International Internet Day: How The World Wide Web Made A Positive Impact

white and blue pencils

Have you ever wondered about life without the Internet?

A day without social media? A day without our mobile apps to help us navigate through our daily lives? It sounds strange, isn’t it? The dawn of a new digital age has made technology an integral part of our lives. So much so that without it, we feel incomplete. In this regard, the International Internet Day is celebrated every year on the 29th of October to commemorate the first Internet transmission ever sent and all the world-changing series of events that followed.

Here are some fun facts about the Internet, you probably never knew!

1) The first letters to be transmitted across the Internet, which consisted of two computers, were “L” and “O”.

2) The first internet transmission was sent just months after Neil Armstrong walked on the moon in 1969.

In line with today’s celebration, here are five significant ways the Internet has changed our lives for the better.

1. Greater access to information

Source: Imgflip

Source: Imgflip

Prior to the Internet, access to information was limited. In fact, books and encyclopedias were the only resources for research purposes. Today, the Internet provides greater access to information from anywhere in the world just a click away!

2. Ease of communication 

Source: cattycorp.com

Source: cattycorp.com

Before Whatsapp or SMS and even social media platforms such as Facebook became a medium of communication, letters, and face to face communication was the way to go!

In order to convey a message, people had to physically meet. If it was a long-distance communication, people had to write letters, travel to far destinations or even make expensive phones calls to connect with others. These days, we have the privilege to communicate instantaneously without much hassle with just about anyone across the globe!

3. Discover new places and experiences

Source: Singapore Archives | Goway

Source: Singapore Archives | Goway

In the past, citizens of the world had to travel beyond their homeland to discover new opportunities and new experiences. Today, internet users can learn about the latest attractions and popular destinations around the world even before visiting it!

Travelling has also become a whole lot easier. Not only can travellers utilise apps like GPS or Waze for guidance, they can now easily pick the cheapest and most convenient mode of transportation.

4. A new wave of commerce: e-commerce  

Source: YouGov

Source: YouGov

Who doesn’t love shopping? The conventional shopping experience is known to be time-consuming. Nowadays, online shopping sites like Zalora and Amazon.com, makes shopping much more convenient from the comfort of our own homes!

All you need to do is to add to your online bag and before you know it, the purchased item will be delivered to your doorstep.

5. Crowdfunding

Source: Krowdster

Source: Krowdster

The term ‘crowdfunding’ refers to the the practice of funding a project or venture by raising money from a large number of people who each contribute a relatively small amount, typically via the Internet.

Over the years, many social causes, projects and ventures by non-profit organisations for the greater good of humanity have been sourced through crowdfunding sites such as Crowdrise.com, Simplygiving.com and NGOHub, to name a few.

 

To a large extent, the World Wide Web has definitely transformed the way we do things in a positive way!

 

*Featured image sourced from fingo.co.uk