The Curse of the Internet

[A 101 especially for the technically challenged and/or politically inclined]

The Net emerged some 50 years ago in the US. It spread across the globe and it
came into being in India 30 years ago. In this time it has made us all connected
globally. With the exception of a few countries (like UAE) even voice and video
connectivity comes along at little or no cost. Anything that is digital, documents,
audio, video and information (medical, legal, land records etc.) can now be
exchanged almost instantly. Mobile communications have added to the leap-
frogging impact of the net. But all this goodness comes with a curse.

Persistence. Nothing on the net ever dies. Everything is preserved. You cannot
erase or change your amazing articles, quotes, lies, voice tapes, transcripts or even
websites. Snapshots are always available. Those days of burning books,
newspapers or simply denying you said or did something in public or on the idiot
box, are over. And it will get better as more files and papers are digitized. The old
trick of burning down an office are over. The truth will persist forever.

History. All ancient historical texts are rapidly becoming available online, for
money or for free. You may edit and dress up your corporate or family history but
the past can come back to haunt you. You may rename a road but the history
behind the original name is available for all to see.

Plagiarism. This has existed since eternity and no one ever knew where some
people’s brilliance came from. Be it books, articles, movies and even music.
Bollywood is a classic example. With more and more music getting uploaded to
the net it is now evident to us that some of the music hits we so grew up with were
a copy of another song from a different country. With the evolution of the net,
plagiarism is easy but it is very easy to track down the original.

Identity. As they say, on the net no one knows you are a dog. It is easy to fake
identities in the virtual world. So a friend request on Facebook or other social
networks could be a honeypot or an invite to a financial scam. Try it for yourself.
Post some heretic views on the social media and brace yourself for the large
number of friendship invites from the opposite gender!
Scams. Scams will increase in newer ways. You no longer will have to put out an
ad saying “send $5, God will pray for you” and list it with a P.O.Box address. Now
you have ecommerce sites advertising amazing and unique products for free on
popular social media. If such a site has no contact number or address and simply a
contact-us form to write a message, but has the ability to accept your credit or debit
card, my advice is to stay away from it.

Stupidity. The net is like an encyclopedia of sorts. So if you say that cows milk
contains gold, a few sycophants and chamchas may clap but the rest of the world
is laughing at you. Same is with not accepting the fact that crop fires have a
devastating impact on the air you breathe. The people know the truth.

Stupidity may Rule but the Truth shall Prevail.

Anil Garg

November 05, 2019