How the Internet has Changed Our Daily Lives

The internet is a trove of useful applications that have changed the very fabric of our life in an amazingly short time. The internet has been around for quite some time, but it is the twenty-first century that witnessed the revolution enabled by the largest computer network. Then came social media and other interactive platforms. The internet and its possibilities exploded, paving the way to the world we know today. Life has never been the same again.

Never before has the effect of the internet been more keenly felt than during the current pandemic. We now work, shop and stay connected with the help of the internet.

We look in detail at some of the basic ways how the internet has changed our daily lives.

Communications

The internet has removed all communication barriers, creating an open world with easy, instant and endless communication practices and possibilities. We do not even need a PC to communicate online, thanks to our mobile phones.

Art, knowledge and cultural processes make way across the world with much ease. Some would call it cultural globalisation. Communications via social media have created a phenomenal transformation in how we perceive our lives and personal relationships. Having a networked device in hand means the possibility of interaction is open no matter the distance.

Education

Easy internet access means easy access to knowledge and information. With the onset of networked classrooms, the education process is now more focused on stimulation and creative imagination than rote learning. The widening reach of education through the internet has helped uplift those in underprivileged countries through education.

Remote Working

A significant way how the Internet has changed our daily lives is through the introduction of remote working. A few decades back, remote working was not even conceivable. Though work from home (WFH) has been on the rise for the past few years, the COVID pandemic has put it in the fast lane. And it’s here to stay. The number of apps and tools available for remote working keep increasing day by day. Office 365 is one comprehensive solution that has everything for your business that supports remote working. Remote working is popular, but people new to it can find it overwhelming. Our blog on setting up remote working for employees helps with tips on making the transition smoother.

E-Commerce

One of the greatest developments that the internet has fuelled is eCommerce. While brick n mortar shops will not go away completely, eCommerce helps set up shop at much lesser costs. Whether you are a large business or a niche business, or a start-up, eCommerce has a solution for everyone. Have a great business idea? A professional web developer can put it into action for you. And as the online shopping space gets more competitive, businesses focus on providing quality products and solutions to customers. It means a vast array of choices at attractive prices at their fingertips from the safety of homes for the consumer.

Privacy and Security

Privacy and the internet is a hot topic often as companies are seen sneaking data from users for profit. The noise surrounding this issue highlights how much of our data is up in the air and how little the average user is aware of its potential exploitation. Cybercrimes are now increasing in sophistication and numbers. Read our blog to understand why cybersecurity needs more attention than it currently gets.

Cybersecurity training for employees, a rare event a few years back, is now a regular activity. Companies now understand that employees are, knowingly or unknowingly, the easiest entry point for hackers.

The recent legal actions and proposed legislation by many countries around internet privacy is a step towards a free and secure internet.

The Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT in simple terms refers to any physical device (except PCs and mobiles) that is connected to the internet. Love your fitness band? Use your smartphone to switch on the car AC before you reach it? Or to switch on the building lights before you enter? All are IoT devices. Now, it is possible to monitor chronic health conditions with the help of IoT technology. This has been made possible with arrival of wireless internet and inexpensive computer chips.

The internet has changed our lives for the better and, some would argue, for the worse. The fact that it has changed is undeniable. Computing Australia Group of Companies has been riding this change, providing clients with the best solutions that the internet offers – Managed IT services, Web and App Development, Cybersecurity, IT Helpdesk, Social Media and more. Contact us or email at sales@computingaustralia.com.au to how we can support your business.

Jargon Buster

Managed IT services – Ongoing support by an IT services provider covering a comprehensive set of IT services.
Office 365 – a suite of subscription services from Microsoft with multiple plans for individuals, business and other users.
Cultural globalisation – the sharing of ideas, values, beliefs, traditions and way of living in general, across different countries and geographies.