The Powerful Affect of the Internet and Digital Technologies
Every single day social media, technology, and the digital world are advancing drastically. We, as people who utilize the media and digital applications daily, need to educate ourselves as they continue to advance. Society is consistently connected to the Internet, Social Media, and Technology.
Since the COVID-19 Pandemic, I have seen myself using the Internet A LOT more and I found myself to be posting more frequently than I used to. I feel as though this was because I had a lot of more free time on my hands and because I was consistently scrolling and seeing various types of content from the individuals I follow and got inspired. I was inspired to share my own content because I was experiencing and admiring all that all of my followers had to offer during this time period. For over a year, everyone in this world was on lockdown. We were forced to stay home, quarantine, and socially distance. Traveling was banned and everything, well almost everything, was restricted. Because everyone was expected to follow these guidelines, we were left to communicate solely through Social Media and Digital Technologies. This was a time when people deeply grew, learned, and connected with the Internet every day. Participatory Culture was being displayed throughout the world and all over the Web, as this was the only way for people to interact and educate themselves. Social Media was the thing I became accustomed to during lockdown, as it was truly the only thing connecting me to the real world and the individuals in society. This Pandemic shaped the Online Participatory Culture and the Internet World and only encouraged continuous growth in the future.
The Pew Research Center has a powerful and educational article that discusses the Internet and the Pandemic. The Internet has significantly impacted human relationships and connections, especially since the start of the COVID Pandemic. According to Colleen McClain and Emily Vogels, “A large majority of Americans (81%) also say they talked with others via video calls at some point since the pandemic’s onset. And for 40% of Americans, digital tools have taken on new relevance: They report they used technology or the internet in ways that were new or different to them” (2021). The Pandemic has forced millions of people to communicate solely through a digital screen, which has caused an uprise in screen time. Many adults and young adolescents have surprisingly tried to cut back on the time they spend on their smartphones or the internet, even if that means cutting off communication with family and friends. Have people finally hit a limit? How much is too much?
Many individuals, including myself, feel as though their relationships and connections are not as strong having only communicated and talked through a phone for the past year. “About two-thirds of Americans (68%) say the interactions they would have had in person, but instead had online or over the phone, have generally been useful — but not a replacement for in-person contact” (McClain and Vogels, 2021). Americans have relied on the Internet and their screens since the COVID Pandemic, so the connection quality and strong relationship build have been very difficult and far from normal.
Individuals can utilize Internet Technologies to create and share knowledge and develop new ways of teaching and learning. We have seen this done hands throughout the Pandemic and the Internet has effectively served our society’s needs and humanity. By using these technologies, we can speed up economic growth and enhance the well-being of our society with this revolutionized form of communication and interaction. In a New York Times Article titled “The Virus Changed the Way We Internet,” it is made apparent that individuals are looking to entertain themselves, but are turning away from their phones. How can that be? Well, “With nearly all public gatherings called off, Americans are seeking out entertainment on streaming services like Netflix and Youtube, and looking to connect with one another on social media outlets like Facebook” (Koeze and Popper, 2020). Americans are slowly moving away from their tiny phone screens and updating to their wide computer screens. Why? Because they are stuck at home and have easy access to home desktops! Individuals not only want to connect over the screen through messaging and tests, but they want to physically see one another on the screen.
Our society has become reliant on services that give us access to learn and work from home. Who thought we would ever be able to say that? People crave connection and convenience, which is exactly what Technology has to offer. The Internet will only continue to make life better and dramatically grow globally.