The most positive change that the internet has brought to our culture and everyday life is that it has allowed us to become global. Before the internet, telephones and satellites, we were limited to communicating within our "bubble". Or just depend on snail mail. But now, we can communicate with others almost anywhere in the world instantly!
It's allowed for us to travel and see the world. Or if you're lazy, you can Google Earth almost anywhere. But I also feel that the internet has caused for more global issues too. Because we are so easily connected, we get into each other's issues more easily. We wouldn't be involved in so many war's and international affairs if the internet didn't exist. So that's the downside to being so global. (People just need to get along really though).
Another reason that I love the internet, is that it has made my life more simple. Everything I need can be found on the internet. Got a question? Just verbally say it by first adding, "Hey Siri", or "Ok Google" and you'll have a little voice answer your question instantly. I asked Siri earlier tonight where the closest Mexican restaurant was located. She not only told me several options (with ratings) but the internet connection allows for me to access GPS and I can get directions instantly too. AWESOME! When I first got my iPod touch, I would have to search directions before I left and had to take screen shots for reference. So I revel with the fact that I can instantly access GPS guidance anytime. I also frequently ask Siri what flights/planes are flying overhead..... don't ask me why. But I think its amazing and I love doing it.
The internet also allows for me to have a personal assistant in my hands. I honestly can't function without my smart phone. Which is more than slightly, pathetic; I know. But because of the internet, everything I need is in just ONE place. There's literally an app for everything. My life is organized and handled because of the apps available. Examples for me personally are: calendar, reminders, checklists, flashlight, calculator, white pages, contacts, television, shopping, news, games, scriptures, books, banking, dictionaries, Pinterest, menstrual calendar (lol), all of my bills, and also my sleeping app.
As a side note: I was really bored and was browsing the App Store the other night and came across a personal vibrator app. I couldn't believe it! It was hilarious. And comments provided, explained how to successfully use it! (Just stick your phone in a zip lock bag first!) So I guess if you're really desperate, you can have B.O.B. on your phone too. (Which most of the comments were provided by frantic teenage girls. Asking how to delete the purchase! lol)
Working graves, I use my phone and the internet to keep me awake and entertained. (Don't tattle but I'm even using it right now to right this post). The internet is such a vital part of my life. I don't actually have to go to the library to study like my parents had to. I can do it ANYWHERE I damn well please. I love the internet. LOVE IT! But then when you talk to my fiancé, he struggles with it. It fuels his addiction. So I guess the point of this paragraph is that you have to be careful with the internet. If you abuse it, you can lose everything that is actually important in your life. Like everything else, use it in moderation and be cautious. If you do, you'll probably love it just like me!
It's really how amazing how much we rely on the Internet. It's funny to think, if one day it suddenly disappeared what WOULD we be doing at work or during classes or at church? Those things would suddenly feel very empty.
ReplyDeleteThe internet has definitely made us a more cohesive world, I can't argue with you about that. As you say "It fuels your fiancee's addiction," and that's my main issue with the internet. Everything is at our fingertips, instantly, and that has created a major backlash against tech as well as changed the way I look at the internet. I feel that it is a useful tool, but I hate being jacked-in all the time because I feel that have no privacy any more. Friends get mad at you if you're not friends on Facebook and don't tell them every detail of your life, and that's just silly.
ReplyDeleteOk, I'll say it. Personal vibrator app? This exists? Will wonders ever cease?
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed what you said in the beginning about global problems. I'd never really thought about the downside of easy communication like that. Politicians would actually have to campaign instead of trying to one-up each other for space in the headlines.
ReplyDeleteSince the Internet has sped up and condensed our lives, what will be the next evolution of the internet. Will we even need to wake up in the morning. Will people even be a relevant species. Where will we go, what will we do.
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