The advantages of the Internet

The Internet has changed the world we live in dramatically, so that in some ways, it is unrecognizable from the place we lived in twenty years ago. Communications have been revolutionized. Not only have cell phones found their way into most peoples pockets or purses, but they are also used for text messaging and as cameras. Long distance phone calls have been replaced by e-mail and video conferencing. Communications, person to person or company to company, have turned into a fast-paced exchange with instant response. In fact, it has become more convenient and efficient.
The other kind of communication the Internet provides is information. School children and medical researchers alike will tell you that they could not work without the Internet and its ability to connect them to any number of website and database of information. Many people do their banking on-line. Others plan a trip and book a flight for themselves. People do their own stock trading through the Net. Sports fans follow scores and statistics on websites. Political junkies gather campaign statements and debate topics, even between elections. And almost everyone who owns a computer and has Internet access has bought at least one item on-line. No wonder some young people can not imagine what life was before the Internet.
The real advantages of the Internet are not just the convenience and accessibility that it provides the average person. Its invention has made an enormous difference to the lives of physically challenged people. Those who are physically unable to get around easily can now access the outside world easily - to oerder groceries, pay bills, take university degrees, communicate with friends, family and business associates. The can develop their own business, providing services using their skill on-line. The freedom that it has meant to those previously referred to as shut-ins is perhaps the most valuable form of progress brought by the Internet.