The Intellectual Advantages of The Internet for General Education

The global spread of the Internet has sparked concerns about its impact on general education and knowledge. Some worry that easy access to information may make people less intelligent, as they no longer need to engage in research or memorization. However, there are arguments to suggest that the Internet actually expands people's knowledge by increasing efficiency, broadening perspectives, and providing relevant information for any question or topic.

1. One of the main advantages of the Internet is its ability to provide information quickly. When using a search engine, millions of results can be obtained within seconds. In contrast, using a library for the same purpose would take hours to find relevant sources. This clearly demonstrates how the Internet accelerates the working process and increases productivity. Additionally, technology allows for more efficiency and reduces human error, as stated by Harris (2016), further supporting the time-saving benefits of online work. For example, the simple "copy-paste" function eliminates the need to retype large amounts of text by hand and reduces the possibility of errors. Furthermore, search engines are designed to present the best matching results, saving users from having to read entire books or chapters to find an answer. These factors contribute to the Internet's ability to enhance productivity and ultimately indicate higher intellectual qualities.
2. Moreover, the Internet has a significant advantage over other methods of study in terms of providing precise and relevant information. As Weinberger (2016) notes, the Internet is ready to delve into whatever topics one desires to explore. While the vast amount of information available online may include some useless content, even this encourages curiosity and fosters a desire to learn more. Having an answer to a question, even if it is not immediately practical, still contributes to one's intelligence. Therefore, accessible information contributes to the expansion of people's knowledge.
3. The Internet also broadens people's perspectives on facts by promoting strategic thinking. By connecting minds and thoughts from across the globe and throughout history, the Internet allows individuals to become more aware of the world and engage with a global audience (Wade, 2015). Carr (2008) further emphasizes that internet users are exposed to a diversity of ideas. As the internet combines articles from various sources, users are able to compare, combine, or filter different viewpoints, helping them form their own opinions. Continuous browsing and researching on the internet expose people to global issues, leading ideas, and foster critical thinking and debate. The ability to analyze and evaluate facts and arguments is crucial for intellectual development, highlighting how the Internet makes users smarter.
4. Despite these advantages, some argue that computers, in general, demotivate people by making them lazier and reliant on grammar-checking resources or Q&A forums. However, this should not be seen as cheating, but rather as a new form of studying and memorizing. Wellmon (2012) argues that technology is the way in which humans engage with the world, suggesting that people have adapted to using the Internet and have learned to capture and remember the information they find online. Therefore, the Internet does not deteriorate human memory but rather alters it to a new strategy.

In conclusion, the Internet should not be viewed as a threat that makes society less intelligent. Instead, it provides information quickly, precisely, and comprehensively, enhancing qualities such as efficiency, curiosity, and strategic thinking. With these features, individuals become more intelligent and aware of the world. Thus, the reluctance to embrace the Internet as a source of information needs to be overcome, as it hinders the educational process for many individuals and society as a whole.