Is the Internet Really as Evil as Everyone Says?

 So for me this has always been a particularly personal question. I think it’s because my generation is known for worshipping this thing called “The Internet”, or maybe it’s because I spend a lot of time on the Internet. Consequently, when people say the Internet is evil, they are effectively judging how I spend my time. Don’t get me wrong. I’m fine with that, as long as they’re right. But one slight problem: They aren’t.

As in the Automobile is the Internet, ya get it huh huh huh??

 Maybe I’m being defensive. Honestly, I probably am. But hear me out on this one. What happens when you drink too much water? If you answered “Nothing! You can never drink too much water!” I’m afraid you’re mistaken. When you drink too much water, you develop some degree of hyponatremia, or dilution of the blood caused by overhydration. You’re probably saying “Oh, please. How many people actually have this problem?” Well, a 2005 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that close to one sixth of marathon runners will develop some degree of hyponatremia. The very thing that keeps you alive can kill you in large quantities. Now I am in no way claiming the internet is as important as water; that would be a rather ignorant assertion. So what am I saying?

Well, as you all know, I use to debate in High-school. I learned anything from me how important a tiny definition can be to how to spot the inherency in an argument. But one lesson will always stand out for me. There I was, in a Parliamentary round. I was writing a doodle on my flowpad (Legal Pad) when something clicked. In turn, I got up and gave one of the best speeches I have ever given. My partner (Adam Densmore) asked me where I got the inspiration to construct such a well-crafted argument. I dropped my flowpad, and the doodle on my flowpad said it all: A little guy standing on a teeter-totter holding a pole. On one end of the pole, there was a weight that said “War”. On the other end was a weight that said: Peace. From that point on, I approached every argument with this idea of balance.

I just found this picture amazing. Nuff said.

 But what does this have to do with anything? “I thought you were talking about the Internet and how it’s not evil.”  Hold on, I’m getting there. This idea of balance is important, because the Internet isn’t inherently evil. In fact, barring any religious and civil right movements, it was probably the best thing that happened to humanity. It has made information available at the click of the button (Remember information is power). But it’s a two sided coin. On the other side, it has ruined people’s lives-- Either because they didn’t respect the Internet’s extreme power, or they let the Internet consume their lives. Just like anything, if we don’t treat it with the right level of respect, or we become addicted it will ruin our lives.

 What a jumble of thoughts. What does this all mean? Well, I guess the point I’m trying to make is that the Internet isn’t what’s evil; rather, it’s our culture. Think about it! If we spent a healthy amount of time on the Internet, we wouldn’t have the problems we currently do. If we are careful with our information, we won’t have these issues. In the end, we should try to fix the problem by patching holes, not by destroying the ship.