Since today is has been a huge day in terms of standing up to Congress and their PIPA/SOPA bills, I would like to talk about some of the significant things the internet has done to change the way we live.
1. Socially, we have become addicted to communication by internet. Whether this is instant messaging or video chatting. The internet has definitely made communication easier especially long distances.
2. Consumers/Customers have more power. With the internet, communicating our opinions have become so easy. Now, companies are paying more attention to what is put online. With Twitter and Facebook direct contact with companies are much easier.
3. Movie/Music Industry- While it may be easier to get pirated content (I'm not saying it is), I personally think the media industry has definitely benefited from the Internet. The amount of exposure and publicity that they can get on the Internet is absolutely ridiculous. No other service provides such a service to companies. While these media companies think they are losing tons of money on content on the Internet, I think it has help them grow. Some examples outside of the common thought include finding talent easier and less costly with videos especially with the public basically reviewing what they like and don't like through views. Thank the Internet for Justin Bieber. Then, you have the fact that some viral videos spark interest in old television/movies like Doug and Dragonball. I'm not saying that they shouldn't protect their content but in some sense they are benefiting from it if the content is interesting/entertaining. Because people will share their opinions of the media and in most cases people will certainly pay for it if they think it is worth it.
These are only three of the impacts that the Internet has made. And hopefully the Internet will continue to change the way with live and expand freely.