It’s difficult to imagine a world wherein the Internet doesn’t exist, particularly because it has come so far in only a few decades. Before there were real-time video calls, wireless smartphones, and access to an unlimited Internet connection, there were only beepers, landlines, and snail mail.
Indeed, the world has entered the digital age of technology and countless generations have been brought up surrounded by the intangible power of the Internet. Children these days no longer have to go to a public library to research the answer they are looking for, especially because they can just pull out their phones and type a few words on the search bar.
The impacts of modern technology and the Internet on society are unprecedented; these innovations were only dreamt about in science fiction novels in the past century. Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to society’s growing dependence on the Internet, but its presence has truly become a game-changer in the way people live their lives.
The Internet Has Eliminated Physical Boundaries
Almost every household or city across the world today has access to the Internet, which means nothing is ever out of reach. Individuals and businesses alike from places across the globe can have the opportunity to communicate with ease so long as they have a stable Internet connection.
This is also more feasible now that online communities are becoming cultural norms. People from far and wide will be able to join online communities built by like-minded individuals who share their interests or passions. And through the use of reliable community engagement software, moderators won’t have to struggle to manage their online platforms even if there are hundreds of members in their care.
The world wide web has become a social avenue in its own right, just like the public spaces, offices, and schools where most individuals usually meet other people. These physical boundaries and overwhelming distances can appear non-existent when two people can communicate face-to-face over video calling platforms.
The Internet Can Provide Equal Opportunities to Many People
These days, anyone with access to the Internet can enjoy what everyone else does. This can apply to the various sources of entertainment channels, receiving relevant information on social media platforms, or even the limitless employment opportunities offered in online job portals.
When it comes to enjoying the perks that the Internet can offer, there is no room for discrimination based on age, race, gender, or economic background. There is only equal access to the free-flowing knowledge found on the Internet and the opportunities that they were not exposed to before.
Of course, there is still no such thing as a free lunch, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t take advantage of the opportunities when they present themselves to you. In this day and age, chasing after such opportunities for personal growth or development is considered the practical thing to do.
The Internet Creates a Sense of Camaraderie Among Strangers
Arguably the biggest benefit that the Internet can offer to people is that they never have to feel alone. There was a time when people who preferred to stay locked inside their rooms to avoid interactions with others were called recluses because they are choosing to isolate themselves from society.
But now, even if people were to shut the physical world out, they could still be connected to their friends through the many social media platforms, gaming websites, or online communities that they belong to. They can be alone but not lonely because they can seek camaraderie from people over the Internet.
Of course, nothing will ever come close to the heartwarming feeling of being together with people you love, but the sense of kinship that you can experience with strangers over mediated channels of communication is a close second. This is especially true in circumstances when real-life socialization can put your life in danger, such as in the middle of this global pandemic.
When the world was brought to a standstill and people were forced to stay inside their homes, the Internet became their refuge. It allowed them to have some semblance of normalcy despite the chaos that is the coronavirus looming heavily in the atmosphere.
This is not to say that the Internet is all rainbows and unicorns because there is really dark stuff if you looked hard enough. But if you choose to bank on the benefits of the Internet, you will see that the pros of having it within arm’s reach clearly outweigh the cons that it comes with. So how you choose to use this tool is up to you—for better or for worse.
