Depending on your age/what year you were born, you may or may not remember what life was like before computers and the internet existed. You may even find it hard to recall a time before smartphones, tablets, watches, etc. These little pieces of technology have become so ingrained in the daily lives of people that it’s hard to imagine what they’d do without them, but the truth is that the internet and even computers, in general, haven’t been around for all that long. Here are 3 ways computers and the internet have totally changed the way people live.
Inspiration Is Everywhere
Before the internet, if you wanted to learn a new skill or get some creative inspiration, you might have to go to the local library and check out some books. Now, not only can you read just about any type of story you’d like online but you can also use it to teach yourself new skills, find a community, and get some inspiration for anything you’re working on. For example, if you need some yard design ideas, all you have to do is log in and type in a few search words, and chances are you’ll be met with more ideas than you even have the time to sift through! The internet is pretty amazing in that way.
Communication Is Easier Than Ever
It is so much easier to get a hold of people now than it ever was before everyone had a tiny computer in their pocket. Before smartphones, email was used pretty commonly, but before computers existed at all, pretty much the only forms of communication available were face to face, landlines, or snail mail! It may have been harder back then to keep in touch with loved ones, but people also talked to each other face to face more often which is something folks could probably use a little more of today.
But the next time you’re having a texting conversation or come across an old friend’s social media profile and send them a message, remember how incredibly easy it is to communicate with others these days – and take advantage of that!
Information Spreads Quickly
You may not always view it as a good thing, but the fact that the internet has made the spread of information so incredibly fast is definitely something to marvel at. Facts and information that used to take days or even weeks for people to find out are now at their fingertips in real-time. The problem with this, of course, is that misinformation can spread just as quickly, so it’s important to try and discern between the two and not take everything you read on the internet at face value.
It can be easy to forget how much easier your life is than it was for those that came before you, but hopefully this list is a good reminder and will make you grateful to have internet access.