The internet has transformed our lives in so many ways. To think that just 20 years ago almost nobody had even heard of the internet – if you asked someone what a domain name was in 1991, they would have looked at you a little funny. Now we do everything online – from banking to communicating with long lost friends.
But how exactly has the internet changed our lives?
1. Access to Information
The internet has opened up a whole new world of possibilities in regards to information sharing. Before the World Wide Web students had to go to library’s to do their research. Nowadays you have all the information at your fingertips.
2. A Global Village
The internet has practically eliminated geographic distance as a barrier to communication. Through Facebook and Twitter, you can have meaningful friendships with people from all countries – from China to Zimbabwe.
3. Staying in Touch
With social networking sites, you can easily get in touch with family and friends. Simply add them on Facebook and you’re ready to chat!
4. Communication Is Faster and Easier
With Skype and Facebook, communication has become so very easy. You can chat to someone halfway across the world through instant messaging, email and Skype calls with a click of the button. With high speed broadband you can even share photos, videos and music.
5. Incredible Connectivity
From a business point of view, devices like dedicated servers allow your whole office remain connected 24/7.
6. Online Shopping
Now the whole world is your personal shopping mall! You can buy Chanel dresses from Paris and Mongolian fur coats from Ulan Bator in the same shopping spree.
7. Lower Barriers of Entry
The internet has made it incredibly easy to start your own business. In many cases businesses have been launched with less than a $100 budget.
8. Online Banking
Remember the days when you had to go to the bank every time you wanted to do your banking? Well since the arrival of the internet and online banking, managing your finances is so much more convenient.
9. Work From Home
The internet has made it possible for millions of people to work from home. You can now earn a living without getting out of your pajamas.
10. Online Job Search
Back in the old days, the only way to find a job was through recruitment agencies and the local paper. Now all of your job searching can be done online.
11. Video Sharing Sites
One of the most amazing aspects of the internet is the user based video sharing sites. YouTube has become one of the most important icons of the 21st Century. You can upload a video in seconds to an audience numbering in the hundreds of millions.
12. Online Correspondence
Email has transformed the way we communicate on a professional level. It would be near impossible for people to get in touch and collaborate in the pre-internet age.
13. Webcams
With webcams you can interact with people face-to-face even if you are thousands of miles apart. Fathers on business trips can see their children, relatives in different continents can wish each other happy birthday and video conferences are only a mouse click away!
Feature image designed by Freepik
