2021 is finally here with us, and though things seem to be the same, there is a glimmer of hope after many people had quite a rollercoaster ride in 2020. Looking back at the past year, we can see that the lowest point was when the COVID-19 viral outbreak went out of hand, becoming a full-fledged pandemic.
The rest that followed seemed like a script from an apocalypse movie; the mortality rate, lockdowns, and loss of jobs. Despite all the negativity the viral outbreak brought, there are several things we learned from it.
One thing we cannot overlook during this time is the dynamic of the internet. It is agreeable that things would have been more unbearable without the internet during this time. Let us have a more in-depth look at the internet’s role and what it may have for us in the future.
Social Media: The Internet’s Golden Child
One of the most significant innovations to come out in the 21st century is social media, which is changing how we socialize. Social media became a relaxing spot for many during the pandemic, considering that most people were not working and school was out.
Many got updates of the disease through platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; many people preferred getting their news feeds from these platforms rather than from the traditional bulletin. It reflects on our current behavior as these sites are where we get our entertainment news, gossip, business feeds, and many more.
In short, the social media platforms are taking the role of a global media magazine, where they furnish us with the current happenings.
They were also the entertainment spots during the lockdown, with artists and other celebrities having live interactive sessions. It gives a hint on the entertainment industry’s bearing, looking at new concepts like virtual parties.
Ecommerce At Its Best
Ecommerce proved its worth during the pandemic, as many people relied on online shopping to fill up their supplies. Large retail stores started adopting the online shopping concept to cater to their many customers on quarantine.
We could see how practical shopping online can get, with many people still preferring it at the moment over physical shopping. During the pandemic, it helped control the virus’s spread as there was minimal contact between people.
Some establishments went the extra mile and incorporated cashless paying systems, where apart from credit and debit card payments, they accepted cryptocurrency payments. Some stores continue to accept Bitcoin, Litecoin, and other forms of crypto pay, showing you how fast this shopping concept is evolving.
The Financial Trading Markets
When the pandemic dawned on us, the financial market was one of the most affected, with stock prices going down. It brought a severe recession, which also contributed to massive job losses as companies tried to recover from lost investments.
What did the falling of stocks have to do with the internet? Nothing much, but if you were keen on the financial market during this period, you would notice that Amazon stocks gained value. Amazon is one of the global leaders when it comes to online shopping, boasting many users. Among the reasons for its outstanding performance is that many people used this platform to refill their supplies. It was the most convenient way to shop to keep the virus at bay.
It seems it was an eye-opener to many, to show the impact of the internet and its bearing in the future.
You should also note that many traders in the financial market rely on online brokers to execute their respective positions. It is a flexible way to trade, with some having mobile trading platforms, which makes the entire engagement simple.
Online Classes
With schools out, it seemed that there was no way to get back to books. Trust it on the internet to get a solution, which came in the form of online classes. Some schools relied on their e-learning portals, while some took the form of distant learning, helping keep up a sense of continuity when it comes to classes. Another thing to note is that the internet is home to several publications and online libraries, where you can study.
The same online portals still play a significant role in the workplace setting, considering many people started to work from home. They are the hub for online meetings and briefings to ensure a smooth workflow, despite the distance.
Final Remark
The internet has been a critical point of communication evolution, with its effect being apparent. The world is like a village, where we get news and interact with each other in a sustainable yet straightforward media.
When the pandemic was at its worse, the internet played a significant role and made the lockdowns bearable. From this article, we can see the dynamics of the internet during this period and its direction in the future. Looking at its role, we can’t help but appreciate this tech marvel.
