The Internet and the Economy

Digital News Report- In our dire economic situation, many people have found themselves turning to the Internet for everything from financial stability to entertainment.  For the most part, all somebody needs is an Internet connection and very basic computer skills and they’ll find that the world is at their fingertips.  Whether one is downloading e-books and reading wikipedia as opposed to actually reading a book, or you are selling your junk on eBay instead of holding a yardsale, the Internet is quickly dominating every aspect of society.

According to a recent poll, one in five Internet users aged 13 to 54 watch full episodes of TV programs online, which is up 10% from 2006.  About 28% watch episodes on third-party hosting, such as hulu, up from 14% in 2007.  Networks own websites are still the most popular source, accounting for 68% of the Internet viewing market.  Could this be the end of cable?  That remains to be seen, but if the WGA strike and the impending SAG strike, it is clear that Internet entertainment is becoming an increasingly visible issue for the industry.

“Among streamers, there is no shortage of demand for TV network content, and Internet availability of full episodes increases their appetite for both online and traditional viewing of programs,” said David Tice, Vice President of Client Service at Knowledge Networks and director of The Home Technology Monitor(TM). “This kind of access and control has become something streamers demand, and networks and sponsors alike reap benefits from the added engagement that full-program streaming creates.”

Entertainment is not the only aspect of our daily lives that has taken advantage of the Internet in recent years.  Charities have taken advantage of this viable alternative to fundraising, which is specifically targeted to those who usually don’t have money to give.  By joining bettertheworld.com, you can simply download a tool for your browser and raise money as you surf the web.

“The concept is very simple – raise money for charity while you surf and search the web,” stated Steve Croth, a Canadian Social Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Better The World. “We already all do this as part of our daily routine. Why not help charities at the same time?”

“We’ve seen a growing trend towards people seeking innovative ways to support us. Better The World offers us a new way to connect online with people who want to support us, but don’t necessarily have time or money to give,” says Neil Hetherington, Habitat for Humanity Toronto’s CEO. “People can now surf the web, support Habitat, and stay engaged with what we are doing to help rebuild communities.”

So how are older generations and other people unfamiliar with the Internet supposed to keep up with this rapid shift in lifestyle?  Fear not, there are people way ahead of you willing to help out. RosieKnows.com offers step-by-step tutorials for the technology-impaired for everything from Facebook (a social networking site), SKYPE (like talking on the phone, but FREE and you can see the people too!), and MapQuest (don’t get lost, just use these maps!).  There are over 200 different websites that can help people learn to utilize the web and become net savvy.
“Everyone needs Internet proficiency today, whether they’re a student, a stay-at-home mom or a retiree,” Rosie Blandford, the founder of the website, said. “I decided that someone needed to help bridge the technology divide between the Internet veteran and the Internet novice, and RosieKnows.com does the job easily and effectively.”

During this economic crisis, it’s important to stress just how useful the aforementioned websites can be.  Think of all the money you spend on maps, books, phone bills, cable bills, and movies.  For the most part, you can find cheaper or free alternatives online and even give to charity without spending a dime.  Sure, the Internet will never replace the wonderful smell of a new book when you open it for the first time or the social interaction one gets from a night out at the movies, but when you have to cut corners and save money, having strong computer skills and resources are the best way to do it.