The Internet has brought us many advantages. It is an amazing source of information that has changed the way we access knowledge. News, scientific and history articles, pictures, maps, and recipes are only a small part of what can be found online. The Internet has changed the way we shop too and the number of people who buy goods online has not stopped rising. Thanks to the Internet, keeping in touch with friends and relatives has become easier than ever.

However, there are also some risks associated with the Internet that shouldn’t be underestimated. First of all, there are good quality information resources on websites, but there is also a lot of junk. Being able to distinguish between a reliable source and a non-reliable one is key to avoid believing things that might be biased or false. For example, newspapers websites are usually reliable sources of information (but they might be wrong too!) but bear in mind that anyone can post online, even people who are not experts in the subject they are covering or people who want to manipulate readers.

Check your credit or debit card statements often. In case you see something unusual or strange, tell your bank as soon as possible as you might have been a victim of a fraud. It is important to be careful when you have to provide your card number or some personal information. Make sure that the website is trustful and ALWAYS have an anti-virus software.

The Internet is also great for meeting new people. However, you have to be careful. If you arrange an in-person meeting with someone you have met online, make sure the first meeting is in a public place, like a restaurant or a café. Bring you phone with you and have a friend call you during the meeting.

In conclusion, the Internet can be an excellent tool, but as any tool, it has to be used wisely. Use your common sense and everything will be alright.