How has internet communication changed and impacted the ways in which we relate to the world, and ourselves, and the ways in which we access knowledge?

Internet. A term that was unknown to many till even as recently as 60 years ago; a phenomenon, which came into proper existence, between 1980 and 1990. Since its emergence, the Internet has had a profound impact on all the lives of the people who have access to it (approximately 2-3 billion people) 

In terms of the ways we relate to the world and the ways in which we access knowledge, the Internet has made the whole world seem as though it’s at our fingertips, has broadened the avenues in terms of gaining resource material, and has overall contributed to an easier imparting of knowledge among its users.

With so much information available with the click of a mouse, it really starts to seem as though the world is not as big as it seems, and as though it’s actually like a small, close knit community. For instance a person sitting in the small town of Darjeeling could have, through the Internet, read about the status of the U.S elections, and which states were inclining towards Donald Trump, and which states, towards Hillary Clinton.

 Secondly, many a times while submitting a research paper for a college or university, or an essay for school, or in general, writing a paper while pursuing a PhD, credible and reliable resources are required. In that sense, the Internet is the hub for thousands of different available resources; it’s basically like an on line library which one can access from home, college or from work without the need of physically having to find these resources. One can find videos, pictures, articles, essays, published papers, blogs, case studies, all on the platform of the Internet. And these resources don’t only serve the purpose for college/school students, but also a lot of different people who may require information for different occasions.

Thirdly, as mentioned above, the Internet contributes to an easier distribution of knowledge. This can be positive, and negative. Positive in the sense that if we need information regarding even a small thing such as a recipe, the Internet offers it to us. While on the contrary, if private information is needed regarding a particular person’s workplace or home address, then the Internet offers that too. Hence it can be said here that, in an ethical, vs a non-ethical manner, is one of the ways through which we can access knowledge through the Internet.

  

Summing up, the overall effect that the Internet has had on about half the population in terms of relating to the world and themselves, is that it makes people tend to see themselves as an actual part and citizen of, the world surrounding them. Oftentimes people go through this phase where they feel they don’t have a “place” in this world. But with such easy access to information about different towns, cities, countries, continents and their populations, individuals start connecting and relating to these events and start developing opinions about them which makes them feel a sense of purpose. Lastly, with respect to the ways in which we access knowledge, the Internet has eliminated the need for the hard work that’s required for instance, to browse through fat library books to find that one piece of evidence that could support what we’ve written; or the need to even go through the daily, long and tiresome routine of reading the newspaper to be aware, when there are websites such as In shorts that provide the same news in 60 words, for example. 

Therefore, these are just a few general ways out of many, in which the Internet has affected people’s lives today. With the progress the Internet has undergone in terms of the different ways it can be used, it won’t be surprising that in the near future, there is another distinct use of the Internet, that facilitates people’s everyday life in some form or another.

By Sunaina Ahuja