Until the Internet goes down or certain websites like Facebook are inaccessible for the better part of a day – I never really notice how much I rely on the service.
It isn’t as easy as it once was prior to the digital age we’re in now.
Only because we no longer have a TV news station to really watch anymore.
Everything is either streaming service applications or digital content from smartphones.
And depending on which apps you’re using, you’ll miss out on content from somewhere else due to everything not being universal across the board.
But, I also noticed some connectivity issues with AT&T Monday as well.
That brings me back to the old days of dial-up and sketchy DSL connections.
I can’t tell you how hard it was to take online classes with dial-up and getting bumped off the connection every time someone called the house.
I freely admit to piggybacking off of neighbors’ Wi-Fi connection when we didn’t have one yet.
Even if that little bit required me to stay in my mom’s room to get work done.
Losing the internet also makes work harder because if some entity or organization makes a last-minute addition or update to their event, then I’m left floundering with outdated information.
That’s probably the worst part because it keeps our readers from knowing the latest information possible by the time we go to press Tuesday morning.
I guess it’s just a hazard in our field right now.
And probably not just journalists if you think about it!
Even if it also highlights the disparity between age groups and across socioeconomic categories, too.
It’s mindboggling to hear that some don’t think that everyone has the right to have access to the Internet or a computer.
With how many companies are using online job application forms or remote interviews instead of in-person or paper forms, it’s creating a growing divide for access.
I’m not even going to touch the sheer consumerism online for specialty items and everyday needs.
Retail giants like Walmart and Target are constantly at odds with web-based provider Amazon with its expansive collection of warehouses and expedited shipping.
I’m sure we’ll definitely see more impacts this holiday season and I’m not sure how to find the best median between online shopping and local businesses.
Even though I understand the importance of local businesses and even work for one, it’s all depending on fostering a client base and creating a specialized catalog of goods or services.
Overall, I’m just saying that we’re becoming more dependent on the Internet and all its shiny applications – but where are we left when they’ve gone down?
With jobs, work, and purchasing impacted during this lingering pandemic, what’s the solution?
Maybe putting more into strengthening our infrastructure to include Internet service and access for everyone could help circumvent some of those problems.
Though, I still think Texas needs to fix its power grid before trying anything so ambitious.
I don’t want a repeat of Winter Storm Uri any time soon!
