In Emerging Countries, Internet Is Considered Bad For Morality

People in emerging countries think Internet helps in education but has a bad effect on morality, according to a new report.

The report, published by Pew Research Center, interviewed more than 36,000 people in 32 emerging and developing countries.

According to the report, 64% of people interviewed said the Internet has a positive influence on education. However, 42% also thought the Internet was bad for morality.

"It's natural for adults to worry about their children's morality," said Randall Curren, professor of philosophy at University of Rochester. "There are certain spheres of interaction and influence that are beyond parents control, and the Internet is a new sphere for many cultures. It's this new exchange of information and images that parents themselves don't have easy control over."

According to Curren, Internet could also be seen by many as a tool that furthers "the sexualization of childhood."

The study found that people who speak English are more likely to use the Internet.

"We knew that younger, more educated people are more likely to use the Internet but we were surprised that English speakers are more likely," Jacob Poushter, a researcher at Pew, said.

The study further found that 86%, of adult Internet-users in developing countries use the Web for socializing with family and friends and about half, 54%, said they use it for consuming information about politics.