for example, if i was doing a history project on russia, i would certainly go to the internet to find resources about it. the internet is also a great place to talk with friends, and basically enjoy yourself. the internet can be a pretty friendly place.

however, as you well know, the net can be infriendly and cruel, as well. little children can unwittingly tap onto porn sites. criminals can learn your credit card numbers. the internet has only made crime easier for criminals. all they have to do is hack into a site like amazon.com, and they have limitless supplies of addresses and credit card numbers. it's pretty scary if you think about it.

just be sure to keep your wits about you, and don't give away personal information about yourself unless you are totally okay with the website. even then, be cautious. don't give out your mailing address to just anyone. it's just common sense.

the net has definitely taken over america. there is barely a public school without a computer without internet access anymore, and using the net can be a whole class participation issue. it's kind of fun. americans have submitted to "e-life". we no longer shop in stores, but online. back 20 years ago, people would have laughed at the things we've accomplished now.

another thing that interests me is that my generation, "generation y" (the teenagers), is completely internet friendly. i don't know a single person my age who doesn't go online frequently, and the internet is about the only thing i know more about than my dad. considering that my dad is a pretty smart guy, this gives me an odd sense of power. :) it's kind of cool to show my dad the ropes on something for once...

basically, the whole world is becoming digital. bit by bit, piece by piece. by the year 2003 (one year after i graduate high school), over 500 million people will be online. this whole issue just fascinates me.

as i have heard from some place i don't remember, welcome to the world wide web. enjoy the ride. :)