The Internet: Trusted Tool or Feared Weapon
By: Nick Burrill
Human beings' capacity to distinguish between right and wrong sets us apart from animals. Some might claim that the ability to create and invent differentiates humans from other species, but these qualities display themselves all throughout nature. An otter uses a rock to open a clam, a bird creates a nest for its young, and even an ant constructs intricate tunnels and passageways inside its colony. No other creature on the face of the earth, however, can formulate opinions and values like humans can. While we have within us a certain primal instinct and innate survival mechanism, we also possess a conscience, something to be used for good or for evil.
Like other creatures, we invent so that we might better our society and better our lives. Throughout history, though, human beings' inventions have repeatedly shown their capacity to do good or to do evil. Something that is meant to be used for survival or self defense, such as a gun, can also wreak more havoc than the inventors ever intended. The internet is one such invention. Originally designed as a way for universities to exchange data and research and stay connected during the Cold War, but has since become much more than that (Leiner). It has exploded to the point where over 25% of the world has access to the internet in some form ("Usage and Population Statistics"). The internet provides invaluable data at the click of a button, data which could save lives and keep people informed, but the internet also has the potential to be a great evil.
There are over 420 billion pornographic internet pages ("Internet Pornographic Statistics"). Entire lives and families have been consumed by this perverse misuse of technological advancement. In addition, there are countless numbers of websites that provide intelligence, such as bomb-making, that could be devastating in the wrong hands. On the other hand, the internet provides a source of immense good. The citizens of Iran recently showed the world their plight solely through a connection to the internet. People are allowed to stay connected with long distance family members and friends, access necessary medical information and even create their own business all through the wealth of resources available on the internet.
The internet itself is not an evil. Nor is it a good. Rather, the internet is simply a product of the human mind, driven by our intentions. People's capability to do good or do evil is evident through the usage of such a tool as the internet. The internet simply exists. It does not perform good deeds or carry out death sentences, but it is a machine powered by our own desires. If we choose to do good, then the internet becomes a trusted ally. If we choose to enact malicious deeds, though, then the internet becomes a powerful weapon. There is no blame to be placed when the screen is on, but rather when it is off, and our own faces are apparent in the reflection.
Works Cited
"Internet Filter Reviews." Internet Pornographic Statistics. 30 Oct 2009. Web. 2 Jan 2010.
"Internet World Stats." Usage and Population Statistics. 2010. Miniwatts Marketing Group, Web. 17 Dec 2009.
Leiner, Barry. "Internet Society." A Brief History of the Internet. 2010. Internet Society, Web. 18 Dec 2009.