Here is information on choosing to read a book or surf the internet. This article argues that your choice depends on the type of information you are seeking.
In the current age of information overload, it's sometimes hard to tell which sources of information are likely to satisfy different needs. Even in a time of instant electronic communication, it's still easy to find people who snort disparagingly at the very idea of learning valuable information from the internet. Other people consider the world wide web one-stop-shopping for everything they want to know.
Who's right? Well, it depends on WHAT you want to know. Here's a guide to when you should look to printed information resources, and when you should surf the waves of information on the 'net.
Information on hobbies and general interest
This subject area is where the internet comes into its own. The 'net is a wealth of information on any hobby topic you may have even a passing interest in. If you've ever wondered how to whip up a margherita, make your own paper, or restore your kitchen table, this is the place to look.
Keep your search terms as specific as possible, as there are millions of sites out there, maintained by individuals and companies with the same interests as you, and all competing for your traffic. The internet offers a veritable smorgasbord of information in this area.
Career information
If you're after some career information, the internet can certainly help you out, with up-to-date job listings, employment agencies and brokers all offering their services. Some job sites offer more than just the latest listings, providing comprehensive guides to careers in specific fields, and also more general advice on how to plan and develop your career.
However, there are also plenty of very good books in this area, and a trip to a quality bookstore may well save you considerable time and effort. Unlike the internet, a bookstore will have its career information grouped together in one place, and it will be immediately clear whether this information is current or not - just take a look at the publication date, and the biography of the author on the back cover to check his or her credentials.
A combined approach may be the most profitable one if you are seeking information on the careers area.
Academic research
If you're a student, be very careful about relying solely on the internet for your research material. Although some credible academic journals currently exist in electronic form, the vast majority of information available on the net is unverified, and its sources are uncertain. The internet simply cannot take the place of printed information resources if you're interested in conducting serious academic research.
If you take the time to really dig beneath the surface of the articles you may read on the net on, for example, modern or ancient history, you are likely to find that the site has been created by a hobbyist. While this person may have a long-term interest in the subject, he probably has no qualifications or teaching experience.
In this case, his "academic articles" are really more like conjecture: they cannot be backed up by hard evidence and provable sources - and without these essentials, you won't get the grade you're looking for.
Medical questions
If you're looking for more information on a particular medical query, the internet does offer limited potential. You may be able to read about the latest breakthrough in the treatment of the condition you're interested in, but bear in mind, you're probably reading journalism - writing which has been created to sell newspapers or magazines.
Bear in mind that the "facts" you're reading will need to be verified by a qualified medical practitioner.
Nevertheless, the internet MAY be able to tell you more about certain diseases or conditions, in terms which are easy to understand. The most sensible approach would be to take the medical information you have gleaned during an internet session along with you to your doctor and discuss what you have found with him or her. While they might dismiss your findings as unfounded or premature, its also possible that they might feel obliged to look into the matter further to see whether or not the information you have found could really help you.
Remember, doctors can't keep up with every single medical development world-wide, so spending some time on the internet could turn up information which could surprise both you AND your doctor.
Clearly, your specific information need determines whether the internet is a rich goldmine, or an empty well of information. If you match your information need to the appropriate resource, you are more likely to find the right answers more quickly and efficiently.
