Masters of the Internet or Slaves?

Blendspace

Personally, in my opinion, I do not believe that the internet can use us. 

However, other internet users can use the internet in order to manipulate us. An example is how companies use the internet to gain personal information about us, which can later be sold to a marketing company, as described in the video, The Dangers of the Internet. When I learned (from what may not be a very reliable source, but hey I'll take my chances) that 5000 euros of information is left online in the UK alone, I was shocked at how high the numbers were. 

And I knew that there had to be some information about me on the Internet that has been sold. 

Another worrying thing about the Internet is that child predators can lurk in the corners in the deep dark web. Young people are easy targets as they are naive and trusting of the world, and can easily become victims to what can leave scars on them for the rest of their life. 

This is some of the ways that other Internet users can exploit us, but it is not the Internet itself that is doing this. 

If we are careful in surfing the web, then we can use the Internet to our advantage. 

One big way that I use the Internet is to understand concepts that didn't understand. Khan Academy became my best friend after going through 6 months of IB Chem and Physics HL. :') 

Another way that I use the web to help with my school work is finding sources for my extended essay (which I still haven't finished researching for :D) on sites like EBSCOHOST, as it allows me to find reliable articles with the click of a finger. 

A less nerdy way that I use the web is to channel my hobbies. One thing that is a big part of my life is music. However, music books are expensive and playing old classical music can get rather tedious so sometimes, if I hear a song on the radio that I like, I can find the sheets for it on the Internet quite easily, and without a fee.

The Internet is also a way that we can use to connect with others. An good example is Reddit, which has thousands of subreddits dedicated to wacky topics, so no matter how unique you are, you will be able to find something that I can relate to. 

You can connect and make new friends (don't be careless though when meeting new people on the Internet) that share a common interest with you. 

I also use the internet to look at recipes to make simple foods. I would describe my mom's cooking skills as "somewhat less than desirable" and if I am in the mood to eat something other than rice cooker rice, then I can go on the Internet and learn how to make fried rice with ketchup! Easy, yet not something that I would have been able to figure out by myself without various accidents. 

And sometimes I choose to look at recipes for not so simple things that I will never learn how to make.

So despite that fact that people can use the Internet to use us, if we are careful, then we can successfully be masters of the world wide web.