Uses Of Internet In Our Daily Life

 

What could we say about the uses of Internet in our daily life? Well, several generations ago, our great grandparents and ancestors were able to conduct several areas of activity without the presence of Facebook, Expedia, Google, Amazon, YouTube or Netflix. Today, however, it’s hard to imagine living without any of these (for most of us, anyway).

In the early 2000’s, I took my first trips to Canada and Ghana on separate occasions without using online bookings. In contrast, from 2004 until present I’ve booked all round trips and accommodations via laptop. This has made life as convenient as possible in my opinion because I’m not at the mercy of a travel agent.

Now, of course there are debates about the differences in self booking verses agency booking. But I personally feel comfortable going independent because I’m in charge of my own itinerary and can save (or spend) money where ever I see fit.

Obviously, that’s a brief example of the role the Internet has played in my personal life. And so this blog entry focuses on more ways web access has been a benefit in modern society.

I say more ways because there’s been posts regarding the role of the internet such as:

• Investing – Taking advantage of online investment opportunities, rise in social trading, and a Social Trading Giant. Even posted an in depth write up on swap free accounts.
• Politics – Analyzing the relationship between the Internet and politics.
• Entrepreneurship – Capitalizing off of current presidential administrations, as well as different ways to potentially earn laptop income.

Internet In Many Areas Of Activity

According to a survey done by iternetlivestatus, 40% of the world’s population is connected to the internet. This is possible because people are hungry for information. The internet makes our lives easier in the following ways:

Online Shopping

The internet offers a platform where people can buy and sell products with just a click of the button. Online shoppers are likely to get huge discounts because of the huge competition and a variety of goods to choose from. You can buy virtually everything and have it delivered to your doorsteps, laptops or mobile device.

Online shopping is affordable, saves time and very convenient. Customers can pay for goods once they are delivered or through online money transfer.

Online stores like Amazon.com, Alibaba.com, Paytm.com, Flipkart.com and Snapdeal.com offer clients the convenience of viewing, placing an order and purchasing through the internet.

For entrepreneurs, the eCommerce market has given internet users an opportunity to create simple user-friendly websites for potential customers.

Need proof? Just look at the various top eCommerce platforms available to give one an edge in competing against the big guys for a part in the economic pie.

So with or with out the traditional Brick & Mortar business, who can deny the convenience of owning ones own online shop?!

Job Searching

The uses of internet in our daily life also includes searching and posting for employment. You can easily find employments by visiting the websites of companies you are interested in working with. Whether Adzuna, TotalJobs or any other agency, most businesses use their websites to advertise existing vacancies. You also get the chance of applying for the position online.

News

The internet lets you stay informed with the latest news in politics, entertainment and showbiz, sports and the financial markets. The internet is a sea of information, and you will always get the trending news about virtually anything.

Travel and tours

The internet allows you view the places you are planning to visit. You will get alerts on the most exciting areas to visit. Blogs and content on tour websites offer descriptions on different tourist destinations. By reading these blogs, you can easily compare and make a decision.

Tour agents have also embraced the internet to advertise and market their companies. Through the web, you will be able to choose a tour agent depending on their quality of service and the package they offer. Or, as I’ve stated, you can go it alone planning your entire trips independently.

Dating

Many people have found love online. Dating sites offer a platform for many singles to meet and mingle.

I can admit most of my past encounters in dating females have mostly come through online communication.

You can get a partner on dating sites or through social media, chat and eventually plan your lives together.

Online connection platforms accommodate users in that they offer services based on personal preferences (long term, short term, age, religion, etc) .

There are even sites catering to singles in search of companionship from the wealthy.

The  previous ways of meeting ones desired partner were through websites. However, with the increase in mobile device ownership, connections are made using a simple smart phone.

Some of these supporting apps include:

• Tinder
• Bumble
• Coffee Meets Bagel
• OKCupid
• Happn
• Bristlr
• Plenty Of Fish

You should, however, exercise caution because not everybody you meet online can be trusted.

Entertainment

The internet is a source of entertainment for kids, youths and even adults. You can watch and download movies online. Children can play games and watch cartoons. YouTube offers a platform where you can listen to the latest music and watch different movies.

For viewing pleasures, who needs a cable bill when there’s an increase in online streaming services.

To name a few, these services include:

• Amazon Video
• YouTube Red
• Netflix
• Vudu
• Crackle

Although television packages may or may not see their last days anytime soon, online users can now rejoice in knowing there are several options as previously indicated in this blog post.

You can also read the past entry about VikiTV and the emergence of Korean online dramas.

For listening, we won’t waste much time stating the obvious. The opportunity for streaming music free and premium is here to stay.

That’s why the following have earned an honorable mention:

• Napster (Formerly Rhapsody)
• Spotify
• Pandora
• iHeartRadio
• TuneIn (my personal favorite)
• Deezer
• Tidal

Gambling

Now I’m not speaking up for or against virtual gambling. Let’s just point out that this has grown throughout the world among laptop, PC and mobile device users.

Online casinos provide a platform through the use of the internet for players to place their bets and earn online. If you love gaming, you can easily learn the odds and place bets from the comfort of your home. If you win, the money is transferred to your account through online money transfer.

There’s many discussions surrounding addiction to gambling both online and physical casinos. It’s just quite obvious, though, that access to gaming sites provide the type of convenience users love regardless of time or location.

So as long as there’s a connection. there’s a way!

Enables Quick and Swift Communication

Gone are the days you could wait for sunrise-to-sunset to receive a letter from the post office. The internet has made communication faster, cheaper and very efficient. When you send an email to your employees, there is 100% guarantee that the information will reach them. Texts and chats on social media allow people who are miles apart to communicate and know each others’ welfare by a click of the button.

Efforts made by Facebook have also given users an opportunity to send and receive  words with their instant messenger service.

You can also video chat through applications such as:

• Skype
• Google Duo
• Google Hangouts
• IMO
• JusTalk
• Tango
• Viber
• WhatsApp

With these platforms, connecting with friends and family who are miles away by chatting or through video calls allows you to share on your experiences and this can also be a great source of fun.

Investing

The internet provides lots of information that you can use to make money. Selling products from different companies online can earn you a commission.

You can also invest in an online course in finance, freelancing and internet marketing then use the acquired skill to provide a service that will help you earn a living.

The beauty of working online is that it gives you the flexibility of working and making money remotely as long as there is an internet connection.

Education And Research

Students can use the internet to learn. They can also research on different topics and get the information they need. There is a lot of information on the web where students can get resources online in their various courses. Professors can also use the internet through video conferencing to share information and study material with their students.

Money Management

Everybody is looking for ways to which they can be financially disciplined. Banks are working tirelessly to provide their customers with apps that they can use to manage their finances.

There are also online money transfer apps that you can install on your phone that will enable you to transfer money to the bank. This strategy makes it easier to save.

Enhance Cashless Economy

With the increase in popularity of Cryptocurrencies, individuals are now able to buy and sell goods and services virtually, making the flow of business easier.

Check out the example from Paxful.com:

You can send and receive money digitally. E-wallet, mobile money transfers, and internet banking also enable you to pay your utility bills from the comfort of your home.

It also reduces corruption in government offices because any money transferred digitally will be recorded. You can also not evade taxes if you use this form of money transfer.

The Internet Of Things

IOT consists of everyday objects embedded with network connectivity thats allows those items to communicate between each other. These objects could include:

• Vehicles
• Mobile Devices (including wearables)
• Homes (mostly everything in it)
• Robotics (IoRT)

Because IOT involves the majority of gadgets and objects that turn on and off, this continues to impact a growing portion of society.

One notable usage consists of IOT working in conjunction with security systems for home and even work place buildings. Those who use this form of technology often rely on IP Camera Hosting. That means there’s no need for complicated installation or software (if ever). The main requirement are obviously cameras an internet connection.

Someone rang a doorbell while on vacation in Florida? No Problem! Users can then view their perimeter from anywhere using most electronic devices.

Additionally, I must point out IOT isn’t just confined to the young or wealthy tech savvy community. There’s also a growing push towards sensors and gadgets working for the benefit of senior citizens and disabled. Many companies favor the welfare of these groups by tracking and learning their movements (such as daily routines) in the household. Data then gets stored once a consistent pattern has been established, only to alert caregivers and family members should he or she makes sudden changes in behavior.

Google Is Your Friend

Lastly, and quite obviously,  what would the uses of Internet in our daily life be without Google.

Some of the most common uses of Google are Gmail, YouTube, and Chrome. There are however other services performed by Google, and some of them are:

Google trends – enables users to view the most popular topics. You can quickly see trends in different categories like entertainment, health, sports, business and science/technology. You can also view and compare various topics and see how a particular subject has been performing over some time.

The find my android app – it’s a common thing to misplace your phone. This app enables you to find your phone without much hassle. You can see where your phone is on a map by going to google.com and typing find my phone.

Google Hangouts – allows you to chat with your loved ones and workmates by sending text messages and through video calls. It’s available on your phone, tablets or computers. It also allows you to have group video calls with up to five people.

Field trip – the app shows you the surrounding when you are on a voyage. It will alert you when you are next to an interesting place. You will get alerts of museums, restaurants, historical sites parks and much more.

Google maps– it will show you areas you are interested in. You’ll know the area traffic, directions, routes, public transportation information and images of places. You can set the day and time information to help you see roads with heavy traffic through past information.

Google translate – you can easily learn the translation of words in over 100 different languages. By copying and pasting text into the Google translate website, you get the meaning of various phrases and expressions in your mother tongue. If you are not sure of a particular language, Google translate will quickly detect and alert you.

Google dictionary – makes it easier to learn the definition of different words. It also helps you in pronunciations.

Google flights – find the most convenient and lowest priced flights when planning a trip through Google flights. It gives you the convenience of viewing the prices of flights on different dates through the calendar view.

Google alerts – helps you stay informed at all times. You can easily set alerts and receive information on a particular topic of interest anytime it is mentioned.

Your area of interest could be your company’s name, your favorite programs or even your name.

You have the flexibility of setting the frequency, the sources and where the information is sent to.

Additionally, for bloggers, this provides a great way to stay updated on fresh content for readers,

Conclusion

The internet has enhanced and made life easier for everyone. It has expanded people’s knowledge and led to the tapping of potentials that were unheard of.

Good utilization of the internet is a great way of empowering yourself socially and economically. Caution should, however, be exercised when using the internet because it can also be a source of moral degradation.