In 1993, the world awoke to a dawn of a new digital and technological era. At the end of April that year, the World Wide Web became available for public use. It showed plenty of promise, and there was buzz and excitement at the time. What people couldn’t have imagined then is what the Internet has become today. Having reliable, fast access to the Internet isn’t optional; it’s become a necessity of life.
The Internet has changed the way people work, learn, share information, and communicate. It’s easily one of the most impactful technological inventions of the past 50 years. Exploring how people use the Internet is extremely interesting. Here, we’ll take a behind-the-scenes look specifically at how the Internet keeps people social. As you’ll see yourself, to say online access has transformed the way people communicate is an understatement.
The Internet Erases Physical Borders and Distance
Socialisation is something every person needs. Studies have shown that socialising enhances your mood, reduces stress, decreases the sense of loneliness, and even improves your cognitive and memory skills. No matter your age, socialisation is essential to your well-being. Recognising this fact is only half the battle, though. What happens if you don’t live near friends and family? You may also live alone, which means you don’t have anyone to talk to at home.
The Internet has essentially erased physical borders and distance, allowing anyone to be social at any time they want. Instant messaging and video chats can be almost as rewarding as an in-person conversation. Those with mobility issues may especially benefit from video chats since there is no need to leave the house to connect with someone. You can even share a coffee, a meal, or watch a movie “together” through a video chat.
The Dawn of the Social Media Age
Our next example of how the Internet keeps us social may be a bit more controversial. There is no denying that social media has given people new ways to connect with others around the world. This is a huge benefit for everyone. Unfortunately, social media can also contribute to issues such as low self-esteem, materialism, bullying, and more.
To get the most out of social media, you need to be picky about who and what you follow, learn to spot fake information, and recognise that excessive social media use may harm your mental health. If you’re just enjoying funny reels, memes, and commenting on friends’ feeds, then you’re probably going to have a positive experience.
However, if you start falling down the rabbit hole of social media and become obsessed with posting content and tracking its engagement, your experience may not be as positive. Social media can quickly become addictive if not monitored, especially among teens.
Casual Online Gaming Is Both Entertaining and Social
We often think of being social in terms of talking with a friend or family member, but one can socialise using other means, too. One industry that has changed tremendously in the digital age is gaming. An activity that was once enjoyed in person has been completely transformed with the introduction of online gaming platforms.
Today, people can access games online any time they want. Games can be played on a computer, laptop, Chromebook, tablet, or smartphone. Desktop gamers tend to choose digital copies of a game or simply access the gaming platform through their browser.
It’s not just the convenience of online gaming that makes the activity so popular; the wide selection of games is equally appealing. Several top-rated live casinos show live dealers on the screen, turning online play into an engaging, conversational experience. The same can be said for popular games like Minecraft and Fortnite, both of which have in-game chat modes. You can team up with friends or meet new ones. The Internet has made online gaming simple, fast, entertaining, and accessible to all.
Niche Online Forums and Groups Fill a Specific Need
Finally, there are niche online forums and groups. These are chat groups that have a particular theme or focus. They can focus on basic topics like sharing recipes, reviewing makeup and beauty products, or offering tips on where to get the best deals. Chat groups and forums can also tackle more in-depth issues such as coping with grief and loss, parenting advice, travel-related reviews, support for those going through divorce, money management advice, and more.
Online forums and groups are free to join and relatively easy to find. Before joining a group, it’s a good idea to check it out first. Look at the threads and topics being posted, the types of responses they receive, how many people are in the group, and how long it has been live. All this information can help you decide if it’s the right forum for you.
While an online chat group shouldn’t be your only source of help if you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, and other related issues, it can still be useful. Even if you just use it occasionally, knowing that someone is likely available to talk at any time can be comforting. Depending on your personality, you may also find it easier to open up to strangers.
The Internet Has Transformed How People Socialise
These are just some of the many ways that the Internet has changed the way people socialise. For the most part, its impact has been positive across all age groups. There’s no need to feel lonely or bored, as the Internet is always available to facilitate online gaming, chat groups, video chats, and more.
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