Internet is like a Narnia for our times

THE internet is a complex place. According to parents, it’s full of evil monsters, but according to teens it’s a key to the outside world.

I always think of the internet as Narnia: on the outside it’s a wardrobe, but inside … it’s a whole other world. Everyday we hear on the news how the internet is used in negative ways, but what about all the positives?

When I first used the internet, I was like someone lost in a forest. If I heard a noise, I stuttered and shouted ‘WHAT?! WHO?! WHERE?!’ I was like a monkey with a guitar — pretty useless.

When I slowly got used to it, my friends heard from me more than ever. Everyday I would Facebook them, get the gossip, arrange when to meet up, and so on. And I got hooked. I soon ventured outside Facebook and got into a new thing, called Twitter. Twitter is entirely different. I began to tweet stupid things, but the best part — people liked it and agreed with me.

When I got my first ‘‘follower’ I felt like Jesus. I thought I was starting a revolution. I started using Twitter more sensibly. With No Limbs No Limits set for release, what a great little way to promote it. With celebrities like Rosanna Davison getting behind the documentary, it was a fantastic way to spread the word.

When my friend Claire was in Transition Year, she began using Twitter for her mini company. She promoted her school’s idea and everyone got involved.

Her idea was chocolate bars in the shape of Sam Maguire, and with Cork being All Ireland football champions, they also backed the project.

And what about Skype? It’s made a huge difference to families hurting from emigration. Now, half a billion people are using it.

But outside of Dublin there are major issues with connection and the Government really needs to address this urgently. It could really help end the loneliness for so many people — especially the elderly, who sometimes feel trapped in their homes. Imagine a world where the elderly can buy all their food online and see what events are happening in their area?

Millstreet is pretty up-to-date. We have our own website which is kept updated about all things Millstreet. The internet could be a key to Ireland’s success. It could be a solution to many of our problems. It could get the youth more involved in politics, too. And that would be a great thing.

But, of course, the internet is your playground, and like all playgrounds, you can encounter all sorts of people there. So surf safely.

And finally: ‘If they email you asking for money, say no thanks, I won’t fall for it honey’.