Writing.Com General Discussion

Seriously, with the disinformation, theft, toxicity, and "dumbing down" of people... is the Internet really that good?

Honestly? I think the internet is more of a neutral thing. It's a tool, one that can be wielded well or with stark negative consequences. The internet has been helpful for autistic people who are nonverbal or limited verbal skills. The internet allows for text-based communication that moves pretty quickly. It's easier to get support and maintain relationships. Similarly, it helps people in various minorities find support. This was definitely the case for me when I was in Florida in my 20s. At that point, I'd just discovered that I am in fact an atheist, and atheists in Florida are pretty rare (especially in the exurban/almost rural county where I spent my childhood and summers in between school years).

On a lighter note, I've been able to get solid travel and book recommendations from the internet. Had it not been for online meandering, I wouldn't have read things like Bad Blood or wandered out to Jupiter Artland in Scotland. Sometimes the internet can be used to discover (positive) experiences I might have missed.