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The Internet As A Common Denominator
...© Copyright 2006 Doran Roggio One thing I especially have come to appreciate about the Internet is the way it has aided in breaking down barriers that otherwise would have prevented communication. The generation gap, for example, is nearly non-existent on the web. On occasion I have typed the wrong email name into my instant messenger; instead of sending an instant message to the intended friend have received an inquisitive reply and found myself in a fun and enlightening conversation with a teen-ager. Offline, this would have been less likely to happen with a young person I had no cause to know. As for persons from other countries, the opportunities are
endless to strike up friendships and/or business partners. With
instant messaging and VOIP conferencing the world is becoming a
smaller, more unified place. The endless acquaintances that are
made online is so enriching and exciting. Before the WWW one had
to travel extensively or spend endless hours writing letters to
pen pals in order to find comradeliness in far away places.
Business ventures with others in the far reaching ends of the
earth existed, for the most part, only for large corporations.
It's as though the pioneering of the Web is a common
denominator that draws us all together. Yet it is even more than
just the discovery of a new, and still thoroughly discovered
territory. It is more spiritual than that. Man is driven by his
need for acceptance and companionship. Via the World Wide Web we
now have a chance to extend beyond cultures and social stigmas.
One can cultivate relationships with no knowledge or particular
concern of the others race, background, religion, age, etc.
Individuals from other countries, and all walks of life are
gathering in the great big meeting place to seek companionship,
business relationships, and even find their soulmates. There is
so much to learn and experience from a blend of all the cultural
backgrounds. It is fascinating to see where this vast
interweaving of human nature is going to take us in the future.
While you did not agree with your friend’s view on the war, you did agree that the welfare of the country was at stake. By finding the source of agreement, you developed a rapport. You did not offend him with your dissimilar opinions. Instead you made him feel good about himself. You have made an ally.
I do not mean to suggest, however, that there are no dangers.
Always you should exercise caution. Potential harm is a
probability, as in every facet of life. There are always the
unscrupulous who seek to take advantage of the naive. For young
persons there is the sex offender who lies in wait in the chat
rooms, oftimes posing as another youth to ensnare these innocent
children into meeting them offline. For the more mature there is
the lure of get rich schemes and internet scams.
Good judgement is a necessity. There are many websites and organizations set up to protect your online experience. One should not fear, but take sensible precautions. For example, you
can check out online businesses at the www.bbb.org (online
Better Business Bureau). For the youths there are various
parental guards that can be applied to your internet. Parental
Lock Guard is one that can be downloaded for Free. Do a google
search for a download link. Scambusters.org keeps an ongoing
list of past and present scams on the Internet. Epinions.com is
a place to go to get the opinions of other consumers on products
and services on the Internet.
Exercise a few steps to ensure safe surfing and your pursuits
on the Internet will bring you much excitement, great
entertainment, lasting friendships, unsurpassed education, and
challenging business ventures. So take the plunge and enjoy your
journey on the Internet waves.
Doran Roggio, writer and entrepreneur provides resouces for success in life & relationships at http://whatislove.atdorans.com & http://self-improvement.healing-truths.com
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