What would everyday life be like without the Internet? We’ve gotten used to living online for such a long time that staying offline permanently is such an alien concept. Let’s face it, the Internet has become one of, if not the most important invention in the modern world. It is difficult to imagine how life would be in the absence of it, as going online has completely revolutionized communication, it is possible to accomplish so many things online, there’s something on the Internet that everyone can benefit from.
In the absence of access to the Internet, simple and speedy communication would no longer exist. Replying and receiving messages would be a lot slower, so business transactions will definitely be affected. People would have to resort to traditional communication channels, such as telephones and snail mail. Business decisions will take longer to make and ordering and delivering products will have longer lead times without the Internet, digital media and marketing will no longer exist. Again, marketers would have to go back to older means of promoting products, such as direct marketing. Holding meetings would go back to physical spaces as video conferencing with no longer be possible without going online.
In terms of relationships and socialization, the nonexistence of the Internet means the disappearance of social media sites. Instead of searching for and adding old friends, people will have to go the longer route and check the phone directory to find them. Keeping in touch with friends across the globe will likely be as difficult as people would rely on snail mail to reconnect and have conversations. Without social media, keeping up with people's lives will be close to impossible. Having said that going online is a double-edged sword, while its pros and benefits are undeniable, there’s much to be said about the negative exposure young people gain access to a host of data that may not be appropriate. Things like cyberbullying emerged as one of the top issues young kids and young people face. The Internet indeed connects people, but it also disconnects them, depending on how it is used.
One could say that a life without the Internet could be more peaceful. Without unnecessary exposure to information, you may not even need to know, you can enjoy life on your personal level. You won’t have to obsess over something that’s not relevant to you. However, with the Internet, the need-to-know news is made readily available to you. Something important is happening across the world, you won’t have to wait for your relatives from that country to send you an update through the post. You’ll be notified of all related news items the moment you are online. You can say that it’s the pace and speed of the arrival of information that gives the Internet edge.
At the end of the day, with today’s hustle and bustle, we have learned to treat the Internet as an essential tool for going about our days. Taking the convenience away would definitely slow things down. While this sounds unattractive to some, there is an opportunity here to innovate and come up with other ways to speed things up without going online. People would have to relearn new ways to shop, bank, and work on relationships. At the same time, brands will be challenged to meet people where they are when these changes occur. They have to be ready with an alternative experience it’s just as appealing.