Online services refer to any tools and resources that people access through the internet. This could range from an online social network to an online click this bank service to an ecommerce website.
Many online services are offered for free. There are also paid services like online banking, e-mail and data storage. Some of these services can be complex and others are relatively straightforward. Anyone can easily send or receive emails that include photographs or documents by login to their Gmail account. Skype, on the other hand, is a more advanced online communication service which allows audio and video calls.
People use online services for many reasons. For example, they can use websites to purchase products that are difficult or impossible to find in shops. Furthermore they can get information and resources online that would not be available in their own area, such as unbiased sex education, or where to go for abortion assistance when they are considering terminating an unplanned pregnancy. Online services let them keep contact with family and friends who live far from home.
Despite these advantages, not all online services are equally useful. For instance that structured online programs have been proven to decrease adolescent depression as well as anxiety, however they tend to be ineffective and have high rates of dropout. However unstructured mental health websites have a higher rate of uptake and may facilitate seeking help by young people.