Beware & Embrace

Summary:
    It is common to be in a love-hate relationship with the Internet, and it is not hard to tell several pros and cons of it. In this passage, I introduce some way to make the most of the double-edged Internet.


The first passage points out that information provided by Google and other websites effect people's reading habit negatively, while the second attempts to rebut the assertion made by the first reading by arguing that Internet-based information in fact offers an uncertain academic environment where people can find the truth collaboratively.

These two reading both have strong points and valid examples and both point out some pros and cons of the Internet. People frequently using search engines like Google gradually develop a 'running down' reading habit, which is definitely not good in the long run, but it does provides immediate access to all the available information wherever you are. On the other hand, people are able to ask questions, give answers, discuss about a topic and post what is in their mind, but their wisdom are less likely to continue than by publishing books. It is not hard to blame the Internet, neither is it hard to love it.

Like air conditioner, the Internet is the thing whose disadvantages were already realized by people but just cannot be replaced or given up. For me, a teenager, I can tell even more the pros and cons of the Internet. I can find tons of helpful learning assistance on Google. Even the courses I am taking right now at RPI are literally highly Internet-based. Some kids, however, are overly getting the most out of the Internet. Online gaming is really bad for their health and their academic performance.

I beware of such potential impact and embrace the Internet with open arms. Since I have realized what the negative influence would be, I am pretty sure that, with some extend of vigilance, I would get what I want and eliminate what is bad from the Internet.

Try to develop a decent online reading habit, simply by applying paper-based reading habit to websites. Focus more on the information itself and ignore hyperlinks and advertisement, and if it is still too hard, why not try using Kindle, the Internet-based portable reading device which is designed to be eye-friendly? Try to maximize book experience as well, because they are publish for reasons that separate them from online articles and reviews. Books are mostly written by the professionals in certain areas, whose opinion and statistics are often more reliable and systematic. Purchasing books is also a good way to protect copy right, which would indirectly motivate the gathering of wisdom.

Internet and technology is the future. Future is unpredictable, full of unintended consequences. More pros and cons will be found about the Internet possibly in the next few years or decades. Those uncertain factors and  are what made the future of technology charming.