So Who's Afraid of The Internet?
> By : Myra Sidharta <
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So Who's Afraid of The Internet? |
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> By : Myra Sidharta < |
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About a year ago I met a young doctor, who asked me about the pro and cons of the internet. I told him the usual things, like the information one could get, the savings on telephone bills etc. We parted with the words: "See you soon in cyberspace" Six months later I met him again and asked him what happened. He told me that he bought a computer and know how to use it, but hesitated about internet, because he has heard about pornography on on cyberspace. "Not until they have eradicated pornography on the internet, will I subscribe to it," he said, "I have to think of my children, who are now in their adolescence and may like to see the pictures." I told him that I have never seen those pictures but that I was proud to belong to the Internet circle of a Professor S. The doctor's answer however, was very disappointing: "Well, I heard that a lot of old people are now on the internet, because they want to see the nude pictures." My answer was simple. I told them that Professor S. usually send me his articles and editorials on business and economy and now and then he forwards me the jokes he receives from friends, and if he stills peeps at those pictures in his spare time, I think, we must show our understanding. He knows how to handle them and what is more: who knows may be they inspire him to more writings. I ended the conversation saying: "Remember, internet is not only pornography and pornography can be found in every street. Just walk around the sidewalks where crowds gather and you will be offered pictures of nude women. Sometimes they are even forced upon you." These words were regarded as a prophecy when his son was caught by the teacher when they raided his bag and found pictures of nude girls. Where did he get them from? Not from the internet, I suppose? Anyway, while my young friend tried to rethink his objections, he heard that viruses could be transmitted by internet and the dangers of "chatting", because many young couples were divorcing their wives to try a new life with their "chat-friends". Well, I now stop trying to convert him, because he seems to be seeing only the negative side. He reminds me of a friend of my mother's who is always afraid of dust and dirt in her house. She has hired a servant to dust all her furniture and window sills twice a day and besides that the poor woman had to mop the floor three times a day. What a waste of manpower! And her grandchildren hate to visit her because they had to wash their hands and take their shoes off before entering the house. They may bring some viruses and illnesses into the house. My mother tried to help her to take her mind off the dust and now and then invite her to play a game of cards, but when the old lady comes home, she would complain again that the servant has not done her job well and make her mop the floor over again. I myself continue to enjoy the internet for all what it has to offer. I can communicate with may friends from all over the world. We exchange the latest news and gossips and yet we never disturb each other. They don't call when I have guests in the house, or when I am having my dinner or when I have just entered the bathroom. I can do mail orders for books, clothing and other merchandise if I want to and I can even get a psychotherapy from well known psychologist, or my astrological readings on the web site. Best of all, I don't have go through traffic jams, because I can send my articles via e-mail. The only thing that I do have to take care of is that my name is not mentioned in some subversive e-mail, because then I would be in real trouble! |
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