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.