Online services refer to any tool or resources that users have the ability to access via the internet. This can be anything from a social media site to an online banking service to an online store.
Many online services are available for free to users. However, there are also numerous paid for services that users can access like e-mail, online banking, and data storage. Some of these services can be complex, while others are quite easy to use. For instance, one can log in to their Gmail account and quickly send or receive emails that include attachments such as documents or photos. Skype is an online communication service that allows users to make video or audio calls.
People use online services for many reasons. Websites allow users to purchase products that are hard to find in shops. Moreover they can access information and resources on the web that aren’t available in their area, like unbiased sex education, or where to find abortion services should they be considering terminating a pregnancy. Online services allow them to keep in touch with family and friends who live far away from home.
Despite their benefits but not every online program is equally effective. For instance structured online treatment programs have been shown to reduce depression in adolescents and anxiety, but they tend to have poor uptake and high rates of dropout. Unstructured mental-health sites, however have a higher percentage of participation and appear to assist young people’s help-seeking.