Is there a downside to the presence of the internet? It seems, just like all things usually go, that there is always the bad that comes with the good. It is our responsibility to discern whether or not, the good outweighs the bad. We must also decide if the bad is at a level that we can call acceptable.

Our over-reliance on technology, the inability to apply written laws to the net, and our seemingly easily accesed personal information are of major concern. The most widely argued, and publicized topics though, are: 1) the addictiveness of the internet [IAD courtesy of Sawardeker, P.], and 2) the easy accessibility of pornography.

Some have said that the internet has become a kind of drug for some people. It takes over their lives to the point where they do nothing but sit and surf the net day in and day out. They become, in a way, lost in space. Many have also have argued of the need or purpose of pornography on-line, and the fact that it can be accessed by any child who is idlely surfing the net. Although, sad in thought, pornography has promoted the growth of a number of new business (e.g. parental control groups, and security programmers-for credit card transactions). All the debate and news surrounding porn on the internet, has also given the industry a boost in 'free' advertisement. The business has become so competitive, porn companies have jumped into the forefront of advertising on-line, and have been requested by other companis to give consultation.