The internet has come a long way since its inception in the 1960s. It was created as a way to connect different computer systems. Instead, it has become the global infrastructure that we know today. With billions of people using it to communicate, shop, and learn, the internet is more important than ever.
The internet is home to over 3.5 billion users worldwide, making it the most popular way to connect with others. Here are the five different ways the internet is making the world unite.
Online Forums
Let’s start with one of the oldest ways people used to connect on the internet. Online forums were popular in the early days of the internet and are still around today. They’re a great place to connect with people who share your interests and get advice and support from others.
Forums are like public bulletin boards, where people can post topics for discussion, and others can respond. You can usually find forums about any topic imaginable, from parenting to knitting to video games. And if you can’t find one that suits your interests, you can always start your own!
To participate in a forum, you’ll first need to find one that interests you. An excellent place to start is by doing a search engine query for “forum + your interest.” For example, if you’re interested in photography, you could try searching for a “photography forum.” Once you’ve found a few possibilities, take some time to read through the posts to get a feel for the tone and level of activity. Once you’ve found a forum that looks like a good fit, go ahead and register for an account.
Most forums will require you to choose a username and provide an email address. Some may also ask for additional information, such as your location or age. Once you’ve registered, take some time to explore the forum and get familiar with how it works. Forums typically have different sections or categories where people can post topics for discussion.
Unlike other options on this list, forums are made for people with the same interests, making it more of a focused group than anything. Although internet forums are dying, there are still many that can grab your attention.
Social Media
Many consider social media reasonably new, but it has been around for quite some time. The first social media site, SixDegrees.com, was launched in 1997. It allowed users to create a profile and add friends, much like the sites we use today.
Now, there are dozens of social media sites, each with its unique purpose. The most popular ones include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. About half of the world’s population (4.87 billion) has access to these sites. These days, it’s not uncommon for people to have profiles on multiple social media sites.
The great thing about social media is that it allows you to connect with people worldwide. With just a few clicks, you can add someone as a friend or follower and start interacting with them immediately. You can also join groups with like-minded people or follow organizations and businesses that interest you. You can even play games on them! It’s the swiss knife of the internet.
Apps
There are all sorts of apps that can help you connect with people. Some apps enhance the social media experience, like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. You can use these for messaging and calls, similar to SMS. Others, like Snapchat and Instagram, are great for sharing photos and videos. And then there are ones like Tinder and Bumble, made for dating.
Other apps exist out there that are specific to a particular community. Many dedicated online community apps are made to connect individuals within a community. It can be a new board of sorts for the community. Additionally, it helps bring the community together.
What’s excellent about apps is that they’re usually very user-friendly and easy to use. They also tend to be more focused than other options on this list. So, for example, if you’re looking for a new relationship, you can download a dating app and start swiping through potential matches in your area.
Another advantage of apps is that You can use many of them offline. So, for example, you can continue using WhatsApp even if you lose your internet connection. This is great for when you’re traveling.
The internet has become the central hub of communication because of these platforms. Utilize them to communicate with others and improve your relationships.
