Originally Posted On: https://www.earthlink.net/blog/positive-impacts-of-the-internet/

Positive Impacts of the Internet

Summary: Since its inception, the internet has been a way for people to connect across the globe. Let’s dive into five different ways the internet unites us.

The internet has always been about keeping us connected.

Back in the 1960s, the first iteration of the internet was designed as a way for government researchers to connect and share information during the Cold War.

Now, in 2022, connection is still the cornerstone of the internet. It allows people across countries and continents to connect with family and friends, discover the latest news, share family photos, and so much more.

Let’s take a closer look at all the different ways the internet brings us closer together.

Connecting Friends & Family

The first social media site, SixDegrees.com, was born in 1997. Since then, we’ve seen the rise of countless social media platforms thanks to the internet, from Facebook and Twitter to WeChat, WhatsApp, YouTube, and TikTok.

Although these sites are relatively young in the grand scheme of the internet (Facebook is just 18 years old!), they’ve helped billions of people around the globe stay connected in real time like never before.

For families separated halfway across the world, it’s a way to stay in constant contact via posts, updates, photos, and videos. For individuals looking to make friends and join a community, it’s a way to “find their people” so to speak, from anywhere across the world.

Connecting People to the Latest News

Along with the rise of social media has come the rise of real-time journalism.

Gone are the days of reading the daily newspaper or flitting through TV channels to find your local news. Today, all we have to do is scroll through TikTok or Twitter or open Apple News to see what’s going on in our local community and even thousands of miles away.

Better yet, we can even sign up for push notifications to stay in the know 24/7 without even lifting a finger.

Connecting People to Economic Opportunities

The introduction of the internet also marked the beginning of an international marketplace. A small business operating in Chicago, IL, could now serve customers in Mexico City, Mexico. The internet made global collaboration more interconnected and efficient—reducing transaction costs, expanding access to information, and enabling shared learning across borders.

It has driven productivity, job creation, and opportunities, allowing businesses to reach customers far beyond their immediate communities.

Connecting Doctors & Patients

Another incredible benefit of the internet has been the growing trend of telehealth.

Telehealth is the use of digital communication technologies to remotely connect patients with doctors, specialists, clinics, and pharmacies. Some popular telehealth platforms include Teladoc, MeMD, and Amwell.

In the age of Covid-19, the use of telehealth has boomed exponentially. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the utilization of Medicare Telehealth increased 63 fold, jumping from 840,000 virtual visits in 2019 to a staggering 52.7 million in 2020. Not only are these telehealth services Covid-safe, they’re also easy, convenient, and time-saving, both for patients and doctors.

Now that it looks like the end of the Covid-19 pandemic is in sight, the frequency of virtual visits has decreased slightly. However, it doesn’t seem like the telehealth industry is going anywhere anytime soon. In 2021, the telehealth market size was estimated at $62.4 billion. This year, it’s expected to reach $89.3 billion.

Connecting Access to Health

Beyond telehealth, access to health information is essential. The internet provides convenient, constantly updated information through interactive tools like patient portals and mobile apps. These tools empower individuals to understand health conditions, make informed decisions, and connect with others facing similar challenges, ultimately improving outcomes and quality of life.

A study conducted in 2022 discovered that 3 in 5 or 60% of patients used portals and apps to access their health results.

Connecting Students & Teachers

As we all know, Covid-19 drastically upended nearly every aspect of our lives, and that includes education.

With teachers and students unable to attend classes in person, distance learning and online classes quickly became the norm. And thanks to the internet, teachers and students were able to rapidly adapt to the changing educational landscape.

Internet-based technologies and e-learning platforms are now a standard part of education. Class websites, such as Canvas, Google Classroom, and Moodle, keep teachers and students closely connected and make it easy for everyone to download assignments, access resources, and watch lectures from anywhere.

According to teachers, this has proved incredibly beneficial. 92% of teachers say that the internet has positively impacted their teaching, especially when it comes to creating equitable classroom experiences for students in underserved communities.

Connecting Businesses & Customers

Online shopping has become such an integral part of our lives, we honestly couldn’t imagine life without it. And obviously, we wouldn’t have online shopping without the internet.

The internet has radically transformed the world of eCommerce, particularly for small businesses. With eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento, small businesses are now capable of playing in the big leagues and keeping up with billion-dollar corporations. They can reach more customers, market to them in brand-new ways, enhance customer support, and streamline the purchasing journey.

In addition, the rise of technologies like mobile apps, product recommendations, and targeted ads have led to personalized user experiences that benefit not just businesses, but their customers too.

Connecting Companies & Employees

Since Covid-19, the workplace has undergone a dramatic shift. Five-day in-office workweeks are no longer the norm. Many companies now follow a hybrid model—working two, three, or four days in the office, with the rest from home with an internet connection.

This shift has opened doors for both businesses and employees. It means more flexibility, less commuting, more time at home, and freedom to enjoy a home-cooked lunch. Hybrid and remote work also broaden the talent pool, allowing companies to hire the best candidates regardless of location, and giving individuals access to jobs they might not have considered before.

According to DemandSage, 16% of companies globally are fully remote, while 63% offer hybrid work options.

Connecting People with Disabilities to Access

The internet expands access to information, communication, education, and employment for people with disabilities. It reduces isolation, encourages social connection, and empowers individuals to pursue their goals with greater independence.

Through technology, people with various disabilities can interact using visual, auditory, verbal, or tactile methods, enhancing communication and inclusion in ways that were once unimaginable.

Connecting Cultures

Experiencing another person’s culture can’t be fully explained, it has to be felt. The internet breaks down communication barriers, provides access to diverse content, and encourages global collaboration like never before.

We can share our own culture, explore new traditions, and enjoy everything from different cuisines to inspiring art. It’s never been easier to connect with the world.

And all of this can be done from the comfort of our homes.

At EarthLink Internet, it’s our mission to keep you connected, wherever you are in the world. And that means providing you with reliable high-speed internet anytime, anywhere. We offer a wide range of internet services, from wireless home internet to fiber internet. Let’s find the right high-speed internet for you!