AOL have been running an interesting discussion lately regarding whether the internet is a good or bad thing. On one hand we have everything that is bad: Big brother, identity theft and easy access to anything be it good or bad but from another point of view it is a place where creativity and interaction flurish as well as being a wealth of information at our finger tips. In the good old days when I wanted to find something out, a trip to the library was necessary and much time was spent thumbing through books until I found what I was looking for. Now Google will find it in next to no time but are we actually learning if theres no effort anymore in finding the information? Are the school kids actually taking it all in if their homework can be done in a fraction of the time?
Speaking of which, what effect is it having on our youngsters today? Sure it encourages creativity and learning to a certain degree but as for vital social skills I doubt you can download them like something out of the Matrix. No, in my opinion they need to get out and brave the real world, to get dirty with real mud, to ride real bikes and to meet up and play with real friends (providing ASBO restrictions allow). I admit it is all too easy to blame computers for our youngsters’ behavior but I do believe that although not entirely responsible it is a contributing factor.
Personally speaking, from my experience the internet has been a good thing. I have maintained a web presence now in one form or another for nearly 7 years and in that time the old creative juice flood gates have been well and truely opened, something which would have taken more effort and time if I didn’t have the internet. The most amazing thing in my opinion is that this world of ours is getting increasingly smaller and that even the smallest of voices can now be heard, just look at this weeks hit atlas for Novemberfive:
Should be getting a reply from Heat magazine anyday now.
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