There’s a fair chance that you’re probably already very aware of just how transformative the internet has been. The impact of this evolutionary technology has spanned far beyond just providing us with increased access to information. Internet connectivity is reshaping industries as diverse as communication, healthcare, and education — while the modern-day digital entertainment industry is almost unrecognizable from its 20th-century counterpart.
Yes, the World Wide Web is making some seriously profound changes to the ways in which we live, work, and socialize. Keep reading to explore 5 ways in which the internet is shaping our collective future.
Smart Cities and the Internet of Things (IoT)
The concept of smart cities sounds like it comes straight from the pages of a sci-fi novel. But, thanks to advances in internet tech (specifically the Internet of Things), they’re a lot closer to reality than you might think.
The definition of a smart city is one that uses advanced tech, such as sensors, cloud computing, and data analysis, to optimize urban infrastructure and ensure long-term sustainability and efficiency. Smart cities rely heavily on IoT technology to support their networks of interconnected devices, which communicate in real-time to manage and monitor various urban services.
Energy management is a great example of how the internet is contributing to making cities smarter. Have you noticed that the streetlights in your local area change in brightness depending on how many pedestrians are using the sidewalk? This is thanks to IoT-connected infrastructure that helps to reduce energy consumption.
Some cities are further ahead of the “smart” curve. Copenhagen and Denmark were some of the first to integrate smart traffic systems, which use real-time data to optimize traffic flow. Meanwhile, if you take a trip to Seoul, South Korea, you’ll find IoT-enabled trash cans that can signal waste management services when they’re full.
Transforming Entertainment
How many Netflix or Amazon Prime shows are you juggling right now? Streaming services have forever changed how we consume entertainment. Gone are the days when you had to wait for your favorite TV show to air or rush to the store to buy a physical copy of a movie. Today, the aforementioned media giants, as well as platforms like Disney+ and Spotify make it virtually effortless for us to stream movies, TV shows, and music on demand… and we just can’t get enough!
According to Exploding Topics, global stream subscriptions have reached 1.8 billion, and the demand for digital content shows no signs of slowing down. Many consumers are actually making the choice to forgo cinema queues and noisy screenings and opting instead to stream blockbuster hits from the comfort of home. What’s more, online streaming platforms are now giving independent creators a genuine space in which to shine (and monetize their efforts!).
The Digital Playground
A couple of decades ago, the internet went mainstream and it brought what seemed like a niche little sector along with it for the ride… Fast forward to 2024 and the global gaming market is an absolute behemoth. Worth over $280 billion, and with a significant percentage of the world’s population playing games daily, the industry is one of the fastest-growing Big Tech sectors.
Internet connectivity has given rise to all sorts of exciting new gaming verticals; MMORPGs, MOBAs, even mobile gaming are all products of the web revolution. What’s more, it’s even given some old-school games a bit of a refresh as evidenced in the popularity of the online casino and poker markets.
Card games might not be your first thought when you hear about video games over the internet, but they took to this space surprisingly well. Now, we’re not saying the internet is solely behind the continued popularity of these verticals, but with it being so easy to play video poker online and participate in tournaments these days, it’s certainly playing a key role. Poker fans from around the globe have flocked to it, enjoying the accessibility, the flexibility, the plethora of options available – plus the chance to compete internationally. Poker perhaps didn’t need a reboot… but it has still definitely benefited from getting one!
The Remote Work Revolution
The internet has changed how we stay entertained and made significant strides in improving our urban infrastructures, but that’s not all Web 2.0 has been up to. Remote work is on the rise, transforming from being a perk for a select few to a standard option for millions of employers around the world.
The COVID-19 pandemic certainly accelerated this shift, but the infrastructure for remote work was already in place, what with net-powered video conferencing, collaboration and productivity software, and cloud-based applications. Remote working is here to stay.
According to recent remote work statistics from FlexJobs, 51% of workers now prefer to remain fully remote, although hybrid working models are also rising in popularity. For employees, remote working offers flexibility and a better work-life balance. Companies can tap into a global talent pool, reducing overhead costs associated with office spaces, and increasing productivity.
Power to the People
Perhaps the most dramatic way in which internet tech is reshaping society is in communication. Some of us still remember the days of the landline! What about when we got our news from physical papers, rather than from news-focused websites like The Weekly Spoon? And now, social media apps make it easy to reach out and chat, talk and text with anyone on a connected device, regardless of their location.
While this always-on connectivity certainly has its downsides, platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) are helping to support people-centered global movements. We can voice opinions, organize protests, and raise awareness for various causes in a matter of seconds, ensuring that activism becomes part of our daily lives.
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