Here's a tough question...

[jxrry59]

The internets huge impact on how we view are world has happened in the infancy of this infrastructure. As of now I would have to rate the 'net as a positive influence but that fluctuates because if the M$'s of the world have their way the 'net will just be another vehicle to our wallet.
My personal internet experience is that we learn that people , no matter where they are, are basically good.

[ShagDevil]

Easily answered. WITH the internet.
You know how much better life is now that I don't have to spend (x) amount of dollars calling 1-900 numbers for cheat codes to my games? or buy cheat guides?

No really though, I think the internet is one of the most important inventions of this century.
It has created this global community beyond just about everyone's wildest expectations.
I mean, ask yourself this...what can't the internet do? (besides wash the dishes)

[drag0nsfyre]

I think the world is better with the internet
i agree with alot of the previouse mentioned views as well, all very good points. and as mayhem991 pointed out new technologies can be a double edge sword
I think the intergration of cultures and people from around the world and the chances to talk and share ideas and opinions with them is a great thing and something you may have never had the chance to do without it.
also the great and free learning resources on just about anything you could imagine or want at your disposel be it good or bad with a simple search or click
and of course thers always the bad side of things too. but for me and my opinion there are just many many positive things about the internet that out weigh the bad side
just as you cannot deny that the internet has had a profound effect on everyday life and the impact its brought to the 20th and now 21st century (besides the the PC itself which also did) but the Q was about the internet ok i'll shut up now LOL thats my 2 cents and i'll just throw it in sorry for rambling :/

drag0nsfyre

[Und3ertak3r]

The world would be better WithOut the internet..

P0rN = the damage this is doing to the true path of womens rights
Child P0rN = nuff said
Hoax information, what is realy the truth...
The internet has just moved the mindless masses from one square blue haze box to another. Mindless numbers on Chat sites, instant messenging prog.. from Days of our lives, young and the restless.. to .. This Day of my life, The dull and the mindless.
One word... Microsoft (had to throw in the bash)
Hacks and Virii..

Mind that is the best against I could come up with in 30 seconds..
Seeems most were for so I thought I would go against ..
for the positive.. 80% of the comments for the internet I agree with..

Cheers

[englishgirl1]

I've always had the Internet and I have swopped some real life social skills for the ability to transfer information quickly and more efficiently. If it didn't exist, all the things I hold dear to me wouldn't either. Okay so I'd probably have gone into physical defence eventually but with my background, there is very little chance I'd ever have this in my sphere of reference.

For kids who come from either poor or closed backgrounds, the Internet may be the only way they'll get to experience life and learn what there is out there - we are what we are because of those around us and the Internet instantly puts us among millions of others, each with experiences we can share (or am I just being a girl!?)

"Standing on the shoulders of giants" and all that.