The Online World

The Internet has changed the way young people communicate and express themselves dramatically. Life before a cell phone almost seems ancient, but life without the Internet sounds like the end of the world!


Personally, I have more online accounts than I can keep track of. Some of these include Gmail, Yahoo, MSN, UWM, Myspace, Facebook, Xanga, my blog, and so many I cannot remember. It seems strange to think that only three years ago, I barely even used the internet, but now I could barely live without it.


The ability to express yourself online is something that I believe is bringing the world closer together. People from all around the world are communicating at all times of the day. Ideas that people once kept to themselves are now being shared to thousands simultaneously. The world is quickly becoming smaller and smaller.


This digital change comes with higher education, and I believe that the more educated people become, the more powerful the Internet can be. For example, at UWM, students are expected to know basic Internet skills to complete their assignments. In my Enviornmental Geography class, I have to respond to the teacher's questions online. In my Media Writing class, I am expected to know how to create a blog. Without useful online skills, it is nearly impossible to be successful. And at UWM, it is nearly impossible to learn.


The best thing about the online world is that it will continue to change and new forms of communication will continue to be developed. Expressing oneself online has never been easier, and this I feel is what defines this generation.


Here is the link to the article I am commenting on.
The Emerging Online Life of the Digital Native: What they do differently because of technology, and how they do it.