Online services refer to any tool or resources that users can connect to via the internet. This could include an online social network platform to an online banking service, or even an ecommerce site.
Many online services are accessible for free. There are also paid services, such as online banking, e-mail, and data storage. Some of these services can be complex and others are straightforward. For instance, users is able to log into their Gmail account and send or receive emails that include attachments such as photos or documents, while Skype is an advanced online communication service that lets users make video or audio calls.
Online services are utilized by consumers for many reasons. For instance, they can shop on websites for products that would be difficult or impossible to find in stores. In addition, they can access information and resources online that would not be available in their own location, for instance, unbiased sexual education, or where to find abortion services if they were considering terminating an unplanned pregnancy. Additionally online services enable them to stay in touch with friends and family who live far away.
Despite these benefits, not all online services are equally beneficial. For instance the structured online treatment programs have been found to reduce adolescent depression and anxiety, but they tend to have poor uptake and high rates of abandonment. However, unstructured mental health websites have a higher rate of uptake and seem to encourage help-seeking by young people.