Essay

In your view, what are the possible benefits and problems attached to the internet?

New media refers to on-demand access to content any time, anywhere, on any digital device, as well as interactive user feedback, and creative participation. In this essay, I will be talking about the possible benefits and problems attached to the internet, also explaining both sides of the arguments, which will include at least three different theorists to back up my points. 

One problem attached to the internet is institutional bias. This is when institutes allow their ideas and opinions to take over and are shared with other people, so that they believe in what they believe in. One example of this is Fox News, they are known for only showing one side of stories, which impacts the audience that watches Fox News, as they will believe what is being shown to them and won’t think that there is another side to the story, as they are being manipulated into thinking that only one opinion is right.

However, one benefit attached to the internet is sharing views and ideologies. It allows people to express their opinions and feelings towards anything for example any incidents that occur. People can do this through YouTube, by commenting on videos, for example recently Beyoncé released an album without anyone knowing and she has been one of the most searched celebrities in the past few days. Her fans and other people have expressed their opinion about the album through social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Another problem attached with the internet Is that their false information being posted up on loads of websites. Millions of people use the internet and they could be using it. The internet isn’t easily control, it is used on a daily basis and there are many things on the internet that are dangerous. People are lying about their identity which isn't safe for young children and cyber bullying is increasing as it is becoming easier to access the internet.

Another benefit attached to the internet is that it helps students when studying. They have access to millions of websites that can help them when studying, which will help them increase their knowledge on subjects they are studying. For example they can use bite-size, which contains information on many different subjects, they are able to learn new information, revise and then take tests to see what they have learnt. They also have access to read books online without having to go to libraries. Recently, many companies have created apps that help people revise from their phones, which is easier for people to access as they are with their phones all the time. 80% of the apps have been created by 20% of the institutions, which benefits everyone. 

Overall, I think that the internet can be positive and negative, depending on how people are using it. The problems are that wrong information is posted online, biased views are posted online, which can encourage more debates to take place, which can lead to  big issue being created. However, there are many positives such as there is more freedom for people to express their own opinions, on blogs and forums.