The Internet is ‘real life’ and it has become very important to us. We can log on at anytime of the day and find exactly what we are looking for, when we are looking for it. We can do business and transact with people around the world and make deals that will benefit us in many ways. But all of this, and much more, can be done from anywhere in the world thanks to the Internet and the ability to reach out to so many people, at any time of the day or night.
But how does the Internet fit into our ‘real life’? How does the Internet impact us? Do we need to adapt our thinking to the way things are done on the Internet? Here we will explore some of the ramifications of the Internet, and how it can help us enrich our lives.
First, let us consider the importance of social interaction. The Internet has opened up a whole new world of human interaction. We can go online at any time of day and talk to people half way around the globe. We can discuss issues that would never come up in an in-person conversation and get creative ideas for making those conversations meaningful.
Second, we can meet people whose intellectual curiosity inspires us and teaches us something we didn’t know. This intellectual curiosity is part of what makes the Internet so appealing. The Internet is a ‘real life’ alternative to ‘life like’ things, and if we can find things on the Internet that interest us, teach us, serve a purpose, then it’s worth looking.
Third, we can share ideas and products with those who have similar interests. Some of us may be tech-savvy, others may not. But we all love coffee, and we can share coffee with people who drink it just like we do with hot chocolate, tea, and any other drink we prefer. We can send each other e-mails and use websites like MySpace and Facebook to connect with others. Not only is the Internet a fun way to meet new friends, but it’s also good for fostering connections.
Fourth, the Internet is a great tool for research. For instance, if you’re doing a study on frogs, you can find lots of information about those frogs online. You can read about their characteristics, behaviors, habitats, diet, and how they are related to one another. Doing a little research online can really help us understand real life like that better.
