Who’s Afraid Of The Big, Bad Internet?

Perhaps because the Internet, social media, and technology in general has given me access and opportunities I never could have hoped for, I’m kind of a fan. Nonetheless, occasionally I do come across critics who insist that the Internet has either ruined their livelihood or somehow threatens to destroy their way of life. I may be exaggerating just a bit here, but you get the idea.

What I think these critics fail to understand is that the Internet is just an additional tool we can all use in our daily and professional lives. You don’t have to understand the Internet from top to bottom, or even know every single one of its uses, to benefit. I think where people go wrong with the Internet is assuming that things are black and white: you either use the Internet, or you don’t. But, that’s not the case.

As I wrote before, I wasn’t always very comfortable with technology, either. When I started down the path of a blogger, I had a lot to learn, and no one to show me. So, I did what anyone would do when they’re confused — I Googled it. Using Google, asking questions, experiment, trial and error and learning from my mistakes all helped me figure out what I know now. Which, in my opinion, isn’t that much, but increasingly I realize is much more than lots of people.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that the Internet is only your enemy if you choose it to be. Sure, it’s different, it’s change and it’s unknown — but that could describe any aspect of our lives, from love to parenting to learning to walk. Navigating the Internet and its myriad of uses  is not easy, but it’s not impossible, if you really want to learn how to use it, you can.

If I could convince the world to see the Internet as a tool, and not an enemy, I would. But as we all know trying to control others is fruitless. What I hope to leave you with here is the hope, if not the knowledge, that the Internet can be as accessible to you as to anyone else. All it takes is a little bit of work, an open mind and forgoing the belief that you simply can’t do it.

Follow Sara Inés Calderón on Twitter @SaraChicaD