"The Internet is mostly a good thing.' Do you agree? 

        The Internet is indeed one of the most remarkable features of technology. Its advent signifies a new epoch in the history of Information and Communication Technology. Currently, almost 90% of the world population have access to the Internet. It is an indomitable fact that the Internet is one of the most influential tools in this 21st century. Of course, the Internet brings a multitude of advantages to its users, yet it has received an increasing number of complaints recently. Is the Internet a gift from God, or a work of the Devil? My humble opinion is that it is mostly, with a few exceptions, a good thing in general.

          One of the best accolades of the Internet has received, is that it is a library of information provided for its users to explore. With just a click of the mouse, we are immediately presented with various works written by experts in many fields ranging from medicine, politics and economics. This is certainly good news to students like us, as the Internet stores all the answers to satisfy our young, inquisitive mind. Plus, it helps us complete our assignments really quickly too! The Internet is no doubt, a student's best friend.

          In addition, the Internet is also a warehouse of songs, games and videos which serves to be an excellent source of entertainment. It is this unique feature of the Internet that has made its popularity jump by leaps and bound, not only among the youth, but also the old. The hustle-bustle of city life has left most of us gasping for our breath, and the Internet opens a window for us into a realm of wonderful music and colours that can let us release our tension. Hence the Internet is really a lifesaver for some of us.

          Besides, communication knows no borders as far as it concerns the Internet. Gone are the days when we have to painstakingly pen out letters to communicate with our loved ones abroad. Now, with the emergence of email messaging service and Skype, we can easily chat with our friends and family over the Internet. Not even tall mountains and deep oceans can hold the power of the Internet to let us connect with them. What is more impressive is that teleconferencing is also made feasible presently. Professionals in the medical field can use the Internet to discuss a certain procedure in surgery, while businessmen can also utilise the Internet to rake in more gains.

          Moreover, the social networking sites in the Internet provide us a channel to make new friends and share our ideas. The existing of social media like Facebook, Twitter, Bing and Instagram has made users all around the world instantly connected to each other to exchange views on a particular subject matter. Interesting enough, our Prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak too, has created a Facebook and Twitter account to allow him to connect with the citizens of this country and listen to the voices of the grassroots. This is an immensely loudable function of the Internet.

          On a more serious note, however, there has been cyber crimes occurring in the Internet as well, first and foremost being the stubborn, difficult problem of pornography. With the rapid growth of the Internet, irresponsible parties have circulated pornographic materials boldly. Although law enforcers have beefed up their efficiency to mete out punishments for these law offenders the problems remain far from eradicated.

          In addition, money-laundering on the Internet is also a serious problem recently. Conmen using unauthorised websites to trick users into disclosing personal details about themselves have increased in numbers steadily. Once they obtain information about the users, they gain access to the users’ bank accounts and abscond with all their money. This also poses as a source of headache for law enforcers as it is extremely difficult to track these conmen down.

Finally, there is also the problem of blackmailing and cyberbullying. Some vengeful individuals have resorted to using the Internet to spread slanderous remarks about their enemies, be it political rivals or what not. While some might perceive this action as trivial, the effects of this bad-mouthing are amplified as all posts can be viewed by thousands of people on the Internet, and the comments will be spread like wildfire. Meanwhile, cyberbullying cases have cost the victims to suffer from mental trauma and depression and it is statistically found that more than one person has committed suicide due to intense pressure affected by cyberbullying.

          To wrap up, the Internet certainly has its pros and cons. However, I remain that it is mostly a good thing because almost always, the negative effects of the Internet are caused by irresponsible and spiteful individuals. As long as we use the Internet wisely and responsibly, the problems aforementioned will cease. The Internet definitely here to stay.