General information:
Computer:
The first computing device was invented by Charles Babbage in 1822 and it was used for calculations. The efforts of Microsoft, Apple, and other companies resulted in what we know as computers today.
Smartphone:
IBM introduced the first smartphone in 1992, which had limited functions. Nokia produced its own smartphone in 1996 with added applications. However, it was the Ericsson R380, which was first marketed as a smartphone. The iPhone was introduced in 2007.
Internet:
The internet was developed in 1969 and was a very small network, connecting only four places with each other. The World Wide Web was created in 1991. The first widely-used browser was Mosaic.
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The invention of computers, smartphones and the internet have revolutionised communication. Communication has become easier and more efficient compared to traditional forms of communication (letter writing, telegrams, etc.). |
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Socialising has never been more uncomplicated, as making friends and finding people with similar interests is easy through social media. | Social media promotes the existence of social bubbles. These bubbles come into existence because algorithms detect what users like and keep suggesting similar content. Only being exposed to similar content creates the illusion that everyone thinks the same online, although this is not the case. |
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The invention of computers, smartphones and the internet has led to an increase in media consumption (YouTube, Netflix and social media). | Internet and smartphones can be addictive. Since it seems as if everyone is constantly available, one could feel the obligation to also be available at all times. This obligation can lead to the feeling of being chained to the smartphone, which could create feelings of anxiety. |
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Search engines and online libraries have made researching easier. |
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There are v arious specialised websites on the internet which are, amongst others, marketplaces, job searching platforms and search engines |
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The invention of smartphones is making every-day life exceptionally comfortable, as it combines various applications into one device (calendar, clock, games, calculator and many more). It is also possible to anonymously browse online. |
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Ethical implications:
Humans are social beings and real-life interactions cannot be substituted with online communication. This can create feelings of loneliness. However, people who prefer to keep to themselves may prefer to participate in online communities. In the times of the COVID-19 Pandemic, online communication was often the only way to stay in touch with friends and family.
As cyberbullying is a growing problem online, it should be the responsibility of platforms to ban hate comments and to penalise this kind of behaviour. There should be more regulations concerning the spread of information. False information and fake news should be clearly labelled as such.