A Life on the Internet

What else is left to do when the TV is showing the same episodes of Friends, Seinfeld and CSI? You go online, of course. Life online is one of the cheapest ways to escape the pressures of outdoor shopping and communication.

Today in 2007, everything can be done over the Internet. For the socially shy, the Internet has hundreds of dating and matchmaking services. Online education is available for the always busy Mom or Dad still pursuing a degree. Target, Best buy, Wal-Mart, Ikea and Circuit City are available for your appliances, furniture and gift buying ideas all year long. You can even order groceries online and have them delivered to your home. You can download and/or play a wide variety of video games and music CD's of your choice. For the late night and discreet evenings, the Internet has a variety of pornographic material. Forums are even available worldwide for sexual advice. Work at home. Sporting websites give you updated scores and daily news on your favorite teams and/or athletes. You name it and it is available online. If it isn't, it won't be long before it becomes available. The Internet is also a great resourcing and research tool for college and high schoolers.

As you can see the Internet hosts such a huge variety of options for persons who are more interested in staying at home. It caters to the busy bodies who don't have the time or patience to stand in long lines or be around large crowds. The Internet's convenience is always spectacular in allowing its users to take advantage of these options.

But in life, too much of anything can be a problem...

Indeed, life on the Internet can become such an addiction that it's not even noticeable. As a result, many become socially and intellectually irresponsible because life is now on screen. For children and teenagers this can be a serious a problem. Not only is it dangerous to social life, life online is dangerous because the Internet contains so many predators.

Online Dating

Although it's available through its many advertisements and pop-up screens, online dating can be a very dangerous idea. Often based upon the honor system, dating isn't always a certainty. You have no idea who is behind the screen for sure. Things get worse when phone numbers, addresses and meet up locations are discussed. If you must meet someone offline for any reason, be certain to tell a trusted friend or family member where you're planning to go. And don't lie because your life could be in danger.

Shopping Online

Possibly the less physically harmful element of online, shopping via the Internet has its issues as well. There are places online like Ebay, Eastbay etc.. where only pictures are available. Ebay is similar to a worldwide forum where people compete for top selling products. The highest bidder wins. But some sellers aren't businesses so you will have to be very careful. It's a great way to shop for products that are difficult to find in stores; however, there's no guarantee that every transaction will go smoothly.

The situation is much different at a local target, for example. If a product is damaged or missing pieces it can be exchanged with a receipt, or a refund may be necessary. But shopping online can make things complicated. Once a transaction is complete a product can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks before it ships. Hell, for all we know it could be sitting at a UPS or FedEx site for unknown reasons. Even to that degree, you have to worry about who's handling your packages. If indeed after a few weeks a problem persists, you'll have to wait for another several weeks for a repair and/or new shipment.

Social Interactions

For persons who enjoy meeting people offline, some become socially irresponsible as others may learn how to become more effective communicators. Indeed, there's a certain pleasure and frightening experience from meeting in person and over the Internet. It's a catch twenty-two; no real winners or losers, only the ones who allowed the situation to best them.

Misuse and Infidelity

Some wives and husbands have contended that the Internet has become a new resource in the world of infidelity. Perhaps some spend more time online than with their spouse. Or some spend more time staring at online pornography than at their actual lover. Or perhaps, maybe some just spend entirely too much time online and neglect household responsibilities.

The Internet is the seed of the public eye. We have adopted it, misused, misunderstood it and taken advantage of it for all of its capabilities. Each year new updates, new software and new this and that becomes available for its followers. It's easy to predict that with its convenience and mobility, it'll be around for in life.

So like it or not the Internet will be here for a long time.