It is fascinating to realize that the modern form of the internet only became widely available to consumers in the early 1990s. Its impact on life has been such that it is now hard to imagine a time when online searches were not made daily, and the world’s information was not available with a few keystrokes and gestures on a smart device.
Before the internet, it was common to need to visit your local library when searching for specific information. Browsing microfiche devices or checking out a book on a subject of interest was commonly undertaken, but the internet has made this practice far less frequent in modern life.
In this article, there will be a discussion of some of the key ways the internet has improved the lifestyles and habits of billions of people. Three key examples will be explored that demonstrate this.
Thrilling online games
Even as early as 1994, there were estimated to be 11 million American homes with internet connections. This early form of internet access relied on “dial-up” connections by using existing telephone lines. However, in 2023, the majority of internet access is gained by using dedicated broadband connections or faster fiber optic cables. As the speed and bandwidth of internet access improved, a higher sophistication of online gaming options became available to consumers.
Adults can now enjoy the thrill of visiting photo-realistic online casinos to play slots online in an environment that is as authentic as traditional brick-and-mortar establishments. Such sites have also used the power of the internet to offer customers a more social gaming experience. Live dealer facilities are becoming increasingly commonplace, and a human dealer controlling the play while chatting to other gamers adds to the immersive experience. In an age where staying in and creating your own home entertainment schedules has become common, online casinos serve the needs of consumers who seek on-demand thrills and internet-based entertainment.
Shopping without leaving home
Once the internet began to become available to the public, many commentators theorized that this online resource would change shopping habits. In the early days of the internet, there were only a few sites where you could make purchases online and have them delivered to your door. However, this situation swiftly changed with the creation of a major online shopping platform in the form of Amazon in 1995. Initially, this site was created to be an online bookshop. However, as the years passed, it steadily increased and diversified its product range. Today, millions of items can be bought by consumers on sites such as Amazon, and almost every product or service can now be purchased from the comfort of your own home.
A resource for entrepreneurs
As a brief final example, the internet has now become one of the main resources for entrepreneurs who are seeking to set up a business. Global e-commerce sales in the retail sector now exceed $6 trillion, making it one of the largest and most rapidly growing areas of modern business. Business-minded individuals can sell products online, create a drop shipping site to sell other companies’ products, or even create and launch new apps at online app stores. In short, the online space can be extremely profitable for a range of entrepreneurs who have highly developed tech skills and a deep knowledge of current consumer behavior.
