The Internet is Good, or is it Bad?

We all have our opinions as to rather the Internet is a good thing, or a bad one. In "The Museum of Me," Ellen Ullman discusses her concerns about the Internet. She says the internet, "represent[s] the very opposite of democracy, which is a method for resolving differences in a relatively orderly manner through mediation of unavoidable civil associations. Yet there can be no notion of resolving differences in a world where each person is entitled to get exactly what he or she wants. Here all needs and desires are equally valid and equally powerful. I'll get mine and you'll get yours; there is no need for compromise and discussion" (644). Ullman is saying that in a world where everyone gets exactly what they want, there is no need for compromise. The world does not function properly in this way, not every person can get everything they want, even with the Internet. We have to associate with other people, and be willing to compromise. That is just a part of life.

The Internet can be a good thing to have. Some people, however, abuse the Internet. They spend day and night on it, failing to notice those people that are in their lives. Relationships can break down when this happens. I have actually seen a marriage dissolved because the husband was on the computer all day long, instead of spending time with his wife and children. The wife moved out, filed for divorce, and let her husband keep the computer. Though the outcome in that situation was bad, the Internet is actually a positive force in some people's lives. The Internet can provide the stay at home mom the ability to go to school. It has the capability of helping families separated by long distances, stay in touch by messaging, emails, or even hooking up the web cam and microphone. The Internet can help the agoraphobic person stay connected with the outside world, when they are unable to leave the sanctity that is their home.

The Internet is a tool, the same as any other. When used properly a tool is a good thing, when used improperly tools are dangerous. The Internet can take away the idea of community; when a person stays at home and never associates with other people, they fail to be active community members. The Internet can also bring people together. The idea that by getting on the computer people can get anything their heart desires is absurd. The only way to truly enjoy life is by going out and living it. The computer is no different than any other piece of technology. When it is a beautiful day, shut off the computer, and go outside. Enjoy the museum of "Me" that Ullman discusses in her essay, but enjoy the museum of "We" as well.