The history of the Internet can be dated back to the end of World War Two, when the Advanced Research Projects Agency wanted to create a communication system that could withstand a nuclear strike. Although this was its original purpose, the Internet today is used today for many different functions.
There are four types of computer-mediated communication that are presently used. The first is one-to-one asynchronous. This consists of any type of e-mailing, such as attachments with pictures, videos, graphics, or mass e-mailing among corporations, hackers, and criminals. The second is many-to-many asynchronous communication. This signifies a forum for discussion for specific topics, such as listservs or electronic bulletin boards. The third type is websites used by individuals and organizations to advertise information and sell products. Fourth is synchronous communication, which includes instant messaging and chat rooms.
Another crucial part of the modern Internet is E-Commerce. This is considered a set of technologies, applications, and processes that link businesses and consumers to one another or each other. In E-commerce, the product may be tangible or digital. The process is an online interaction between buyers and sellers and takes place on a webpage or e-mail instead of a store. There are three types of E-commerce: Consumer-to-consumer, business-to-business, and business-to-consumer. As of April 2008, approximately seven out of the top twenty companies on New York Stock Exchange involved E-commerce. These companies are successful because unlike traditional commerce, E-commerce profits continue to grow despite the poor economy. There are multiple advantages of business-to-consumer E-commerce for both suppliers and consumers.
As mentioned before, it is possible to say that the Internet has grown into more than anyone ever expected. It affects people’s lives daily and in many different ways, according to the article “Impact of Internet on our lives: Male and female perspectives”. These areas include but are not limited to contact with friends, family, etc., entertainment, online education, banking, shopping, general information, medical advice, and job hunting. Study results from this article reveal that the impact of the Internet on women’s lives includes having made new friends or having met their partner, renewing old friendships, accessing information and advice, studying online, and shopping and booking travel online. Men were shown to have found their career online, as well as affected by the positive socio-political and negative aspects of technology.
Regardless, it is undeniable that the Internet has impacted society more than any other technological device. It encompasses the characteristics of most other technologies as well as surpasses their abilities. Both males and females are impacted in different ways, according to the article, and as technology continues to upgrade, these effects on people will only intensify.
Colley, A & Maltby J. (2008). Impact of the Internet on our lives: Male and female perspectives. Journal of Computers in Human Behavior, 2005-2013.
