In this modern age, the internet has almost become an essential tool to have. Most people would probably say it’s a vital part of their daily lives with so many benefits from being online. But here at the University of Leeds, we’ve been thinking about what life would be like without the internet and how it has changed into what it is now. So we’ve come up with a list of ten ways the internet has changed our lives:
1) Communication
The internet allows us to communicate easier and faster than ever before. It’s not unusual for students to send group emails or set up study groups online, where they discuss certain topics over Skype or another video chat facility. In addition, social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook provide platforms for people to instantly share information with anyone, anywhere in the world.
2) Research
There are many ways to conduct research online, and students especially will be all too familiar with this. From academic journal articles and electronic books to videos and even whole virtual libraries where you can get free access to books and magazines, there is no shortage of information available at our fingertips.
3) Shopping
Gone are the days when you had to make a trip into town just to pick up some new clothes or household essentials – nowadays you can shop online from pretty much any device with an internet connection. So whether it’s eBay, Amazon, or your favorite online clothing store, more people are choosing to shop on the web rather than in person.
4) Socialising
Today, it’s far easier to stay in touch with friends and family across the world. With sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, you’re likely to hear all about what’s happening in their lives before they’ve even managed to tell you about their weekend. There are even online dating websites where people can find a date for the night, or if they want to take things further, there’s always Skype – so you can see who you’re talking to before you end up buying a plane ticket!
5) Work
The internet has transformed the way we work. It’s no longer necessary to go into an office to use the internet. It means people can work from home, in a coffee shop, or even while they’re on holiday if they log on with their laptop or tablet device.
6) Entertainment
The internet has given us so many new ways to entertain ourselves, whether it’s catching up on the latest news, watching a TV show or film on demand, playing online games, listening to music, or shopping for new gadgets. We can even play against people from all over the world with multiplayer video games!
The internet is an invaluable tool that almost all of us rely on daily. It’s one of the key factors that has changed modern life more than any other invention in history, and it shows no signs of stopping anytime soon! There are always new sites, apps, and gadgets being developed to make life easier – who knows what the future will hold?