Crafting with Kids

The internet has drastically altered they way people around the world live. The way people communicate, do work, share information, and even travel has all been digitalized. Everyone seems to be connected nowadays. Some one in India can talk to someone in America with the click of a button. Even small things like Scrapbooking albums have changed, instead of Scrapbooking on paper, people scrapbook internet albums. The internet can be used by almost anyone too. There are users as young as four years old to senor citizens. This openness in the world can also be unhealthy. In the past five years we have seen a climb in inter-net related crimes. It can be a very sharp double sided sword, extreme good and extreme bad can result when using the internet.
If used correctly, the internet is a powerful instrument. It can be a great device for communicating with distant loved ones. Sites such as my space and face book connect people. Personally, I wouldn’t use them if it weren’t for the fact that it allows me to keep in touch with relatives in Maryland and friends in Minnesota and Palestine. I know a family friend whose son visited Chile and they used face book to keep in touch, send photos and document his journey. If it weren’t for the internet, he would have barely been able to talk to his son for three months because there was no cell phone service in Chile.
However, if used inappropriately or in a dangerous fashion, the internet is deadly. Unfortunately, no one can find a way to completely control predators on the internet. So, allowing children on the internet can lead them into serious trouble if they misuse it. Knowing proper internet safety guidelines is key to using the internet wisely. Also, parents need to block inappropriate or unfit sites from their children.
The internet can also be dangerous for adults. Sites such as Craig’s list and eBay are playgrounds for scams, con artist and predators. On eBay, it is easy to be fooled into buying a faulty product or something that you never get. Ebay scams have become an art, however it’s completely avoidable if careful. In the past few weeks, there have been murderers and inappropriate users reported on Craig’s list. This is because it is next to impossible for police to patrol there sorts of things. Millions of people are using this site at one time, it is easy to get away unnoticed. Children should never use websites like this, and adults should be careful.
When used correctly, the internet can do great things. Sometimes however, our plugged in world can be unhealthy. Cyber space is a huge place that can’t be patrolled easily, so lots of predators and con artists find homes there. It is easy to fall into their traps too. However, if you exhibit simple safety rules, it is also easy to avoid them. When talking over the internet, never respond to someone you don’t recognize. Never release personal information for websites that aren’t confidential. If you follow these simple guidelines, {the internet can be a fun, useful pace for you|you will only gain positive things from the internet

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