3 Ways the Internet Makes Things Easier, But Not Necessarily Better
The Internet makes things easier in countless ways, but does that always mean it improves our lives? Take a moment to reflect on these three major changes the Internet has brought about. Are we truly better off?
Increased Productivity
One undeniable advantage of the Internet is that it allows people to be productive from virtually anywhere. Whether at the office, a coffee shop, a hotel during a business trip, or even on vacation at the beach, work is always within reach. From a business standpoint, the Internet makes things easier by enabling employees to stay connected and complete tasks at any time.
However, is this always a good thing? While having constant access to work enhances efficiency, it also blurs the line between professional and personal life. The human experience suffers when we can’t take a break from emails, phone calls, and messages. Sometimes, the ease of staying connected prevents us from truly disconnecting and enjoying moments of rest.
Yet Productivity Decreases
Although the Internet makes things easier by providing tools and resources for efficiency, it is also a major source of distraction. Social media, memes, news articles, and instant messaging can easily divert employees from their work. How often do you find yourself with multiple browser tabs open, only some of which are work-related?
Studies show that even a minor distraction can take five to fifteen minutes to refocus. The Internet makes things easier in many ways, but it also makes procrastination effortless. Employees may find themselves scrolling through social media or watching videos instead of staying on task, leading to a significant decline in productivity.
Instantaneous Access to Information
The Internet makes things easier by placing the world’s knowledge at our fingertips. Need an answer? A quick Google search provides it instantly. Want to stay informed? News updates arrive in real time. While this accessibility is valuable, it raises an important question: Are we becoming too reliant on instant gratification?
Consider these statistics:
- 50% of Internet users quit waiting for a video to load after just 10 seconds.
- The average shot length in English-language films has decreased from 12 seconds in 1930 to just 2 seconds in 2015.
The Internet makes things easier, but it also shortens our attention spans and reduces our patience. Instead of taking the time to research or problem-solve, many rely on quick answers without deep understanding. This shift may be making us less resourceful in the long run.
Your Workplace
Now that you’ve seen how the Internet makes things easier—sometimes to our detriment—how does it affect your workplace? Are your employees using it to boost productivity, or are they too distracted to focus? Does work encroach on their time? Are they relying on Google for answers instead of engaging with their supervisors?
At Vision Computer Solutions, we help businesses strike a balance. We provide tools to mitigate online distractions while ensuring that the Internet remains a powerful asset for your team.
