The 10 most unexpected consequences of being online

A scary thought, isn't it?  Especially considering that the Internet has become such a norm in this day and age.  Not a day goes by that I do not make use of the Internet, and I'm sure the same goes for you.  Think about it:  It is so quick and easy to access, and can help you to find things out that you previously did not know, or to answer a question you might desperately need an answer to.  We often only think about the pro's of having access to the Internet and constantly being online, but what about the con's?  Here's my list of the 10 most unexpected consequences of being online in 2012:

1. Being online opens up a world where it is a walk in the park for stalkers to gather information about you and to follow your every move.  #Scary
2. It is unavoidable to have to 'be friends with' or stay in contact with someone you really do not have any intention of being associated with.  #Awkward
3. The Internet can be a very unreliable source of information, and when you repeat this invalid information to others, it either starts rumours or makes you look like a fool for believing the false information.  #Naive
4. We become so used to communicating with others online that we gain confidence and self-assurity.  Albeit, it is a completely different story when face-to-face communication and physical interaction is required, and we revert to our shy, passive selves.  #Misconceptions
5. Due to the vast amount of information that is available online, we can sometimes conjure up our own thoughts and assumptions which can confuse us even more than we were in the first place.  #InformationOverload.
6. Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest are online sites where we are able to socialise with friends and post pictures and statuses about how drunk we were on the weekend and how hard we partied the night before.  It may make you look cool to your friends, but your boss certainly won't think so and could form the wrong perception of you.  This is very important when applying for a new job as we often forget the fact that these social networking sites are available to everyone!  #FirstImpressions
7. We miss out on experiences because we're so glued to our computers and cell phones.  The world is literally passing us by without us even knowing it.  "Sorry I can't go watch my favourite band perform tonight, I need to update my blog."  #AntiSocial.
8. When we're online, do we even have any secrets or personal thoughts anymore?  Everything we think or feel gets published and before you know it, nearly every person you know (even the unintentional associations mentioned in number two) knows what's going on in your life and even pretend to care.  #Annoying
9. Being online does lead to more crime.  Why?  Because it's just that much easier when you're doing it on the Internet.  For example, piracy, distributing child pornography, paedophiles having easier access to vulnerable children, to name just a few.  #Sickos
10. Meeting new people.  While this is more often a benefit rather than a consequence, how do we know who we can trust or not?  When meeting someone face-to-face we can judge more carefully whether they are trustworthy and what their intentions are (I like to believe we can do this most of the time!)  But when we're on the Internet, we have to believe what the person tells us without being able to make our own conclusions.  It is extremely easy to be lead astray while online.  #TrustIssues.

Even though I've just listed 10 very important and scarily relevant consequences of being online, the Internet is a phenomenon that has literally taken over the world and we would be silly to think it will ease up any time soon.  My advice to you is to try and not get lured in to any of the acts listed above, and hopefully, you will be a-okay (for now).