Internet penetration has never been higher than it is now. There are more computers, smartphones, smart TVs, and other devices that can connect to the internet in more homes. And almost everyone who has access to an internet provider uses it on a daily basis. There is so much value that the internet has added to our lives that it has become indispensable. This blog explores 5 key ways that have made the internet such a crucial part of our lives of convenience and comfort. Read on to learn more.
5 Improvements to Everyday Life from the Internet.
The internet today is on par with utilities like electricity or water. Not everyone has residential internet service. But the lack of it is quickly felt in nearly every aspect of everyday life.
From socializing to learning to working to leisure time, the internet has it all. And it has penetrated our lives in so many important ways that it is hard to understand how people lived before high-speed internet services. Here are 5 of the most crucial changes to our lives that we owe to the internet:
1. Online Banking and Payments.
One of the biggest advantages of the internet is being able to manage your bank account and payments online. This may sound like nothing special to someone born after the start of the new millennium. But prior to the rise of online banking, life wasn’t as easy. You could only execute larger transactions during banking hours. The cheque clearing times could often cause delays. So, say if you were already late on your Spectrum Bill Pay deadline, you’d be later still even after having paid.
Thankfully, most banking customers these days also have access to the internet and smartphones. This means they can access their bank’s phone application or website and log into their account securely. Once in, they can manage transactions, pay bills, set up repeat payments, and even view transaction history. All of this has helped not just individuals, but businesses and commercial enterprises as well.
2. Instant Communication.
Communication has seen by far the biggest transformation since the internet. Instant messaging, social media platforms, even live chat windows on e-retail websites, all serve as convenient and quick ways to exchange information. Websites, learning portals, and news publications offer easy access to anything that you care to look for. And with sharing features across various platforms, you can engage with other users in a unique way compared to conventional communication means.
Smartphones also revolutionized the way people access the internet and communicate over it. Far more intuitive and far less expensive than a computer, smartphones are everywhere. They allow users to download the apps that we have grown so used to for communication, socializing, or just sharing memes. Everyone has a voice in the digital world, and it is a great way to not just communicate with other people, but also gain exposure to more diverse perspectives.
3. E-Commerce and E-Retail.
E-commerce and e-retail are two of the most visible impacts of the internet.
E-commerce marketplaces like Amazon have grown to multi-billion-dollar capacities. E-retailers use websites, e-marketplaces, and even online classifieds to sell products or services.
Going to your target audience is a fundamental business strategy. And with billions of internet users all over the world, it makes good business sense for brands to focus on selling online. The digital commerce industry is now by far one of the easiest and surest ways for consumers to find and buy what they need. And it has helped stimulate the global economy as well, opening up access to new markets and brands.
4. On-Demand Entertainment Streaming.
Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Sling TV are significant examples of how the internet has changed our behavior and habits. In this case, our entertainment consumption behavior. TV and cinemas were the conventional ways to distribute and consume licensed content. And as a result of this, both the entertainment industry and cable service providers saw a massive increase in profits.
However, the emergence of online streaming platforms remains one of the biggest disruptions the industry has ever faced. These platforms typically follow the on-demand model. This means you don’t have to sit through scheduled programming or wait a week for the next episode. Instead, you can choose what to watch and play it immediately. With unlimited streaming and huge content libraries, these platforms are far easier to sign up for and far more convenient to use than anything else so far. It has even triggered what many call the “cord-cutting” movement, where people give up cable TV for online streaming.
5. Cloud-Based Remote Learning and Working.
Finally, the internet has made it easy for users to access the information they need. A few decades ago, working remotely would have been a ridiculous idea. But that’s only because the necessary hardware or software either did not exist or was too impractical. Today, however, it is both possible and easy to work or learn remotely. Thanks to cloud platforms and systems, employees and students can log into the necessary information systems and access the info, tasks, instructions, or feedback they need. And they do not need to be physically near their office or school either. All they need is stable internet access.