What is the Internet?
A simple definition says it is “a network of computer networks.” With the Internet one can communicate with other Internet users all around the globe. It is so simple and all that is needed is a computer and a modem.
It has been reported that at the end of the year 2000, the number of Internet users worldwide is estimated to be more that 300 million. About half are in the United States but the share of Internet users in Europe and Asia is showing a steady growth and is expected to rise. (Ramanathan, Internet in Asia, 2001)
Where is the Philippines in the Internet World?
Visiting a fifth class municipality in the Visayas and finding out that the cyber cafe is already in service may seem unusual. Cyber cafe is a center where anyone can pay to use a computer and get access to the Internet. With the increasing cyber cafe centers, the competition makes the fee affordable to ordinary users. For those who cannot get access to the Internet in their homes, cyber cafe is the place to go.
It is not surprising to know that small towns are able to go online. It satisfied the government’s desire to make municipalities in the country get connected to the world wide web and we are not isolated from the rest of the world. But some parents have already expressed concern that their children are cutting classes to go to cyber cafes. Although this constitutes a problem, this may be an indicator that there is a fast growing Internet users in the Philippines.
Steady increase of Internet users
As of the year 2000, about 3 million Filipinos are already Internet users (IDC 2001). The annual increase in the past two years is more than 100%. Small and medium businesses, among them the Internet users in education, home and government, are also steadily increasing. Computer literacy is already inserted in the basic curriculum of our educational system.
The exciting world of virtual reality
Going back to that small town in the Visayas, it has been observed that children who used to relax and spend summer vacation swimming in the sea, playing sports and other games or picking fruits in the mountains, have now preferred to visit the nearest cyber cafe in town or in the nearest city. Where do they get the money to pay for the use of the computer? A parent said that her teenage boys try to save from their little school allowance, making sacrifices for a greater and far exciting experience of video games online.
Is this good or bad? Let us look at the environment around us. According to surveys, the forms of entertainment children, youth and even adults prefer are watching television and listening to radio. But for children who want to play, playing video games is more exciting, although parents and guardians have observed that it is addictive. Virtual reality which the video games provide is more exciting than real life stories. In fact they have become an alternative to actual games, as they are more engaging. Children themselves claim such great satisfaction.
Adult responsibility
Parents and guardian have no control over their children’s exposure to the Internet in the cyber cafe. Even at home, most adults cannot monitor what their children are attracted to in the computer. Nevertheless, adults cannot take for granted their duty of guiding the youth in the choice of video games and in the use of the Internet. They must find a way to guide their children in this area. It is true that most adults are less knowledgeable and have little skills in this new communication technique, but the moral side of its use is their responsibility.
Internet’s enormous resources
Cyber surfing or going on line is not only for entertainment and relaxation. Surveys have shown that most adults access the Internet for study and research in addition to sending and receiving email. Data available at the world wide web (www) are enormous. Internet publishing is offered by millions of websites all over the world with subjects ranging from A to Z. Religious subjects are also found in the Internet. Do you want to study your catechism or Holy Bible or have your daily spiritual reading and reflection? You can get them from the world wide web.
Learn to locate the right information
If you cannot go to a library, why not make use of the Internet for study and research. Or even if you have an easy access to a library, the world wide web gives more updated information to enhance knowledge and guarantee our professional growth and development. The Internet is also faster and convenient. But not everything you find in the world wide web is good. You have to learn how to locate the right information without feeling harassed by numerous unwanted materials and even pornographic ones.
Cyber surfing thru cellphone
Today, the access to Internet is not only through the computer and a modem. Certain types of cellphone have the capacity for going online and cyber surfing. One can send and receive email, check latest news information and discover other important data. Cellphone, the latest information technology invented, is attracting subscribers faster than any other communication tool in the 21st century. Transmitters Globe and Smart companies claim about 10 million Filipinos are already using the cellphone.
What do people do at home or elsewhere? They call or do texting. One can easily find someone texting even during meetings. This is rather a negative aspect of cellphone and some schools have prohibited students from carrying cellphones because it disturbs them during classes. A strong resistance to this prohibition has been experienced, so the school authorities and parents should find the right solution to the problem.
The challenge of Internet
Internet has so much good to offer, helping us to grow as persons, as professionals, and even as future citizens of heaven. On the other hand, it is bad news that we cannot maximize its potential and there is always the danger of abusive use. How to develop positive attitude towards the Internet and how to tap its resources for our own advantage and for the service of others are challenges for all of us.