Internet education

The Internet, and the computer in general, is something that almost everyone uses in their daily life. While most have the basic knowledge essential to using these great resources of our time, few have the knowledge needed to ensure the security they so desperately want when using them. There is the idea that this security can only be achieved through the loss of privacy, but I disagree. I think this idea is dangerous; if we are to give up our privacy, we are in fact giving away a small part of our freedom. To avoid this loss of privacy that many are rightfully reluctant of, education about this magical web needs to be acquired.

On the other side of the coin, there are many who find the mystery of the Internet as a wall they can hide behind. Assuming a virtual identity on the internet, their morals change from those that they had in "real life." A person who would not steal in real life has no problem stealing music or some type of software that is otherwise expensive, and those who would shy away from making an offensive comment in real life have no problem doing so on the Internet. Education on the Internet would not only allow more security for all that use it, it could very well improve the integrity of those that use it inappropriately. Once they realize that they are the same person in private as they are in public and that the Internet is real life, perhaps their sense of right and wrong will return and the Internet can be safer for everyone.