The rise of some outstanding Internet companies such as Tencent, which celebrated its 15th anniversary this week, reflects the extent of the Internet's development in China over the past two decades. These companies have also influenced people's thoughts and actions, says an article in China Youth Daily. Excerpts:

Internet companies have not only given rise to online economy, but also a new channel for people to interact. More and more people are using the Internet to buy and sell products, and their innovativeness is inspiring others to join the flow.

But despite the emergence of Internet giants in the past two decades, the field has its pitfalls because many big names have met their end during the same period.

Many concepts of life such as reading, shopping, financing and even the fight against corruption have undergone change and can be related to or influenced by the Internet. Under such circumstances, the economic strength and social power of Internet enterprises have increased to an extent that their corporate risk now equals their social risk.

But despite their booming development, the Internet and Internet companies are potentially harmful to people. That is why there is need for a thorough discussion on the "dark side" of the Internet and the necessary precautions we should take against it.