by Morgan Carlson

Created on: July 01, 2009   Last Updated: August 22, 2009

The Internet has made the world a smaller place because it allows for instantaneous communications and transactions. Besides the connectivity established between the various countries and their citizens that need only access to a working computer and a connection, there is virtually no restriction. One doesn't need a passport or legal documentation to cross into the other countries of the world, only a small fee for the service and the speed desire.

In a world that was much larger in the past due to the time it to travel and exchange mail, near instantaneous connection to the other side and back again would seem like a completely impossibility to those of only a few generations ago. But it is possible, and the Internet is helping people connect to one another like never before in the history of the planet. To say that the few changes that have occurred just recently are the only change is absurd, as the change has only just begun.

Like the Dark Ages restricted information exchange and led to the formation of scared and isolated city-states, thus impeding progress and growth, some areas of the world are much the same because of government efforts. However, in places where the Internet and its exchange have reached, those previously confined people are learning that control isn't the only way, and there are already examples of subtle rebellion to previous ways. The Internet has penetrated these city-state-like countries and introduced them to the outside, and the fear of anything foreign has begun to diminish. Though once a world truly large and menacing, it might be smaller and easier to explore than previously thought.

Aside from the connection of ideas, businesses and corporations can get straight to the costumer and business deals like never before. Also, the need to venture outside the home to achieve a certain errand that you haven't the time for has changed with online ordering. Instead of having to go out of the way to find it in person, all one has to do is select their purchase from reliable service websites on the Internet, pay for the product and mailing cost and it will be at their door.

Not only with formal business, but the simple neighborhood yard sale of old and unwanted goods has moved online. Sites like e-bay have allowed for people to sell their former possessions in an auction style to those who wish to have it more. The best thing is that they don't even need to be there and the time limit is as they choose. All they have to do is ensure that the item finds its way to its buyer. It is a simple exchange in an ever shrinking world.

Only time and creativity will tell where the Internet will take the world next, but one thing is for sure; it will take us closer.

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