If you don't already have children, then picture a hypothetical situation in which you do. Would you allow them to indulge in internet communities? Would would you limit their indulgence, or let them do as they please?

I think some kids influenced by internet culture are significantly less naive and more intelligent than kids who don't engage themselves in internet communities as much. Of course, there are just as many who become influenced by the negative side of the internet, and pick up really bad traits, such as racism/misogyny/depression/you name it. I, for one would rather my hypothetical children stay as far away as possible from communities like 4chan, ebaumsworld and Encyclopedia Dramatica.

Actually, I'd rather they stay pretty much completely deprived of the internet in general, unless it's for school purposes or shit like that.

I definitely would, but I'd try to prevent them from becoming an internet junkie like myself. In moderation though, sure.

Internet opens up vistas of all sorts of information, even that which you may not like.
You can engage in arguments more freely (thanks to anonymity) with wider variety of people (many of which you couldn't even approach in real life)
Whenever you are proven wrong, your perspective on things will be enhanced.
It's much less likely you would grow up a close-minded bigot if you stroll around the web regularly.

And no, i don't consider internet as 1 single info outlet....
Internet is more comparable to 'universe' of information, whereas a news station or newspaper is comparable to a planet of information. Sure, people enter internet with some predispositions already present and will definitely favor some sites above others, but still opposing points will gradually seep through into your head like a bitter medicine.
I personally learned a lot on the net, and not ashamed to say it.

Well... one could call me an internet kid.
Yes the internet does teach kids some well... immature rudness,
But nonetheless it teaches kids how to cooperate with diffferent people.

Also in some communities like the toribash community it has various languages which the kids may learn after a few months of play.
For example i learned alot of german playing.

So yes i would.

Books are a great way of expanding your worldview as well, but guess what? Books can be found on that same internet.
Although i prefer a hard copy, naturally.

I think the problems with the internet and kids mostly stem from parents not being able to watch their kids on the internet at all times. So what I would do is have one PC in the house, and try to limit the time my child spent on it. I would not buy them their own PC for damn sure.

As a 13 year old, it's kinda tough for me to say.

I spend quite a bit of time on the internet myself and have unfortunately witnessed some of the doings of 4chan and such, and honestly, I can't say I have been changed.
I'd say I'm relatively intelligent, though, I might not act like it sometimes on the internet, but it's a time for me to sometimes let loose. I'm not stupid enough to carry on that act onto real life.

Sadly, this doesn't apply to all kids. If I had a kid, I'd definitely do what deady says. Not necessarily one PC in the house, but all PCs in the same room, and I would monitor and limit his/her internet usage.

I think I would let my children on the internet, it teaches you fuckloads.
But in moderation, of course.

Giving them the opportunity to be on the internet all the time just gives them an opportunity to be glued to the computer screen 24/7, hence all the obvious problems may arise. Obesity, social awkwardness etc.

But I think what would really help is to introduce them to something new BEFORE letting them run around the internet.
Such as a sport, which could keep them occupied and when they get old enough, they will be able to choose between the two responsibly.

If they aren't responsible, then I hit them.

I am using PC since I was 8. My brother - since 7. He's 11 now and he is not so interested in internet as I. Only things he do there > downloads music + visits social network site vkontakte(like facebook for russian-speaking people) & plays different flash games. He is more interested in dancing than the Net... Thanx god So everything seems to be ok. I don't care about porn and stuff coz at his age I've already seen that shit.

2 0dlov [offtop] 'I think that I think, therefore I think that I am." - Ambrose Bierce

I think i'd be pretty liberal when it comes to the internet, though i'd naturally prefer it if my hypothetical kids stayed away from the most god-forsaken corners of the internet, like i generally do. Communities like this one, sure, no problem, but places like Encyclopedia Dramatica? Hells no. Not only does it contain strongly offensive material, it also contains material that can scar your very soul. Whether i'll put a limit on their usage largely depends on what kind of internet connection i have at that point.

I absolutely agree, I would allow my child to be exposed to internet communities. It would probably be for the best if it was in moderation though, so he or she wouldn't becomg a junkie like myself.
I'm 16, and I've been indulging in internet communities for years, and it definitely has helped me thrive a lot in real life and on the internet. I've gained a full sense of proper grammar and English just from being active inside this community.
It teaches a lot of communication skills you couldn't get in real life. So yes, internet communities are definitely a great place to learn and thrive off.