Should you get the Internet in your home?
You should certainly not be hasty about it. You should not consider only the hype that you hear from others. The Internet and email do have negative aspects and you should take these into consideration.
As a computer instructor and consultant, I help people select the right computer equipment for their needs. If a client asks to have the Internet installed, it is to my monetary advantage to help him do so.
Furthermore, I moderate a very large series of discussion forums. It is to my advantage to have more people whom I know on my groups.
However, that has not been my procedure. Let me explain.
The Internet has many disadvantages that accompany its advantages. It has material that is not suitable for a proper Jewish home audience. It can be a bad influence - especially on the younger members of the family. It can be disruptive. It can waste too much family time.
I always explain the disadvantages of the Internet before signing clients up for it. I also warn those with children about proper parental supervision.
In some cases clients have decided to forego the Internet or to discuss the issue with their Rabbi before the installation.
Why then do I run all of these Internet email discussion forums if I believe that the Internet is such a bad influence?
These groups are for people who already have Internet in their homes. They are searching for a kosher haven visit to visit safely with their children while being assured that it will not have negative elements.
However, although I believe that these groups have great value, I do not believe that they are of sufficient value to bring the Internet into one's home.
When people have Internet access, they will not be satisfied with these groups alone. The Internet will be an attraction, and people may look into some of the less positive elements on the Internet.
Those who do not have Internet access can manage successfully – the way that people have survived very well for nearly 6000 years – and they will certainly have my support and encouragement in this decision.
Find out more about the Jewish Internet
Find out about guidelines that apply to our Jewish groups
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