It is obvious that the Internet has changed our lives. We are always connected and have access to massive amounts of data. However, this change has not only positive sides. Certainly, the Internet has given us many opportunities, and it is impossible to imagine life without it. Thanks to the Internet, we can play blackjack games online and much more. From reading books to online banking, there are no limits.
Even every major company needs to be present online, otherwise, they would lose a great market opportunity. If you want to succeed in the 21st century, you need to know how to make the most of these technologies.
The Covid-19 pandemic, in particular, has given it new momentum. Many things that were previously offline were moved online due to lockdowns and other restrictions. Education, health care, and much more became available online. But even before this crisis, the Internet had a huge impact on our daily activities.
The way we communicate with each other. Whether in another language, with words or without. Nor does the subject matter here. The Internet has removed the boundaries of communication. It is possible to be connected and talk on the phone around the world. About anything and with anyone you want. If your best friend has moved to another country, or your boyfriend is on vacation abroad, you can always stay up to date. To stay updated, you do not have to talk to them unnecessarily. It is enough if you check their account on Insta. Or maybe on Facebook their stories. It certainly does not take long to find out what they are up to. Even a phone call is no longer necessary. But even if you need or want to call from time to time, it is possible within a second. Thanks to platforms like Facebook, Whatsapp or conference calls like Skype, Webex, or Zoom. All these applications can be easily downloaded from the Playstore to your phone. For teenagers and young adults, this is the easiest way to not miss anything when they are not around friends or family. For their families, too, this is an easy and quick way to stay connected and know what is going on.
Social media platforms or simply advanced communication technology are also used for other purposes. During the Covid-19 pandemic, all classes were moved online, meaning instead of being there in person, all you had to do was turn on Zoom, Skype, or Webex. This shift had both advantages and disadvantages.
But even under normal circumstances, students are increasingly using these platforms to stay in touch with their classmates and discuss homework or exams. Sometimes even teachers are involved. When you go to university and have to write your thesis, many professors just give you their Whatsapp numbers. They check it more often than an email account.
At the end of the day, Whatsapp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have greatly changed the way we communicate. It is simply the fastest way to contact someone. It is a real-life conversation without being face-to-face. Even national borders do not matter with this connectivity.
NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON THOSE AFFECTED
Although it is the easiest and fastest way to talk to someone, there are not only positive sides.
Because you are always available, it is easy to get distracted. It is like not having time for yourself. This constant accessibility puts psychological pressure on you. The moments when you are not reachable feel weird. You will be afraid of missing something. The information overload is enormous. So if you are not online for hours, you are missing something. The other question is, is that a bad thing?
Even if you want to talk to someone about a serious issue, it is better to do it in person. A Whatsapp chat cannot replace face-to-face communication. But that is exactly what is happening. So the new way of communication also makes it less personal and human.
When you get used to being online, you may forget how important it is to actually see your friends. It is easy to fall into social isolation. Without even realizing it. Since you can seemingly share anything on the internet, you may forget what privacy means.
Once you upload something, you cannot really delete it. The Internet does not forget.
Because of the anonymity of online accounts, people feel safer writing what they want. Even if they hurt people. So online bullying is a serious problem. It is hard to take action against this problem. Usually, neither parents nor teachers are involved in this problem. So there is no adult to control and recognize these problems.
ADVANTAGES OF NEW COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
Besides the disadvantages of the new technology, there are also a number of advantages that come from faster and easier communication. One can use it for various purposes. For example, for education, during the Corona crisis, or for business purposes. This will improve communication between companies and customers, and within the company between colleagues. It will improve their work efficiency.
Thanks to global connectivity, you can reach a wider market. It is easier to spread the news or advertise for your company. But even if you want to discuss something and hear the opinion of others, there are no limits for you to get in touch with them. Regardless of where they are at the moment.
It is also an inexpensive way to communicate. Most of these applications are free or only cost about five dollars. That is something everyone can afford. That is what makes them so popular. The majority of young people have at least one account these days. Messaging through it only requires an Internet connection. In contrast, text messaging was more expensive.
There are light and dark sides to this technology. But for sure it is here to stay. The only thing that needs to be adapted is the way we use it. We have to get used to these new realities to make them safer.