The internet is used by 5.56 billion individuals worldwide, which indicates that over 67% of the global population is connected via this technology. It has fully revolutionized the way we learn, work, communicate, shop, and entertain ourselves.
What started as a research project connecting computers at universities is now a global network – the Internet. The article below mentions the top 10 uses of the internet, highlighting how deeply it’s embedded in our daily routine.
10 Internet Uses in Daily Life
1. Communication and Social Networking
With people communicating with each other from different parts of the world through the internet, it’s quite obvious to all that communication is the primary use of this technology.
There are emails, messaging apps, social media, and video conferencing facilities available now. And, all this has been possible with the internet only. It has drastically transformed the way we stay connected.
With emails, instant communication in written form across the world has been possible. You can also chat in real time with messaging apps like WhatsApp, etc. Social media sites like Facebook, X, LinkedIn, etc, on the other hand, can help you build communities, share your ideas, and maintain your relationships with others.
2. Education and E-Learning
Another notable use of the internet can be witnessed in the education industry. Now there are a lot of educational websites, online courses, and tutorials, making education easily accessible for everyone.
With access to the internet, it is possible for you to easily pursue a new course through online platforms like Udemy, edX, etc. The Internet also helps teachers and students in conducting their research and making assignments.
Another great use of this technology in the education industry is evident in the online education provided by schools via Virtual classrooms and Learning Management Systems (LMS). Online libraries and academic journals help both teachers and students.
Additionally, platforms like YouTube make self-learning even more accessible and easier for learners.
3. Online Shopping and E-Commerce
Online shopping is another one of the uses of the internet. Today, you can shop for anything online, using platforms like Amazon, eBay, etc. It’s a smart and affordable approach.
On ecommerce sites, you can compare prices and read reviews from other buyers of the same product or service that you are going to buy. It helps you make an informed buying decision. The shopping experience becomes even better if you have a fast speed internet.
Furthermore, with the rise of cashless transactions and digital payments, online shopping has become increasingly seamless, offering shoppers greater convenience. It’s all because of the internet that even small businesses can now reach global markets via platforms like Etsy and Shopify.
4. Entertainment and Streaming
The internet has also caused a significant revolution in the entertainment space. It has transformed how the content is created, distributed, and consumed.
There was a time when entertainment was bound to the specific TV schedules, or CDs and DVDs. But now you have entertainment at your fingertips, which offers an on-demand experience.
With an internet connection in place, you can use streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube. These platforms allow you to watch endless TV shows, web series, and even movies.
There are also many music streaming applications, such as Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, etc, which you can use to have access to millions of songs. On the other hand, platforms like PlayStation Network have made online gaming a global phenomenon.
5. Information Access and Research
The internet has made information abundant and searchable for free for all. It is the world’s biggest library that you can use to search for reports, articles, and books. Whatever topic you have in your mind to research, the required information is just a click away.
Popular search engines like Google are there, which you can leverage to get answers to your questions. Wikipedia and Quora are also useful platforms that can be used to get encyclopedic knowledge and community-driven answers.
When it comes to keeping oneself updated on global events and news in real time, there are many digital news portals out there to turn to. On the other hand, if you are after some academic work or serious research, you can consider using academic resources like JSTOR, Google Scholar, etc.
6. Online Banking and Financial Services
Another use of the internet in our daily life can be noticed in online banking and financial services. It has made financial management more transparent and easily accessible for all. With internet banking available these days, the way money is managed has been streamlined.
It has not only made banking more convenient for all, but also established a more secure environment. You can check your account balance, transfer money to others, and pay bills from the comfort of your home using online banking. It saves a lot of time and cuts queues.
With UPI, Google Pay, PayPal, and other digital wallets, transactions get seamless, which has also been possible with the internet. Another use of the internet in the finance sector is evident in services like investing in stocks and trading cryptocurrencies via online platforms.
Additionally, it’s also possible for you to apply for loans and insurance online.
7. Remote Work and Freelancing
Remote work has become seamless with the availability of the internet. Now professionals can work from anywhere in the world. It has offered flexibility and enhanced work-life balance for people.
There are tools like Slack, etc, that can be used to keep teams connected and organized. With services like cloud computing, it is possible to have real-time collaboration as they offer shared access to files.
The internet is also used for freelancing. Freelancing sites such as Fiverr, Upwork, etc, are great platforms connecting freelancers and clients from all over the world. Digital nomads are making their careers while traveling around the world. All this has been possible with the use of the internet only.
8. Navigation and Travel Planning
Travel has also been easier, smarter, and safer with the use of the internet. With so many travel websites such as Booking.com, Expedia, and MakeMyTrip, you can easily book any hotel, flight, etc.
Another internet-powered facilities are GPS applications that help in navigation. These apps include Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze, which work as a great guide for walkers, drivers, and cyclists.
With the use of the internet, you can also apply for a visa online, which also supports travel. And, there are also some online tools like language translation tools and currency converters, removing other hurdles in travel or travel planning.
Additionally, you can read online reviews and compare prices of the available tour packages so that you can make an informed decision. All this couldn’t be possible without the use of the internet, right?
9. Job Hunting and Career Building
The Internet is also your career companion. Whether you are a student or a seasoned pro, the internet can help a lot in your career development. From writing a compelling resume to landing interviews, the internet is used at virtually every step these days.
There are many job portals, including Naukri, Monster, LinkedIn, and Indeed, that you can rely on to search for a new job. Recruiters are using these platforms to find the right talent for the vacant positions they have.
If you are a professional who needs to create a portfolio to showcase your skills, this facility is also available online. You can create your online portfolio or even create a personal website to look even more professional.
Another great use of the internet in the profession is reflected in the industry-specific forums and networking communities. Numerous people use these facilities to grow in their professions. In addition to all mentioned earlier, you can also get interview tips and career coaching online.
10. Health and Telemedicine
The Internet is also being used in the healthcare industry. There is no doubt that physical care is irreplaceable, but digital healthcare services offer significant support to accessibility and prevention.
Online platforms like WebMD and Mayo Clinic are helping people have a better understanding of symptoms and conditions. Telemedicine apps are connecting patients with doctors, enabling remote consultations. And, online pharmacies are also there to have medicines delivered to your home.
In addition, it is also very easy for you to monitor your activity, sleep, diet, and stress. For this, you can make use of the fitness trackers and health applications, which are also powered by the internet.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s about learning a new skill, streaming your favorite show, or growing a business, you can leverage the power of the internet everywhere. This technology has become the lifeline of our modern civilization. However, it’s not compulsory to use it, but its usage offers considerable convenience.
The top 10 uses of the internet mentioned above are just a few of the numerous uses that are possible. As the technology advances, its usage will also increase in the future, and the impact will get even deeper.
[Also Read: Top 10 Tech Tools Every Job Seeker Should Know About]
