Online services are any tool and resources that people access through the internet. It could be anything from a social networking platform to an online banking service to an e-commerce website.
Many online services are offered for free. There are also paid services like online banking, e-mail, and data storage. Some of these services can be difficult, while others are simple. For instance, one can sign into their Gmail account and send or receive email with attachments such as documents or photos. Skype is an advanced online communication service that lets people make audio or video calls.
People require online services for various reasons. For instance, they may use websites to purchase products that would be difficult or impossible to find in shops. Additionally they can get information and resources online that would not be available in their local location, for instance, unbiased sexual education or where they can seek out abortion treatment when they are considering terminating an unplanned pregnancy. Online services allow them to keep in touch with family and friends who live far from home.
Despite their advantages however, not every online service is equally beneficial. The structured online treatment programs, for example they have been proven to decrease anxiety and depression in adolescents, however they are typically not widely used and have high dropout rates. Unstructured mental health websites however have a higher percentage of uptake and appear to assist youngsters’ seeking help.