Top 10 Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet

The Internet is almost a one-stop solution to everything this generation needs. The cyberspace or the internet has changed the world into unthinkable possibilities. Now, internet access is not just limited to cyber cafes instead is a luxury accessible within the comfort of your home through smartphones. Possessing the answer to almost every question mankind has ever had, the internet also has its negative side known as the Dark Web. Therefore, as with every boon that is bestowed, there are merits and demerits of the Internet as well. This article will focus on the “Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet”. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Internet?

The Internet has made the world into a global village. Searching for the answers to everything on the various browsers on the Internet is too normal in the current century. So when thinking about “What are the advantages and disadvantages of Internet?” there are numerous pointers which come to mind. The table below lists the Top 10 Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet. 

Advantages of Internet

The following are the merits of Internet. The following are the Top 10 Advantages of Internet:

Instant access to abundant information: The Internet opens a neverending scope of information. For any questions related to any field, the Internet provides information in abundance, that can be accessed on smartphones, tablets, laptops etc. 

Inexhaustible resources for learning: The Internet has also helped to revolutionize education by making online education possible. There are several courses, programs, and learning apps through which students of any age and field can expand their knowledge. Learning through YouTube videos is also an easy way to study which has only been possible through the Internet. The availability of online libraries, research papers, books, etc also makes internet the ultimate learning source.

Online services & e-commerce: Online services like email, online shopping, e-ticket booking, online payment, etc are made possible only through the Internet. Also, the internet has made E-commerce happen which allows to us get anything and everything delivered to our doors at all hours of the day. 

Entertainment: The Internet also provides entertainment to people from different walks of life. Through internet we can access different apps for different sorts of entertainment. Binge-watching favourite shows, and watching much-awaited movies while just sitting at your home is an advantage for which we have the Internet to thank. 

Digital marketing: Promoting businesses on different online forums to reach the target audience has been possible through digital marketing which is another one of the advantages of internet. Whether it be a small brand on Instagram, or a large brand like zomato, all benefit through digital marketing which is a new trend of the internet.

Easy communication: With high-speed wifi or an undisturbed internet connection, it is possible to communicate with our loved ones, colleagues etc over texts, calls, and even video calls. Being able to communicate with people remotely has made the distance bearable.

Social networking: Social networking and collaborations have been made easier through different social media platforms only accessible through the internet. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Tiktok all these apps have made it possible for people with the same interest to connect even across borders.

Online banking: Internet Banking or Online Banking is another boon easily accessible through internet. Anything related to your bank accounts, be it account status, money transfer from one bank to another, or even online payment is made simpler by using mobile phones. Payment of electricity bills is also hassle-free through the internet.

Upgrading lifestyles: The Internet has made small daily tasks easier and possible through just a single tap. There are electric appliances that can be controlled through internet connection. Switching off lights does not require physical presence instead is possible even before you have reached your home. 

Earning Source: The Internet has also become a resource for many. Creating blogs, vlogs, YouTube videos, or even being an online business has helped many individuals earn money. Content creators or influencers are the real know-it-all of this advantage of the internet. 

Disadvantages of Internet

Something which has so many advantages, its disadvantages often go unnoticeable. But the internet is not without disadvantages. This section will focus on "What are the disadvantages of internet ?"

Cyber breach: Accessing the internet comes with risks. Cyber breach or Cybercrimes have increased only because of the internet. Scams or frauds related to money are so common these days. Teenagers having access to internet are also susceptible to cyber bullying. Such cyber crimes are more common in the banking and corporate sector.

Identity Theft: It is very easy to pose as someone else in this era of the internet. Identity theft for the purpose of monetary frauds, harmful pranks, or soiling somebody's reputation is something we hear about very often. 

Unavailability during difficult weather: Another one of the disadvantages of internet, is that it can be unavailable at the most crucial times if the weather is difficult. 

Internet addiction disorder: Since the internet is a vast sea of information and entertainment, it is very easy to get lost in it and get addicted to it. Surfing the internet or just browsing and scrolling through it is indeed intoxicating and harmful.

Social alienation: While making communication easier and connectivity across borders possible, the internet keeps us far away from socializing in the real world. It provides us with online bonds while affecting our ability to form human bonds in real life.

Shortened attention: With fast and neverending scrolling on mobile phone screens, social media apps, YouTube, etc people have developed a shorter concentration span and are easily distracted. Constant notification buzzes, entertainment apps be it social media or streaming services, etc are a compelling distraction for the user. It shortens the attention span of internet users as they are used to fast access to anything.

Virus attack: Accessing the internet over our devices opens us to the risk of virus attacks or malware. The system gets highly affected because of this and becomes an easy target for unethical hackers.

Health issues: Constantly spending time on the internet through your device, just wrapped in your blanket, sitting on your desktop, or playing games does affect your health. It makes one lazy and also affects the mental capacity of the brain.

Spam: Connecting to the internet also brings a lot of unnecessary notifications, be it advertisements or emails. Using the internet on a daily basis can lead to monetary scams. These spam notifications affect the system and decrease its functioning capacity.

Dark Web: The internet also has dark web as one of its primary disadvantages. It risks us to falling victim to illegal activities, cybercrime, and dangerous content which is anonymous and can't be traced.