The dog used to be man’s best friend. Now, it’s the Internet.

Like a newborn baby, the Internet has stolen attention away from any pre-existing notion of best-friendship. The online world allows us to easily access lecture slides and homework on Blackboard, register for classes on BUBrain and, of course, update our statuses on Facebook. As much as I love dogs, I must admit, they are not nearly as useful as the Internet.

That said, the Internet is still, by nature, a double-edged sword. On one hand, it is the epitome of communication technology; sending and receiving information has never been this quick and easy before. On the other hand, it is the breeding ground for many of the most absurd ideas and practices known to man.

Nowadays, just about anything and everything that was once done in person can now be done, at least in part, through the computer — as long as there is an unsecured Wi-Fi to leech from. This makes paying bills, purchasing items and hell, even ordering Pizza Hut, much simpler and faster.

How, then, can the almighty Web ever be a problem for people?

The Internet is the place to let your imagination and talent run wild, made evident by the endless number of Internet phenomenon out there, including singers, comedians, etc. While this is a great way to gain priceless and limitless publicity, the reason for recognition is not always one of admiration.

We have all heard of notorious videos like “2 Girls 1 Cup,” in which the fame is mainly attributed to its shock value. These types of videos pervert the original purpose of the Internet and offer little to no substantial content besides short laughter and cheap entertainment.

When we begin to depend so much on technology to do our bidding, we ultimately stop utilizing skills that make us human. Web sites like eHarmony and BeautifulPeople work to help individuals find their mates using the Internet. Finding a spouse used to be done strictly in person, but now with the Internet, it can be settled without ever seeing your future mate face to face. Both personal and intimate levels have to pass through a mediator, further separating and complicating human interaction.

The Internet is a highway of information, a bar to meet people and everything in between. The use of the Internet should be within reason, or we will find ourselves no different than robots — content with talking and sympathizing with a flickering screen.