Can the Internet can be good for us?

Much media attention is given to the dangers of the internet and the reasons why we should all spend less time staring at screens. It’s true that we need to keep an eye on how many hours we become absorbed by computer, mobile or tablet screens and the internet can be a dark place if we don’t stay vigilant. However, it can be argued that the many benefits of the internet far outweigh the negative. Here we look at why the internet is good for us.

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Education

All of us, especially teens, can learn a great deal about subjects that they might otherwise be too embarrassed to talk about. Reputable websites offer huge amounts of information, advice and forums where people can find answers to their questions and share their experiences or concerns. For older people, the internet can be good for mental health. Studies have shown that people over the age of 60 who spend time online are more mentally active and less susceptible to suffering from depression.

Online courses also enable people to learn new subjects, who wouldn’t otherwise be able to study in the traditional way at a college or university. The number of people subscribing to online courses has increased by 96% in the last few years.

The Economy

The internet does wonders for the economy and adds an average of 3.4% to the GDP of many countries worldwide. Jobs are created by the internet and for each job that appears in the technology sector, another 5 are created in associated services to support that position.

Having a strong online presence increases sales, improves customer communication and helps to keep the economy running. Such is the importance of having an online presence that almost all of the companies in countries of the OECD have websites.

This is why a company like www.lazyjuice.co.uk/ has a strong facebook page that is a Gloucester Vape Shop offering free same day delivery to gloucester residents if they order before 6pm. 

The internet makes it so much easier to look for a job. Those who use online job sites and have access to searches and email are employed 25% faster than those who don’t use the internet.

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Communication

The ability for people to connect via Skype has meant that 300 million users have been able to chat to each other from any location in the world. Online dating is quickly becoming one of the main ways to meet new partners, so much so that in the 7 years between 2005 and 2012, a third of couples marrying in the United States had met each other online.

Email and messenger services make it possible to communicate instantly, anywhere in the world without the need for crackly phone lines or waiting for replies in the mail.

Social Media

Whilst there will always be things to be wary of with social media, research has shown that it can lead people to make better informed decisions about health issues, encourage them to get second opinions about conditions and make them more likely to read consumer reviews about health-related products.