Online services refer to any tool or resources that users may connect to via the internet. This could range from social networking platforms to an online banking service to an e-commerce website.
A lot of online services are available for free. There are also paid services, such as online banking, e-mail, and data storage. Some of these are quite complex and some are basic. Anyone can easily send or receive emails with documents or photos by connecting to their Gmail account. Skype, on the other hand, is a more advanced online communication system that allows video and audio calls.
People need online services for a variety of reasons. Websites let people purchase items that are difficult to find in stores. Furthermore they can gain online services access to information and resources on the web that would not be available in their area, like unbiased sexual education, or where to seek abortion care should they be considering terminating a pregnancy. In addition online services allow them to stay in contact with their family and friends who live far away.
However, despite these benefits, not all online services are equally useful. Online treatment programs that are structured, for example are proven to reduce depression and anxiety in adolescents, but they are not always well-liked and have high dropout rates. Unstructured mental-health websites however have a higher percentage of use and seem to aid adolescents’ need for help.