pen anything regarding arguments against the Web because they are just too controversial):
BLESSING
- The Web is like a gigantic international library with all sorts of information available in thousands of different formats. Online encyclopaedias like Wikipedia are being used as references by teachers and students worldwide. They type in a term, and all information related to that particular term will become available at their fingertips in under a minute. And remember when I said these information come in tonnes of different formats? There are also many educational videos on YouTube. Needless to say, the 'iTunes U' page in iTunes also provide college students with thousands of educational contents (which include videos and notes). When I was still in my school's debate team, the Web was like my own personal library. It provided me with important quotes, statistics and examples, all of which would have otherwise require me one whole year to search without the Web.
- Say hi, and smile! As I pointed out from the start, SNS allows us to get in touch with our loved ones regardless of the miles of space that stretches between us. In Facebook, for example, we can chat with people in our 'Friends' list. We can see their statuses, we can drop comments. Services like Skype and FaceTime also allow their users to chat and video call each other, all at a tap (on tablets and smartphones) or a click (on computers) away. Ah, if you are too shy to show your face or to talk casually, don't forget you can still use e-mail services. All of these forms of communication are much faster than penning a written letter, and also help to save paper (and ink, money and time... oh, and petrol).
- The Web also provides us with unending entertainment. Users can read entertaining news on major news sites. They can also tune in to YouTube to watch the latest MVs featuring their favourite popstars. A few clicks and users can get into a page full of jokes from popular comedians. They can even acquire movies or songs they like from thousands of providers available on the Web. Reading other people's blog sometimes also ignites joy in oneself (so do come and read my blog when you are free). Some people find the games available on the Net entertaining. Now, we can say that the Web is a vital source of happiness.
- The air smells of money (money earned right). The Web plays an important role in driving the global economy. Search for an airline, pick a destination, set a date, and you can enjoy your flight! Type in 'amazon.com' into your browser's search box now, and you can gain access to millions of goods from all around the world. Pick the ones you like, key in your credit card number and you can easily become the proud owner of the latest gadgets or the coolest accessories. Now, you don't have to stuff yourself into a packed shop on Black Friday or Christmas Eve. Just armchair-shop away!
So, the Web has its pros and cons. How we use it will decide whether it is a blessing or a curse. For the time being, it is a blessing to me, since I can blog.
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