Popular Uses of the Internet

Usage of the Internet is becoming more common due to the rapid advancement of technology and the power of globalization. Societies are becoming more inter-connected. Thoughts from different cultures are shared through Internet chat rooms and web postings. Study results also track the most popular benefits of the Internet: “This year’s study shows that email is the top task conducted online, followed by general surfing, reading News, shopping, and seeking entertainment News.” (Chang Joshua (2005)) It can be summarized that the Internet is now used for common, everyday tasks that would have normally taken more time to complete.

Internet shopping is becoming popular amongst users in developed nations, as it is more efficient to ‘shop on the Internet than to go physically into the stores. The Internet provides a virtual environment where consumers’ demands are met with supplies. For example, research has shown that online shopping can lower search costs and result in better product selections. This is because the shopper can analyze prices from various stores without traveling. The shopper can now shop online for goods for sale in a foreign nation, and rather than having to travel to the country to receive the goods, the consumer can order online and get them delivered efficiently. According to the Ernst and Young Survey (‘Internet Shopping’ 1998), prospective shoppers viewed price savings and selection as more important benefits than convenience, ranked third. However, using the Internet, we can achieve both, offering shoppers comfort and better prices.

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The Internet has achieved a more equitable trading environment for consumers and gives us the potential to communicate more effectively and efficiently. For example, email sending is generally cheaper than posting a letter, especially for people wishing to share internationally. Furthermore, an email can be shipped immediately after it is written and does not need to go through official procedures such as the Post Office and a mailbox. The email’s recipient can access it from anywhere, as it is a virtual communication tool, instead of having a physical mailbox where the letters are delivered. Thus, an Internet communication tool such as the Internet is precious, especially for travelers who must be interconnected with their ‘old’ lifestyle while journeying to experience foreign cultures.

The power of the Internet extends to people who need the convenience of shopping and easily communicating with associates and friends. Still, the Internet also provides an environment for News sharing and encourages people to update the News. Unfortunately, as there currently isn’t any appropriate ‘virtual filtering system’ software out there, although there are many News articles available, they are from the perspective of international media institutions. However, the Internet is constantly changing and becoming more accommodating to the individual instead of catering to multinational corporations. Many academics believe that the Internet is a form of communication for people who want to express their opinions and don’t want to be repressed by the wealthy, who are often seen as domineering as they hold too much power in a capitalist society.

Furthermore, many teenagers would also confirm that they have had many positive experiences with the Internet as they believe it is a place to ‘escape’ from the pressures of reality and enjoy the entertainment that this system can provide. Although some would argue that they distract people from existence, computer games allow individuals to express creativity and challenge themselves. Interactive computer games provide an environment where individuals can explore foreign surroundings and take risks that willnot harmo the game player. The Internet appeals to the younger generation for entertainment, but young academics have also agreed that the Internet creates convenience for research and university students. This is because many different articles can be found on a specific topic. The opinions of academics are read, but people with unique experiences and in other professions are also heard and critically analyzed. As an academic, I strongly believe that the Internet provides a great environment where people can share their thoughts and beliefs while remaining anonymous.

In conclusion, popular uses of the Internet have largely contributed to the advancement of society. More people are now turning to this phenomenon for an efficient lifestyle where the maximum number of daily tasks can be achieved. Although some would argue that people are becoming too reliant on the Internet, others would say it is a freedom of choice. It is the individuals’ choice to choose how much they should use the Internet daily and how dependent they want to be. Ultimately, the Internet is a tool that is effective when used appropriately and effectively, and it is at the discretion of the individual. As Schipper quoted, “The Internet is a tool that has both good and bad sides; let’s weed out the bad ones.”

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Alcohol scholar. Bacon fan. Internetaholic. Beer geek. Thinker. Coffee advocate. Reader. Have a strong interest in consulting about teddy bears in Nigeria. Spent 2001-2004 promoting glue in Pensacola, FL. My current pet project is testing the market for salsa in Las Vegas, NV. In 2008 I was getting to know birdhouses worldwide. Spent 2002-2008 buying and selling easy-bake-ovens in Bethesda, MD. Spent 2002-2009 marketing country music in the financial sector.