Do social media, smartphones and the Internet make the world bigger or smaller?

As India battles with the second and, more severe wave of Covid-19, the mobile sector is also getting impacted by it. The pandemic brings changes to all businesses, and mobile sector is no exception. However, everyone is learning to sustain in this new normal and are adopting new methods to minimize its impact and modify their plans accordingly.

swe ome of the greatest novelties of our times are – social media, smartphones and the Internet.

live in a world where these novelties rule our personal, social and professional life. as technological wonders, they are game changers in lives of the people. For the modern-day generation, living without using mobile phones and Internet is next to impossible. Regardless of age and gender, people are addicted to or reliant more on smartphones and the Internet. these advancements have enhanced our power to meet different people, make new friends and maintain our contacts. Even state and local governments today depend upon them to function

smoothly. and they have widened the prospects of conducting commerce upon ocean bodies and continental barriers.

the mobile phones and Internet are the most important examples of contemporary technological growth. It would not be wrong if we say that these technologies have made the lives of people easier now. With the use of smartphones and the Internet, people are able to do their business, academic, social and personal tasks with an ease. as such, the list of benefits and functionalities of the Internet and social media is not exhaustive by any means. But, how are these technologies changing the world? Isn’t it making our world bigger and better in multiple ways? Or they make the world a smaller place to live? Read on to find out the clear answers for these questions.

Is the world getting bigger or smaller?

the numerous benefits offered by the Internet and social media have also led to a heavy debate on whether the use of these technology innovations is making the world bigger or smaller. the most prevalent argument in this regard pertains to globalization and free trade. the belief is that these things have brought the world to our doorsteps and made it a smaller place. as per another discussion, the technologies have made the world a bigger place. there are arguments to substantiate both viewpoints. In this article, we will give you arguments on both aspects.

How these technologies have made the world bigger?

Here are the most noticeable ways in which both the Internet and social media makes this world a bigger place.

Unlimited information

One of the most significant factors that make the world bigger is the vast amount of information that is available to us. Both social media and the Internet have become the most sought-after mediums to gain information. With the help of the Internet and mobile phones, one can gain infinite amount of information on almost anything they can think of. In this way, we are able to get our queries solved easily. We can’t deny the fact that the volume of information is ever-expanding and so is the world.

No physical distance

today, with advancements like the Internet, smartphones and social media, physical distance is not problematic. there are several means of communication provided by these technologies. Owing to these modes of communication, one can easily communicate with any person no matter what part of the world they are living in. also, with so many apps available today, you can even have face-to-face interaction with any person.

Communication

It is yet another important feature of smartphones and the Internet. In the present times, people have highly limited social contact with one another. they have started embracing their virtual world that is more advanced and maintained by the Internet. the tabs, smartphones, notes and personal computers are the ways through which the access is gained.

Business

these modern technologies are great tools that can help you do great business. Due to these innovations, it has become much

convenient for us to manage our business from any corner of the world. You can now easily communicate with your employees even if you are away from office through mobile phones and the Internet. using these technologies can help you assign your employees and check their projects with the smartphones that have a secured Internet connection.

News updates

the Internet and mobile phones make possible for the people globally to get news and get aware with what’s going on in the world in just a click. You can get to know what’s going on us or Korea by sitting in India through the Internet and cell phones. these amazing technologies offer us unparalleled access to news about almost all part of the world and also the needed information at the right time.

How these technologies have made the world smaller?

the idea of Internet or virtual reality has created a considerable amount of distance as well as has considerably bridged the gap. Nevertheless, there is another side of the coin as well. there are arguments that show the social media, mobile phones and the Internet have made the world smaller. Let’s discuss some of the arguments that are adduced in this context.

Communication

Owing to these advancements, forget about going to shops or markets for buying any product as you can now buy any product online. You no longer have to go to library or book shops to buy or read books. there are numerous book shops available online on the Internet. social media and Internet have completely revolutionized the way business functions that have compressed the world to our 6-inch screen of our mobile phones.

Large audience

these technologies enable you to connect with a large number of audiences from all over the world. For example, if you are a us citizen, then you are just one click away from communicating with any person sitting in uk or any other country of the world. Billions of people communicate with each other on different social media platforms like twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp and many more. Mobile phones and Internet have turned this world into a single large family.

Transparency

the technology, for us, has made much easier to get acquainted with anyone’s preferences. this is quite important especially in the case of business. One can easily decipher the future needs of the people and also promote any product to anyone at any place. With these advancements, you no longer have to wait for customers to visit you. In this sense, technology has definitely expanded our reach and has modified how traditional business is done. this is another instance of these technologies making the world small.

Online dating

there were times that a person had to put on nice clothes and make-ups and go out into the real world to meet a crush, lover or someone of their interest. But in recent times, you can easily “out there” without ever have to go out. For dating purposes, you can meet thousands of interested singles and see what they look like, find about their values and backgrounds while locked into the comfort of your room. One can even engage in a virtual relationship by making use of instant messaging apps or e-mail. this and many more are the parts of ‘indispensability’ of the Internet, smartphones and social media resulting from technological advancements, making the place a smaller place to live in.

A little bit of both sides

there’s a difference of opinion on whether the social media, cell phone and Internet have made the world bigger or smaller. However, it is a reality that these technologies have completely revolutionized our personal and professional lives. Different people use these advancements for different purpose. By making use of these technologies, many people have made tremendous progress, while many others have remained through boundaries. It is a little bit of both worlds. the best part is that it is working towards complementing each other. ■

shweta@mymobileindia.com