The last decade has been witness to a revolutionary boom in internet technology. The 3G mobile networks, high speed Wi-Fi, and portable dongles have been introduced to the Indian population in the recent years. There has been an increased reliability and dependence on internet technology amongst all age groups and across all industries in our nation. Without a doubt, the youth has been most affected by this radical change. Students and young professionals are heavily dependent on internet for a wide range of activities. Everything is now digitized, which implies advantageous prospects for the youth in ways more than one.
Here is how this process has had a positive impact on youth:
Employment Opportunities
Ever since the recruitment process for organisations shifted online, employment opportunities are aplenty for youngsters. Today we have several websites that provide the youth with thousands of job opportunities that can be filtered online according to their requirements. HR professionals and recruitment agencies seek talent through these websites, and the whole process of applying to various organisations online is a fruitful one for most. These websites are a gold mine for the youth where they can sell their skills too. With the touch of a button, a host of opportunities present themselves to this generation.
Digitization of Payment Processes
Gone are the days when one had to stand in long queues or for long hours at offices to pay for bills or buy tickets for a movie. The youth is self- sufficient and efficient with their payment procedures and online transactions. They use the internet to pay mobile/credit card bills, buy movie/concert/flight/train tickets, book cabs/autos, shop for clothes/electronics/groceries, and even apply for official IDs/visas/reimbursements/insurance policies. The internet has provided a world of comfort to the busy youth by easing out the erstwhile tedious procedures for all kinds of official and unofficial tasks. E-business is thriving, and how!
Educational Facilities
Since the internet is accessible to a large chunk of the population, educational institutions have opened up avenues online for aspirants. Colleges, schools, private institutions, coaching classes etc. advertise online nowadays. Many institutions and universities have even made their admission processes entirely online. One can apply for admission, submit documents and fees, and confirm the admission online itself. Moreover, the youth can now access a gigantic amount of study material online, and even earn certifications and long- distance degrees through internet. As far as learning is concerned, the internet has proven to be a boon for the youth.
Social Connectivity
While there is ongoing debate about the futility of social media applications, one cannot take away from the advantages of these with respect to connectivity. Social media forums have made the world a smaller place. One can connect with their loved ones from anywhere around the world. Students and professionals who shift within the nation or abroad for studies or work can keep in regular touch with their parents and relatives. It is so much more convenient now to reach out to friends and family for any kind of assistance.
Networking
Social media connectivity is only a part of the global networks being formed by youngsters nowadays. We now have networking applications such as LinkedIn where professional networks can be constructed with ease. These networks prove to be a great support along professional journeys. The youth can participate in such networking through the various forums available on the internet and not only seek professional assistance, but also provide others with the same. Seeking as well as providing services on a global level has been made possible only due to the opportunities that the internet provides.
Safety
With a host of online services and mobile applications available these days, ensuring one’s safety has become a more plausible task. While taking a cab, GPS facilities help in tracking routes and destinations. Not only this, many cab apps come with the facility of an SOS tab that can send emergency signal to the concerned authorities in case the traveller feels at risk. In addition to this, the government has launched women’s safety applications that can be downloaded on Android mobiles. These ensure that help is available to the women in any kind of situation, at any location.
These are just a few ways in which the internet has changed the lives of millions of people all over the globe. The Internet has opened up the world to each individual. There has been definite positive impact on the youth of the nation. With internet technology growing at such a rapid pace, who knows what miracles are in store for us? It is however, important that we make ethical and judicious use of the facilities provided to us. Do make the most of internet, but be wise in all thought and action.
