Stuck on Tech

The Internet is polluted with content that can harm us mentally and spiritually. While this pollution has damaging effects on adults, it can be even more damaging to the impressionable minds of children and teenagers. Even though many resources exist to filter information arriving in our homes, it isn’t fool proof. The most effective internet filtering program involves parents teaching children the benefits and dangers of the online world. We greatly benefit from tools which keep filth from reaching our computer screens. However, filtering is not child proof and therefore not enough. If children and young adults are not fully aware of the dangers contained online, they may easily become curious. Filtering is not effective against someone determined to unlock the secrets of the Internet. Proper filtering begins with family discussions. Children need to fully understand that the Internet contains both beneficial resources and addictive traps. However, the discussion can not be limited to a mandate that harmful material should not be viewed. Children need to understand why people put degrading material on the Internet. They also need to be taught why degrading material is harmful and should be avoided. Lastly, they need to know what to do if they’re online and presented with inappropriate or uncomfortable material. There are clear benefits in having open communication in family forums. First, children are inclined to avoid the filth found online. Second, children will feel comfortable talking to their parents any time they encounter uncomfortable material. It’s unlikely that the cold and murky waters found in the ocean of information will ever disappear. However, with proper guidance, the Internet can be a safe and valuable tool for the entire family.

Many authors have noted that the Internet is not an entity that is adapting to our society, but rather our society is adapting to the Internet. I don’t think that the Internet will eventually destroy society. However, I do fear that the Internet will be a stumbling block to society by allowing rampant misinformation to greatly influence the coming generations and individual thought to be stifled. The Internet is no longer a collection of Universities sharing research data. It is now a giant collection of both factual data and biased opinions. Yet, to some, the Internet is still treated as a reliable research tool. Answers provided by Google are treated as fact. The Wikipedia is supposedly the most up to date source of information on any topic. We’ve seen various instances in school reports, business data and even online research that contain tainted facts that are initially accepted just because these facts were found on the Internet. Therefore, since it came from the Internet, it must be true. There is no way easy way to sift the fact from the fiction. However, we must continually teach and enforce the process of gaining reliable information. This is especially important in the education of students entering grade school and higher education. It also needs to be re-enforced upon entering a business or corporate environment. This not only encourages correctness of information, but also the importance of gaining a personal, well-informed opinion. In turn, this encourages and stimulates conscientious thought. Rumors of today will not be the accepted facts of tomorrow’s rising generations. The Internet is not an oracle of knowledge. The understanding of how to use information from the Internet is.