Untangling the Web: One view of the Net

JAKARTA (JP): The Internet, which made its debut here six years ago, is attracting more and more users, including Chitra Darwis, 41, a former top model who runs the Image modeling agency and Graha Cipta Artha graphic design company in Central Jakarta.

Question: When did you first use the Internet?

Answer: I started using the Internet in late 1998.

Where do you use the Internet?

Mostly at the office, for my graphic design company. I used to check my e-mails four or five times a day; now I only check them twice a day. We receive between 15 to 20 e-mails a day.

How about at home?

My teenage daughter uses it a lot and checks my e-mails for me.

What do you do most on the Net?

I mostly use it to communicate. I never chat online but my daughter likes chatting on the Net. Theoretically, online chatting must be cheaper than making a phone call, but it can take hours. So I limit the usage of the Internet at home so that the bill is not more than Rp 300,000 a month.

How about shopping on the Internet?

I never shop online, either. Sometimes, I check new products, like CD-Roms, but it never crosses my mind to buy anything on the Net.

What is your favorite website?

I have no favorite website. Sometimes I visit a website dedicated to women because I am curious. I don't remember the websites by heart. For my business, I check graphic design websites.

What do you think of cyberporn?

I'm not interested but my friends once sent me kinky pictures via e-mail.

What are the advantages of the Internet?

It gives you easy access to communicate. It's cheaper than sending faxes.

And the disadvantages?

It has no filter, no censorship; it could bring negative impacts to our children. I mean the cyberporn.

How does the Internet affect your life?

I don't think it affects me that much. It hasn't changed my lifestyle. It's just like the computer. I'm not addicted to the Internet. But it makes my job easier as it provides information quickly. (sim)