September 25, 2010
Why the Internet is Good and Bad for You

Technology has changed so much, compare it to about 20 years or so and it’s incredible all the changes that have been made.  It has made our lives a whole lot simpler.  We have cell phones, some so small they fit in the palm of your hand.

The computers are smaller and faster, we also have the laptops we can take anywhere.  The cameras are much better to use and camcorders are lightweight.  These items are no longer bulky and heavy.  Basically technology has made life more convenient.  The best thing out of all is the internet.

We have access to any information we may need 24/7.   We can shop online, watch movies and visit websites to watch funny videos.  Yet, technology is also our biggest enemy.  You may wonder how that can be.  Well, many of us have seen tons of videos of people playing pranks on each other, traveling, drinking, partying, etc.  We find these videos funny or horrifying depending on what we are watching.  But what about the person in the video, are they aware of what is going on?  Many times they are not aware of this; they are surprised to see themselves online and looking like a fool.  We how did this happen and why?  It can be shocking especially when you didn’t give anyone permission.

But then there are those that do it on purpose.  They want their 15 minutes of fame one way or another.  For those that believe they can sing, act and dance, before you make a fool out of yourself make sure you really can do these things.  Look at those people that go to American Idol or America Got Talent show.  These people go on there thinking they are doing great and it turns out they are ridiculous.  Next thing you know they are on YouTube for life and everyone is laughing at them.

Look, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to be on these shows, many desire to be famous but why not take singing, acting and dancing lessons before going on these shows.  If they tell you that you have no talent accept it, they know what they are talking about.  Unless your whole point is to be known as a fool.  Then of course, you have made your dream come true.  Don’t rely on your friends and families, they will tell you exactly what you want to hear so that your feelings are not hurt.

Another thing that can ruin your lives is the social networks, such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.  No one seems to understand that you have to be truly careful of what you do or say on these websites.  It is also important not to put too much personal information on these websites.  First of all, if you’re looking for employment, companies look for you on these websites.  If they see anything compromising or it displays you as a party person who is irresponsible, your resume is filed away.  Also, this gives thieves an opportunity to know where you live and when you vacation so they can invade your homes.  Identity theft is much easier now because we have way too much information available to them.

This doesn’t mean you should be afraid of technology or use it.  It means that you should be careful of what you do in public, of what you say and what you do online.  You should learn to protect yourself as much as possible.  As easy as things are for us now, thanks to technology, it is also made life a lot easier for those that wish to harm you or steal from you.  Limit your information on social network sites and make sure they are as private as possible.  Try your best not to do anything crazy in public, especially getting drunk.  Sometimes those that say are your friends are the ones that make sure the whole world knows what a fool you made of yourself.

So think long and hard as to what you do.  If its fame you want and you want to be known great, just make sure you look good and smart.  Now if you want to look dumb and funny, keep on doing what you are doing, you will get your dream too.