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The Internet has altered the way we're connected to the world.
Communication and information is the key to survival via this superhighway. Unfortunately, it has resulted in some dis-benefits to humankind.That is, when we take our interactions to the computer platform more than the face-to-face methods. Don't get me wrong, Facebook, Skype, MSN,Forums, Emails, IVLE are beneficial (In fact, I'm lost if I don't log into at least one of the above per day). The problem that few have highlighted however, are the dis-benefits.

1) The joys of anonymity. From cyber predators to hackers, anything goes online. And we have to be wary, especially with young children as the Internet becomes a way of life. How aware are parents of the threats?

2) Privacy is compromised. With the ever increasing storage of personal data made accessible to others. I refer you to your latest facebook photo album of your night out at Clarke Quay.

3) Email has diminished the value of personal contact. As students of communication studies, the one thing we have realized is that communication is not merely words, they're gestures, expressions, emotions, goals of speech that systemize the way we communicate. With CMC, these frames are changing.

4) The Internet produces couch potatoes. The need to go out and SOCIALIZE? Nah, after this online movie.

5) The Internet is killing our culture. Americanization, now Japanization is sweeping the world. Is there room for the unique ME?

6) Rude comments on youtube. Have you read racist, mean and plain vulgar comments made on youtube? Who would have thought one video could generate so many more opinions than a diplomatic, civilized sit-down session in the UN on that same issue?





7) Finally, you know you're addicted to online communication when:

- You talk to your brother on MSN, when he's in the room next door.
- You email your mother at work about your latest grades.
- You chat with your schoolfriend online incessantly when you've just spent 10hours with that person in school.
-You insist on carrying your laptop ON HOLIDAY to that Phuket beach resort, where you know internet connection means setting up your own antenna.
- When your mom says NO to the above, you use your copy of Lonely Planet,to go HUNTING for an Internet cafe on the dusty streets of India, pay US$2 to use the Internet. For what? To check your email. And then, as a Singaporean, complain about the slow connection.
- You start posting tweets and status updates of EVERY SINGLE ACTIVITY IN THE DAY, hoping to get some responses.
- You post pictures of yourself on facebook, and tag OTHER people under the caption,"Don't you think I look fabulous?"
- Your sole existence is the NUS IVLE and without it, you cannot function. No notes, no announcements from lecturers, no gradebook.


Disclaimer: The author is not responsible for most of the information shared above. Instead, she blames her source of inspiration: the INTERNET.