The Internet has evolved as a dynamic teaching, research and entertainment resource. It's a major player in mass communications that embraces all disciplines. It's interactive and has profound influences in many countries of our world. All that's necessary is for users to have access to computers, modems, and Internet providers.

Noam Chomsky (b. 1928), an American linguist, philosopher and political commentator felt that “the Internet could be a very positive step towards education, organisation and participation in a meaningful society.” We see this more and more with the costs of computers being more affordable to Americans and the accessibility to websites at an all time high. One feature which has made this revolution possible is the multiplicity of search engines on every imaginable subject.

Social media sites like Google +, Facebook, Twitter, emails and chat-rooms are accessible media options that many persons enjoy. Attachments on emails, pictures, greeting cards, and animated graphics are delightful to Christians and non-Christians alike. With their interactions via e-newsletters, e-newspapers and e-magazines some interest groups have made their presence felt. It has become natural for many Christians to do their devotions through social media, where each day they are introduced to prayer requests, patron saints, meditations from diverse prayer groups, and read news about their dioceses and churches.

Children and The Internet

J. K. Rowling (b. 1965), a British novelist best known for the Harry Potter fantasy series remarked that “the Internet has been a boon and a curse for teenagers.” It's been a boon because these teenagers are doing basic research exercises and homework assignments with the aid of the Internet. Online, they are able to access encyclopedias, use interactive features with fiber-optics, so that both teachers and students can share workstations and participate in videoconferencing.

For younger children, ages three through twelve Junior Net Corp – an online service for kids has teamed up with Highlights for Children and Sports Illustrated for Kids, to provide advertising free places where they can do research, and puzzles while participating in classes and virtual games.

Queen Rania of Jordan (b. 1970), the Queen consort of Jordan observed: “In education, technology can be a life-changer, a game changer, for kids who are both in school and out of school. Technology can bring textbooks to life. The Internet can connect students to their peers in other parts of the world. It can bridge the quality gaps.” To Queen Rania, Internet technology hold promises that all kids will improve qualitatively in being able to have a global education.

But the allegorical “serpent” known in Judaic and Christian scriptures continues to be a threat to youngsters who venture aimlessly on the worldwide web. As they surf they may encounter predators that seek to entrap the innocent and naïve. Some children can be a vulnerable and can be victims to criminals online. Even adults have fallen prey to scams in cyberspace that were devastating to them. Because of these reasons some parents have turned to the Internet filtering technology to stem this heinous tide. But, there are problems with these technological filtering effectiveness. Media professionals generally advise parents to exercise control concerning what their children watch on TV or while surfing the Internet.

The Bible and Web

When we think about a boon on the Internet we have to think also about the presence of a number of versions of the Holy Bible that show the way to the religious, brokenhearted and lost alike. John Locke (1632 – 1704), an English philosopher and physician, the “Father of Classical Liberalism” assured us that “the Bible is one of the greatest blessings bestowed by God on the children of men. It has God as its author; salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture for its matter. It is all pure.” Previously J. K. Rowling expressed the idea that the Internet can be a “boon or curse for teenagers”, but it can be that way for young and old alike. Despite its shortcomings, the Word of God has taken a central role in the midst of all the traffic on these sites. It's purity amongst impurities. However, it's up to Internet users to choose wisely from their digital diet which is free to all.